Скачать или смотреть Preserving the Class 02 - A Labour of Love

What Happened to the Class 02 Locomotive?

Welcome aboard! In today’s video, we’re stepping back in time to explore one of British Rail’s smallest and most underrated diesel locomotives — the Class 02. These 0-4-0 diesel-hydraulic shunters may not have had the fame of their larger counterparts, but they were vital in keeping goods moving through the tightest and trickiest parts of the UK rail network.

🔧 Built between 1960 and 1961 by the Yorkshire Engine Company in Sheffield, only 20 of these compact powerhouses were ever produced. But what they lacked in numbers, they more than made up for in clever engineering and niche utility. With their compact size, rear cab access, railed verandas, and low overall height, the Class 02 was perfectly suited for dockside and industrial work, especially where space was limited and curves were tight.

🚢 One of the most intriguing chapters in the Class 02’s story is its service at the Holyhead Breakwater Railway. This remote and windswept industrial line stretched across the UK’s longest breakwater — a harsh environment where only the toughest locomotives could survive. The Class 02 was deployed here to haul stone and materials along the breakwater for harbour maintenance and repair — a role that perfectly demonstrated its robustness and agility.

In this video, we’ll cover:

The technical design and capabilities of the Class 02

Its intended role in the British Rail network and industrial sectors

The Holyhead Breakwater Railway and the Class 02’s service there — including rare historical images and records

How it compared to other British Rail shunters of the same era

The fate of these locos after withdrawal — including examples that have been preserved in working condition

Whether you're a hardcore railfan, a lover of vintage diesel power, or just curious about the hidden workhorses of the railway world, this video offers an insightful look into a locomotive that truly punched above its weight.

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