In this video, we dive deep into the story of one of British Rail’s most overlooked yet historically significant locomotives — the Class 11 diesel-electric shunter. Built between 1945 and 1952 by LMS and later British Railways, the Class 11 was a tough, compact workhorse that paved the way for the legendary Class 08. But while its successor went on to fame and mass preservation, the Class 11 quietly disappeared into the shadows of industrial sidings and scrapyards.
Armed with a 350hp English Electric 6KT engine, these 0-6-0 shunters were never built for speed — maxing out at just 20 mph — but they excelled at raw pulling power. Whether hauling coal wagons, marshalling freight consists, or working in dockyards, the Class 11 proved itself time and again as a locomotive you could rely on.
But what really sets the Class 11 apart is its fascinating role during and after WWII. Fourteen units were built for the War Department, with ten of them shipped directly to the Netherlands, where they entered service with Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). A British loco on Dutch rails? That’s right — and they served faithfully for decades.
In this video, we explore:
The technical specs that made the Class 11 perfect for heavy shunting work.
The key differences between the Class 11 and the more famous Class 08 — from cab design to wheel diameter.
The withdrawal of the class in the 1960s and 70s, and how many found a second life with the National Coal Board.
The nine surviving locomotives that can still be seen today on Britain’s preserved railways — including 12099, 12131, and 12049.
We’ll also touch on export versions, model railway oddities, and why the Class 11 is still fondly remembered by rail enthusiasts and preservationists alike. This is more than just a shunter — it’s a vital part of Britain’s industrial and post-war railway heritage.
If you love diesel locos, British Rail history, or just great mechanical engineering, then this is a video you won’t want to miss.
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Video Credits
A 1950 British Rail Class 11 locomotive pulling a 1968 Class 20 London underground
• A 1950 British Rail Class 11 locomotive pu...
NYMR Class 11 Diesel Shunter British Rail Black Grosmont
• NYMR Class 11 Diesel Shunter British Rail ...
Class 11 Shunter moving around ropley station mid hants railway
• Class 11 Shunter moving around ropley sta...
NYMR - Oiling Class 11 shunter No. 12139 at Grosmont MPD
• NYMR - Oiling Class 11 shunter No. 12139 a...
Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala, BR Class 11 Shunter, 12099 (23rd September 2011)
• Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala, B...
Preserved BR Class 11
• Preserved BR Class 11
#BritishRailClass11, #DieselShunter, #TrainHistory, #RailwayPreservation, #Class08, #EnglishElectric, #WarDepartmentLocomotive, #HeritageRailways, #TrainEnthusiasts, #Railfan
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