Class 08 Shunter 08401 (D3516) was acquired by the DEPG on 22nd October 2025 and arrived at Williton the next day to start another chapter of it’s life story by entering preservation on the West Somerset Railway. Pictured on Thursday 23rd October 2025 by Tony Austin © CC BY-NC 3.0
Current Status: Non-Operational – undergoing an upgrade to dual braking at Williton
D3516 (08401) was built in 1958 and first allocated to Plymouth Laira shed, then remaining a West Country loco until 1968 when it moved to the Eastern Region at Doncaster and was subsequently allocated to Frodingham (Scunthorpe) and Immingham sheds. Withdrawn in around 2004 it was then bought by Hunslet Engineering and used as a spot-hire loco at many locations around the country. The loco was in use by Hunslet until around three years ago when it was stood down due to a main generator fault. A refurbished main generator has been fitted and the loco was then offered for sale to the DEPG.
D3516 (08401) was originally built with vacuum brake but at a works overhaul around 1980, all vacuum equipment was removed and the loco became air brake only remaining in that condition. It has been established that it will be feasible to reinstate the vacuum brake equipment on the loco and it is our intention to do so as soon as practical making it a dual-braked loco similar to D4107 (09019). The standard design installation for a dual-braked loco will be followed. The DEPG already have a number of the required components in stock with some more being obtained from Hunslet and delivered with the loco, the rest are being sourced.
Technical Specification
Engine: English Electric 6KT diesel (92 litres)
Transmission: Electric
Weight: 49 tons (49.8 te)
Length: 29ft 3 ins (8.92 m)
Output: 350 hp (261 kW)
Tractive effort: 35,000 lb (160 kN)
BR Power Rating: Not Applicable
Speed: 15 mph max
Fuel Capacity: 668 gallons (3,040 litres)
Wheels: 0-6-0 wheelbase 11 ft 6 ins (3.505 m)
History
Manufacturer: BR Derby Works
Year built: 1958
BR Class: 08
Class introduced: 1952
Number Built: 996
Role: shunting duties
Go to the Timeline page