NCC Class X

NCC Class X
Elevation of NCC Class X diesel-hydraulic locomotive No.17
Power type	Diesel
Builder	Harland and Wolff, Belfast
Build date	1936
Configuration	0-6-0
UIC classification	C
Gauge	5 ft 3 in (1600 mm)
Wheel diameter	4 ft 1⅛ in
Wheelbase	12 ft 0 in
Length	32 ft 4½ in
Width	9 ft 4 in
Height	13 ft 1 in
Locomotive weight	49 ton
Fuel capacity	480 gal
Engine type	2-stroke Diesel
Cylinders	8
Cylinder size	135 mm x 220 mm
Transmission	Hydraulic
Top speed	50 mph
Power output	330 bhp
Tractive effort	Low gear: 24 000 lbs High gear: 7 200 lbs
Career	NCC / UTA / NIR
Number in class	1
Number	17
Scrapped	1970

The Northern Counties Committee (NCC) Class X was a solitary diesel-hydraulic shunting (switcher) locomotive built by Harland and Wolff (H&W) for service in the NCC's yards and at Belfast docks. It was one of several pioneering designs of diesel locomotive produced by H&W under their Harlandic trademark during the 1930s and 1940s.

History

There was only one member of Class X, No.17. It was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast and delivered to the NCC in 1936 under a lease arrangement; it was not actually taken into stock until 1941 when the NCC purchased it. No.17 had an 0-6-0 wheel arrangement and was powered by an eight-cylinder diesel engine developing 330 bhp (250 kW) at 1200 rpm.

Transmission was via a torque converter and a jackshaft final drive mounted ahead of the leading coupled wheels. In addition, there was a two-speed gearbox with ratios of 5.76:1 and 19.52:1 giving top speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and 15 mph (24 km/h) respectively in both forward and reverse. As delivered, it had its maker's trade name Harlandic on a plate just below the front headlight.

No.17 spent its career working out of the limelight on the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ lines at Belfast and within the NCC's own yards. It survived Ulster Transport Authority (UTA) ownership and entered Northern Ireland Railways stock in 1967 but saw little or no work before it was scrapped in mid-1970.

Livery

Under NCC ownership, No.17 was painted black with red bufferbeams. It had brass number plates with red backgrounds which bore a highly stylised "17" in the same manner as the NCC steam engines. The initials "NCC" were applied to the side panels in shaded gold serif capitals.

When the UTA took over, No.17 was repainted black with vermilion and yellow lining. The UTA roundel replaced the "NCC" on the side panels.

References

• Allan, Jonathan M. (2003). 35 Years of NIR 1967-2002. Newtownards: Colourpoint Books. ISBN 1 904242 00 6. 
• Flanagan, Colm (2003). Diesel Dawn. Newtownards: Colourpoint Books. ISBN 1 904242 08 1. 
• London Midland and Scottish Railway (Northern Counties Committee). Class X general arrangement drawing. Belfast: LMS (NCC).