Class 08/09 Gallery

The British Rail Class 08/09 was a diesel-electric shunting locomotive built for general purpose shunting. They were one of British Rail's most numerous Class's with a total of 996 built for use in the UK. The class were nicknamed 'Gronks' due to their small but powerful design and being a general purpose workhorse for BR. Class 08's could be viewed pottering about their general business at most mainline stations which had a purposeful requirement for the class to be there. The class were built in 1953 and at the time were seen as a cost effective way of marshalling trains. Since their introduction the way rail freight is moved around the UK has changed considerably with most trains now formed in bulk, and fixed formations. Postal services are now all in the hands of multiple units. The only locations which retain Class 08 operation are dedicated engineering yards which have a requirement to shunt wagon rakes. It seems that locomotive owners seem to favour heavy Type 5 locomotives to do the shunting at some yards, preventing the need for a Class 08 being required. As of 2011, around 100 locomotives remain working on industrial sidings and on the main British network. On heritage railways, they have become common, appearing on many of the preserved standard-gauge lines in Britain, with over 60 of the class preserved. The Class 08 has a maximum speed of 15mph and 350hp with huge tractive effort which made them a very powerful locomotive and able to cope with any duties. Class 08's were once numerous at Taunton, because of the large collections of sidings and yards based in the town. They were an ideal local shunting locomotive used to shunt wagons, coaches and were often utilized on local trip workings in the area. Taunton last had a Class 08 based at the station in the mid 90's. Since then there has been no requirement for a shunting locomotive to be based in the town.

30th August 2026 The use of the WSR Class 09 was a dig draw at the Diesels at 65 event, with long queues forming for the single coach it was hauling. Class 09 No.09019 (D4107) is pictured at Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 30th August 2026, ready to depart with the 12:35 Bishops Lydeard - Williton service. (Photo: Rober Latham)

29th August 2026 In the pouring rain BR Green Class 09 No.09019 (D4107) makes a rare appearance at Crowcombe Heathfield on Saturday 29th August 2026. The shunting locomotive rarley leaves Bishops Lydeard and was a big draw for passengers to ride behind during the Diesels at 65 event. The loco is pictured operating the 11:35 Bishops Lydeard - Williton service. (Photo: Phil Izzard)

5th June 2026 BR Green Class 09 No.09019 (D4107) is pictured at Bishops Lydeard on the 5th June 2026. In the background, the West Somerset Railway Hybrid DMU, formed of Class 117 trailer 51354 and Class 115 trailer 51880, is pictured at Bishops Lydeard on the 5th June 2026 during the 2026 Summer Diesel Festival, prior to departing with the 10:45 service to Minehead. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

22nd October 2025 The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group based at Williton Depot have made a purchase to help support the West Somerset Railway and DEPG fleet. No.08801 (D3516) recently arrived by road from the Hunslet Engine Company‘s Barton-under-Needwood facility and will join the active fleet. The loco was built in 1958 at Deby works and has spent time allocated to Plymouth Laira (83D), St Blazey, Exmouth Junction, Exeter, Bristol Bath Road, Doncaster and Immingham. The loco is fully operational but will require fitting with vacuum brakes fitting. (Photo: Thomas Courtney)

10th June 2023 West Somerset Railway Class 09 No.D4107 (No.09019) runs around its train at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 10th June 2022. The Class 09 was operating shuttle trips between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren hauling two coaches from the WSR DMU Class 115 set. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

10th June 2023 BR Green Class 09 No.09019 (D4107) is pictured at Norton Fitzwarren on the 10th June 2023 during the WSR 2023 Diesel Gala Weekend. The loco had arrived operating the 17:15 Bishops Lydeard - Norton Fitzwarren service and is seen running around its train ready to return as the 18:00 to Bishops Lydeard. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

20th June 2019 BR Green Class 09 D4107 (No.09019) shunts Quantock Belle stock onto the rear of the first service train on the West Somerset Railway on Thursday 20th June 2019 at the start of the WSR Diesel Gala Weekend. The train formed the 09:20 to Minehead with Class 33 No.33048 leading. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

26th October 2014 Former mainline freight Class 09 No.09019 passes Longlands Farm on the 26th of October 2014 hauling a Branchline Society Charter having just visited the Norton Triangle complex. (Photo: Adam Hiscock)

26th October 2014 It's not often you get to photograph a Class 09 doing something other than shunting on West Somerset Railway, but on the 26th October 2014 Class 09 No.09019 was used by the Branchline Society to traverse the entire Norton Triangle complex. The rare combination of a Mainline Blue liveried Class 09 and 3 brake vans are pictured on the Norton Triangle traversing the myriad of lines with its interesting load (Photo: Adam Hiscock)

27th May 2012 EWS Class 08 No.08782 'Castleton Works' is pictured on the 27th May 2012 at Taunton Deane (Northbound) services. The loco was being moved from Fowey Docks; it had been switched with a refurbished example No.08907. (Photo: Runtheredline)

9th January 2010 BR Green Class 08 No.08509 (D3462) is pictured at Bishops Lydeard on 9th January 2010 after heavy overnight snow. The loco stabled with the Quantock Belle stock at Bishops Lydeard bay platform. (Photo: David Hunt)

7th August 2005 WSR company shunter Class 08 No.D3462 is pictured stabled between duties in the museum siding at Bishops Lydeard on the 7th August 2005. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

17th April 2004 BR Green Class 08 No.D3462 stands at Bishops Lydeard on the 17th April 2004 between shunting duties. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

14th August 1992 BR Blue Class 08 No.08801 is pictured in the bay platform at Taunton Station on the 14th August 1992. (Photo: Russell Watkins)

28th June 1992 BR Blue Class 08 No.08801 is pictured stabled at Taunton Shed on the 28th June 1992 between shunting duties. (Photo: Graham Roose)

16th May 1992 BR Blue Class 08 No.08801 is pictured stabled in the downside bay platform at Taunton during the early hours on the 16th May 1992. (Photo: Paul Gabbay)

24th April 1988 Two British Rail Class 08's are pictured stabled on shed at Taunton on the 24th April 1988. No.08576 is seen neared the camera. (Photo: Taunton Trains Collection)

27th May 1986 BR Blue Class 08 No.08576 is pictured derailed at Taunton East Junction (Obridge) on the 27th May 1986. The shunter was shunting newspaper empties before derailing on the points. (Photo: Russell Elliott)

27th May 1986 BR Blue Class 08 No.08576 is pictured derailed at Taunton East Junction (Obridge) on the 27th May 1986. The shunter was shunting newspaper empties before derailing on the points. (Photo: Russell Elliott)

27th May 1986 BR Blue Class 08 No.08576 is pictured derailed at Taunton East Junction (Obridge) on the 27th May 1986. The shunter was shunting newspaper empties before derailing on the points. (Photo: Russell Elliott)

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