The Hunslet DH60C is a shunter developed by Hunslet Engine Company. It has a robust modern design and is intended for heavy shunting and short industrial trips.

Background and design

In 2007 the Hunslet Engine Company announced that it was developing a new shunter type, with a family of diesel hydraulic designs (B, C or B'B' axle arrangement) up to 100 tonnes posited for future development, in 2008 manufacture of the first model - a 60tonne, 3 axle machine began. The first locomotive of type DH60C was unveiled at Chasewater Railway in July 2010. The locomotive applied modern design principles to a shunter designed for the UK market; the locomotive has swing arm/coil spring suspension, with vertical hydraulic damping, and pneumatic brakes. The transmission is via a hydrodynamic converter and cardan drive shafts to right angled gearbox drives on each axle. Test trials of the locomotive were carried out at Daventry International Railfreight Terminal. A four-wheeled variant is also being developed, and Hunslet intends to certify it for use across the UK's national rail network.