Renfe 306 Taurus: diesel-hydraulic shunting locomotive

YEC RENFE 306-001-9 “Taurus” (10601)

RENFE 306 is a diesel-hydraulic shunting locomotive developed by Yorkshire Engine Co. in 1962. It was previously registered as 10.600.

This shunter had four axles connected by connecting rods and was powered by two Rolls-Royce engines via a hydraulic transmission. These four-stroke supercharged engines developed 300 HP each, which made the center-cab locomotive particularly maneuverable. At low speeds, only one of the engines was running, and the second was engaged at speeds from 6 to 20 km/h, allowing loads weighing from 300 to 500 tons to be pulled at a maximum speed of 58 km/h.

History

In 1962, the British company Yorkshire Engine Co. built a prototype for RENFE at its workshops in Meadow Hall, Sheffield. This locomotive was a “Taurus” model, which was only built once by Yorkshire for British Railways.

In April 1963 the locomotive was delivered to Spain where it was slightly modified. Originally painted light green, it was transported from Bilbao wharf to Madrid-Principe Pio station.

Tests were carried out in Madrid, but due to some technical problems, the complex differential mechanism in the gearbox was replaced by a simpler one. This change affected the effective traction speed and the operating characteristics. These were unsatisfactory for RENFE, and they decided not to purchase the series.

The locomotive was leased to Agromán for the duration of the modernisation work on the Madrid—Avila section of the route and for the construction of a direct train service between Madrid and Burgos.

Once these works were completed and given the high cost of transporting the locomotive to England, RENFE purchased it on very favourable terms. In 1968, the locomotive was transferred to RENFE. It was given a new number, 306-001-9, and repainted in RENFE colours. This locomotive was unique in its series, which made its maintenance difficult. During its service, it underwent several repairs and major works.

In 1986, the locomotive was finally withdrawn from service and, after a major overhaul, was sent to the Madrid Railway Museum in February 1987.