The British Rail Class 58 was a class of fifty Co-Co diesel-electric locomotives built
by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Doncaster Works between 1983 and
1987. Designed primarily for heavy freight, especially coal traffic, the class
represented a major break with previous British locomotive practice because it used
a modular construction method intended to reduce manufacturing and maintenance
costs. Although the locomotives were built with the expectation of a long domestic
career and possible export sales, changes in freight traffic and the arrival of newer
traction meant that all were withdrawn from service in Britain by 2002.