Hi,
this is one of those subjects which, on the face of it, looks simple but there's actually a lot more to it.
The 08's were designed to do a specific job, ie shunting. Although they only have a 350hp engine they develop 35000lb tractive effort, compared to a 67 which has a 3200hp engine but develops only 31,770lbs tractive effort, and this is down to the gearing used, hence the 08's low speed. Given good rail conditions a load of 1000 tons is well within the capabilities of an 08. If the gearing was changed on an 08 it could be made to do 60mph without any problem but it would be useless as a shunter.
Although other locomotives, such as 20's, 37's, 60's etc are used as super-shunters it's not really good practise as they are not geared for such work. Prolonged high power outputs at low speeds with heavy loads can lead to a variety of faults, such as generator flashovers and increased maintenance costs, which is why such locos are used only when the situation calls for it.
Foster Yeoman went for an American shunter since there simply was no suitable British locomotive capable of doing the job and at a reasonable cost.
So, it boils down to personal choice. Go for whichever option you like. And you could always go down the cl13 route!
Regards,
Roja