British Rail Class 81

British Railways AL1
British Rail Class 81
A row of Class 81 locomotives waiting to be scrapped
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderAssociated Electrical Industries at Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company
Build date1959–1964
Total produced25
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • WhyteBo-Bo
 • UICBo'Bo'
Gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter4 ft 0 in (1.219 m)
Length56 ft 6 in (17.22 m)
Width8 ft 8+1⁄2 in (2.65 m)
Height12 ft 4+1⁄4 in (3.77 m)
Loco weight79.60 long tons (80.9 t)
Electric system/s25 kV AC
Current pickup(s)Stone-Faiverley ‘V’-type pantograph, 2 off (later 1 off)
Traction motors847 hp (632 kW) AEI 189 quill drive, 4 off
Train heatingElectric Train Heating
Loco brakeAir, Rheostatic
Train brakesVacuum; Dual from 1972–1973
Performance figures
Top speed100 mph (161 km/h)
Power output3,200 hp (2,390 kW)
Tractive effort50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Rail
NumberE3001–E3023, E3096, E3097; later 81001–81022
Axle load classRoute availability 6
Retired1968 (2), 1971 (1), 1983–1991
DispositionOne preserved, remainder scrapped

The British Rail Class 81 was an AC electric locomotive that operated on the West Coast Main Line on the London Midland Region of British Rail. Only one was preserved.


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