British Rail Class 81 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Railways AL1British Rail Class 81 |
|
 |
|
| A row of Class 81 locomotives waiting to be scrapped | |
| Power type | Electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | Associated Electrical Industries at Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company |
| Build date | 1959–1964 |
| Total production | 25 |
| Configuration | Bo-Bo |
| UIC classification | Bo'Bo' |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 0 in (1.219 m) |
| Length | 56 ft 6 in (17.22 m) |
| Width | 8 ft 8+1⁄2 in (2.65 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 4+1⁄4 in (3.77 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 79.60 long tons (80.9 t) |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC |
| Current collection method | Stone-Faiverley ‘V’-type pantograph, 2 off (later 1 off) |
| Traction motors | 847 hp (632 kW) AEI 189 quill drive, 4 off |
| Top speed | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
| Power output | 3,200 hp (2,390 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 50,000 lbf (222 kN) |
| Train heating | Electric Train Heating |
| Locomotive brakes | Air, Rheostatic |
| Train brakes | Vacuum; Dual from 1972–1973 |
| Career | British Rail |
| Number | E3001–E3023, E3096, E3097; later 81001–81022 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 6 |
| Retired | 1968 (2), 1971 (1), 1983–1991 |
| Disposition | One preserved, remainder scrapped |
The British Rail Class 81 was a type of electric locomotive used on the West Coast Main Line in the UK. These powerful trains helped move passengers and goods across the country for many years. They were known for their speed and ability to run on electricity.
Contents
What is the Class 81 Locomotive?
The Class 81 is an electric train, meaning it gets its power from overhead electric lines. It was one of the first types of electric trains used by British Rail on a major railway line. These trains were designed to be fast and efficient.
How Did These Electric Trains Work?
Electric trains like the Class 81 get their power from wires above the tracks. A special arm on top of the train, called a pantograph, touches these wires. This allows electricity to flow into the train's motors, making it move. The Class 81 used a powerful 25,000-volt AC (alternating current) system.
Building the Class 81 Trains
The Class 81 locomotives were built between 1959 and 1964. They were made by a company called Associated Electrical Industries at the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company. In total, 25 of these trains were produced.
Key Features of the Class 81
These locomotives were designed for speed and power. They could reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). This made them very useful for carrying express passenger trains.
- Top Speed: 100 miles per hour (160 km/h)
- Power: About 3,200 horsepower (2,400 kW)
- Weight: Around 79.6 tonnes (78.3 long tons)
- Length: About 56 feet 6 inches (17.22 meters)
History of the Class 81 Trains
The Class 81 trains were an important part of modernizing the British railway system. They helped change from steam trains to faster, cleaner electric trains. They mainly operated on the West Coast Main Line, connecting major cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
When Were They Retired?
Most Class 81 locomotives were retired from service between 1983 and 1991. A few were retired earlier due to accidents or other issues. For example, two were retired in 1968 and one in 1971.
Where Are They Now?
Today, only one Class 81 locomotive has been saved and preserved. The rest of these historic trains were scrapped, meaning they were taken apart for their materials. The preserved Class 81 helps people learn about the history of electric trains in Britain.
Images for kids
-
A row of Class 81 and 85 locomotives waiting to be scrapped. The first and third locomotives from the left are Class 81s.
