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British Rail Class 82 facts for kids

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British Railways AL2
British Rail Class 82
Preserved locomotive, no. 82008 on display at Crewe Works open day on 11 September 2005. This locomotive has been restored to InterCity Executive livery.
Power type Electric
Builder Metropolitan Vickers and Beyer, Peacock & Co. Ltd.
Build date 1960–1962
Total production 10
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 0 in (17.07 m)
Width 8 ft 9 in (2.67 m)
Height 12 ft 4+1⁄4 in (3.77 m)
Locomotive weight 79.70 long tons (81.0 t)
Electric system(s) 25 kV AC
Traction motors 847 hp (632 kW) Metropolitan Vickers 189Z, 4 off
Transmission Quill drive
Top speed 100 mph (161 km/h)
Power output 3,300 hp (2,460 kW)
Tractive effort 50,000 lbf (222,000 N)
Train heating Electric Train Heating
Locomotive brakes Air
Locomotive brakeforce 63 long tons-force (628 kN)
Train brakes Vacuum, Dual from 1971–1972
Career British Rail
Number E3046–E3055; later 82001–82008
Axle load class Route availability 6
Retired 1969 (1), 1971 (1), 1983 (6), 1987 (2)
Disposition One preserved, remainder scrapped
Not to be confused with Driving Van Trailers, which are numbered 82xxx in the carriage numbering series.

The British Rail Class 82 was a type of electric locomotive used by British Rail. These powerful trains were built between 1960 and 1962. They were a key part of making the West Coast Main Line ready for electric trains.


Meet the Class 82 Locomotives

The Class 82 locomotives were designed to pull passenger trains on the newly electrified West Coast Main Line. This important railway line connects major cities like London and Glasgow. Using electric trains meant faster and cleaner journeys.

Who Built Them?

Only 10 of these locomotives were ever built. They were made by two companies working together:

What Made Them Special?

These locomotives were quite impressive for their time.

  • They could reach a top speed of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h).
  • Each locomotive had a power output of 3,300 horsepower. This is like having many powerful car engines working together!
  • They used a special system called 25 kV AC for their electricity.

Life on the Tracks

The Class 82 locomotives served British Rail for many years. They helped carry passengers across the country. Over time, newer and more modern trains were developed.

When Did They Retire?

The Class 82 trains were slowly taken out of service.

  • One was retired in 1969.
  • Another in 1971.
  • Most of them (six) were retired in 1983.
  • The last two were taken out of service in 1987.

What Happened to Them?

Most of the Class 82 locomotives were eventually scrapped. This means they were taken apart for their materials. However, one special locomotive was saved!

The Preserved Locomotive

Locomotive number 82008 was preserved. It means it was saved from being scrapped. You can sometimes see it on display at special events. This helps people learn about the history of trains in Britain.

Images for kids

  • E3049 at Euston(8193045517)

    E3049 at Euston in July 1966.

  • 82008 at Crewe Works

    Preserved locomotive, no. 82008 on display at Crewe Works open day on 11 September 2005. This locomotive has been restored to InterCity Executive livery.

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