British Rail Class 85 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Railways AL5British Rail Class 85 |
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| Power type | Electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | British Railways’ Doncaster Works |
| Build date | 1961–1964 |
| Total production | 40 |
| 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) |
| Locomotive weight | 79.5 long tons (80.8 t) |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC |
| Traction motors | 847 hp (632 kW) BTH 189, 4 off |
| Top speed | 100 mph (160 km/h) |
| Power output | 3,200 hp (2,400 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 50,000 lbf (222,000 N) |
| Train heating | Electric Train Heating |
| Locomotive brakes | Air |
| Locomotive brakeforce | 69 long tons-force (688 kN) |
| Train brakes | Vacuum, Dual from 1968–1971 |
| Career | British Rail |
| Number | E3056–E3095; later 85001–84040 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 6 |
| Retired | 1981–1992 |
| Disposition | One preserved, remainder scrapped |
The British Rail Class 85 is an electric locomotive built during the early 1960s, as part of BR's policy to develop a standard electric locomotive. Five prototype classes (81-85) were built and evaluated, which eventually led to the development of the Class 86 locomotive. The locomotives of Class 85 were Originally fitted with germanium rectifiers which were eventually replaced by silicon rectifiers. Forty of these locomotives were built from 1961-64 by BR at Doncaster Works. The class were used to haul trains on the then newly electrified West Coast Main Line, from Birmingham, to Crewe, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool and later Preston. By 1965, electrification had spread south to London Euston.
Under the earlier BR classification, the type was given the designation AL5 (meaning the 5th design of 25 kV AC Locomotive), and locomotives were numbered E3056-E3095. In 1968, this was changed to Class 85, when BR introduced a new computer numbering system. From 1971 onwards, locomotives were progressively renumbered into the 85001-040 series. Fifteen locomotives were converted for freight only use, numbered in the 85/1 series. These locomotives were restricted to 80 mph.
Images for kids
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A Class 85 at the front of a train at Euston in 1966, shortly after the introduction of electric services.
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Class 85, no. 85101 'Doncaster Plant 150 1853-2003', on display at Doncaster Works open day on 27 July 2003
