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British Rail Class 85 facts for kids

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British Railways AL5
British Rail Class 85
Power type Electric
Builder British RailwaysDoncaster Works
Build date 1961–1964
Total production 40
Configuration Bo-Bo
UIC classification Bo'Bo'
Gauge 4 ft 8 12 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 a type of electric train engine. It was built in the early 1960s. British Rail wanted to create a standard electric locomotive. They built five different types (Classes 81-85) to test them out. These tests helped them design the Class 86 engine later on.

The Class 85 engines first used special parts called germanium rectifiers. These were later changed to silicon rectifiers. Forty of these powerful engines were made between 1961 and 1964. They were built by British Rail at their Doncaster factory.

These engines were used on the new electric West Coast Main Line. They pulled trains from Birmingham to places like Crewe, Manchester Piccadilly, and Liverpool. By 1965, the electric lines reached all the way south to London Euston.

Understanding the Class 85 Name

How Locomotives Got Their Names

When these engines were first made, they had a different name. British Rail called them AL5. The "AL" stood for "AC Locomotive". The "5" meant it was the fifth design of a 25 kV AC electric engine. Their numbers were E3056 to E3095.

New Numbering System in 1968

In 1968, British Rail started a new computer system. This changed how they named their trains. The AL5 engines were then called Class 85. From 1971, their numbers changed again. They became 85001 to 85040.

Special Engines for Freight Trains

Some of these Class 85 engines were changed to carry only goods. These were called the 85/1 series. They were a bit slower, with a top speed of 80 miles per hour.


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