British Rail Class 86 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 86 |
|
Class 86/6, nos. 86613 and 86610, painted in the new Freightliner livery, at Ipswich on 14th February 2004. Freightliner are now the largest operator of Class 86 locomotives. | |
Power type | Electric |
---|---|
Builder | British Rail Doncaster Works (60); English Electric at Vulcan Foundry (40) |
Build date | 1965–1966 |
Total production | 100 |
Configuration | Bo-Bo |
UIC classification | Bo'Bo' |
Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
Wheel diameter | 3 ft 9 in (1.143 m) |
Length | 58 ft 6 in (17.83 m) |
Locomotive weight | 81 long tons (82 t) |
Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC |
Current collection method | Pantograph |
Traction motors | 900 hp (670 kW) AEI 282AZ, or 1,000 hp (750 kW) AEI 282BZ, or 1,250 hp (930 kW) GEC G412AZ, (all 4 off) |
Top speed | 100–110 mph (160–180 km/h) |
Power output | 3,600 hp (2,680 kW), 4,040 hp (3,010 kW), or 5,000 hp (3,700 kW) |
Tractive effort | 60,000 lbf (267 kN) |
Train heating | Electric Train Heating |
Locomotive brakeforce | 66.5 long tons-force (663 kN) |
Train brakes | Dual vacuum & air |
Career | British Rail, Freightliner, Network Rail, GB Railfreight |
Number | E3101–E3200; later 86001–86048, 86201–86252 |
Axle load class | Route availability 6 |

The British Rail Class 86 is a type of electric locomotive. These powerful trains were built in the 1960s. They were designed to pull passenger and freight trains.
A total of 100 Class 86 locomotives were made. They were built between 1965 and 1966. Some were built by English Electric at Vulcan Foundry. Others were built by British Rail (BR) at their Doncaster Works.
These locomotives were very important for the West Coast Main Line. This is a major railway line in the UK. The Class 86 trains helped connect cities like London Euston, Birmingham, Crewe, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, and Glasgow. They played a big role in replacing older steam locomotives. Steam trains were completely removed from British Rail service by 1968.
Images for kids
-
86228 Vulcan Heritage at Crewe station with an express train (date unknown)
-
Class 86/2, no. 86227 Golden Jubilee at Ipswich on 31 January 2004. This locomotive was repainted in a special livery by Anglia Railways and named to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.
-
Class 86/2, no. 86261 The Rail Charter Partnership in EWS livery at Doncaster Works open day, 27 July 2003
-
86101 at London King's Cross preparing to depart with a service to Doncaster
-
86101 Sir William A Stanier FRS at Crewe
See also
In Spanish: British Rail Clase 86 para niños