British Rail Class 90 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 90 |
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| British Rail Class 90/0, no. 90017 at Norwich | |
| Power type | Electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | BREL Crewe Works |
| Build date | 1987–1990 |
| Total production | 50 |
| Configuration | Bo-Bo |
| UIC classification | Bo'Bo' |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
| Locomotive weight | 84.5 tonnes (83.2 long tons; 93.1 short tons) |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC |
| Multiple working | TDM system |
| Top speed | 75–110 mph (121–177 km/h) |
| Train heating | Electric Train Heating |
| Locomotive brakes | Air, Rheostatic |
| Train brakes | Air |
| Career | British Rail |
| Number | 90001–90050 |
| Axle load class | Route availability |
The British Rail Class 90 is a type of electric locomotive. These powerful trains were built in the UK by BREL at Crewe Works between 1987 and 1990. Fifty of these locomotives were made in total.
Each Class 90 train weighs about 84.5 tonnes, which is like 14 large elephants! They can travel at a top speed of 110 mph (180 km/h). These locomotives get their power from AC overhead wires, using a system called 25 kV AC. They produce a lot of power, about 5,000 bhp (3,700 kW).
Class 90 trains are very versatile. They are used for both fast passenger services and for pulling very heavy freight trains across the country.
Contents
Meet the Class 90 Trains
The Class 90 locomotives are electric trains. This means they run on electricity, not diesel fuel. They get their power from overhead lines, which are like giant electric cables above the tracks. This makes them very efficient and powerful.
What They Do
These trains are real workhorses! They are used for two main jobs:
- Pulling Passenger Trains: You might have seen them pulling express passenger trains, helping people travel quickly between cities. They are known for being reliable and fast.
- Moving Freight: They also pull long, heavy freight trains. These trains carry goods like containers, cars, or other materials across the country. This is a very important job for businesses.
Where They Were Built
The Class 90 trains were built in a famous factory called Crewe Works. This factory is in Crewe, England, and has a long history of building trains. Building these locomotives was a big project, and it took a few years to make all 50 of them.
Key Features of the Class 90
The Class 90 trains are designed to be strong and fast.
- Power Source: They use a 25,000-volt alternating current (AC) system. This is a very common way for electric trains to get power from overhead lines.
- Speed: With a top speed of 110 miles per hour, they can keep passenger schedules on time and move freight efficiently.
- Weight: Their heavy weight of 84.5 tonnes helps them stay stable on the tracks, especially when pulling heavy loads.
These trains have been a vital part of the British railway system for many years. They continue to help people travel and goods move across the country every day.
Images for kids
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A Class 90 (90050) and a Class 91 (91020) under construction at Crewe Works in 1990
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90018 in DB Schenker livery on a south bound freight at Euxton in October 2016
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90021 in First ScotRail livery at Edinburgh Waverley in 2009
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Greater Anglia 90012 at Liverpool Street in February 2020
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90002 Mission: Impossible at Stockport in 2002
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90016 at London Liverpool Street in 2004, in Rail Express Systems livery.
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90036 on loan to One from EWS at Liverpool Street in 2007.
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90049 in original Freightliner grey livery at Ipswich in 2003
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90015 "The International Brigade Spain 1936-1939" at Carlisle on 27 August 2004 on the final Class 90-hauled service for Virgin Trains until 2007.
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90002 in One livery at London Liverpool Street.
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90024 in GNER colours at London Liverpool Street.
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90035 at Euston in EWS livery.
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90011 in Abellio Greater Anglia livery at Stratford.
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