British Rail Class EB1 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class EB1 |
|
| Power type | Electric |
|---|---|
| Builder |  North Eastern Railway |
| Build date | 1914 |
| Total production | 1 |
| AAR wheel arr. | Bo-Bo |
| Gauge | 1435 mm |
| Electric system(s) | 1500V DC |
| Current collection method | Pantograph |
| Engine type | 4x275hp, Siemens |
| Power output | 820 kW (1100 hp) |
| Career | North Eastern Railway LNER |
| Class | LNER & BR: EB1 |
| Number in class | 1 |
| Number | NER: 11 LNER: 6498 BR: 26510 |
| Retired | April 1964 |
The British Rail Class EB1 was a special electric train engine. It was used by British Rail in England. This locomotive was part of the railway system before the modern TOPS numbering system began.
The name EB1 stands for Electric Banking 1. "Banking" means helping push heavy trains up steep hills. This powerful engine was designed to do just that!
Contents
Discovering the EB1 Locomotive
The Class EB1 was a unique electric locomotive. It was built a long time ago, in 1914. Only one of these specific engines was ever made.
Who Built This Electric Engine?
The EB1 was built by the North Eastern Railway. This company was a big part of Britain's railway history. They were known for building strong and reliable trains.
How Did the EB1 Work?
The EB1 was an electric locomotive. This means it got its power from electricity.
- It used a system called 1500V DC. This is a type of direct current electricity.
- The engine collected power using a pantograph. A pantograph is a special arm on the roof. It touches overhead electric wires to get power.
- It had a power output of 820 kW, which is about 1100 horsepower. That's a lot of power for an engine!
What Were Its Wheels Like?
The EB1 had a wheel arrangement called Bo-Bo. This means it had two sets of wheels. Each set had two axles, and all axles were powered by electric motors. This design helps the locomotive grip the tracks well.
The EB1's Journey and Retirement
The EB1 served the railways for many years. It was an important part of moving goods and people.
What Was Its Number?
Over its lifetime, the EB1 had different numbers:
- When it was new with the North Eastern Railway, it was number 11.
- Later, with the LNER (London and North Eastern Railway), it became number 6498.
- Finally, with British Railways, its number was 26510.
When Did the EB1 Retire?
The Class EB1 locomotive was retired in April 1964. After many years of hard work, it was eventually scrapped. This means it was taken apart, and its materials were recycled.
What About Other EB1 Engines?
Interestingly, other electric locomotives built by the North Eastern Railway were also called EB1 at first. However, they were not modified like this specific engine. Those other engines later became known as the British Rail Class EF1. So, while they started with a similar name, they ended up being a different class!
