British Rail Class EF1 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class EF1 |
|
| Power type | Electric |
|---|---|
| Builder |  North Eastern Railway |
| Build date | 1914-1919 |
| Total production | 10 |
| 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 | 10 |
| Number | NER: 3-12 LNER: 6490-6499 BR: 26502-26511 |
| Retired | April 1964 |
The British Rail Class EF1 was a special type of electric train engine. It was built in England a long time ago, starting in 1914. These engines were designed to pull heavy freight trains. They were used by different railway companies over many years.
Meet the EF1 Electric Locomotive
The EF1 was an important electric locomotive used in Britain. It was built to help move goods and materials by rail. These powerful engines showed how electric trains could be useful for heavy work.
What Was the EF1?
The name EF1 stood for "Electric Freight 1". This tells you exactly what it was for: an electric engine designed for freight. It was one of the first electric locomotives used by the North Eastern Railway (NER).
- Electric Power: Unlike steam engines that burned coal, the EF1 ran on electricity. It used 1500 volts of direct current (DC) power.
- Power Collection: The electricity was collected from overhead wires using a device called a pantograph. This is like an arm that reaches up from the roof of the train to touch the wires.
- Wheel Arrangement: The EF1 had a "Bo-Bo" wheel arrangement. This means it had two sets of wheels, and each set had two axles. All these axles were powered by electric motors, helping the train pull heavy loads.
A Brief History
The EF1 locomotives were built between 1914 and 1919. A total of 10 of these engines were made.
- Early Days: They were first used by the North Eastern Railway (NER). Their job was to pull coal trains.
- Changing Hands: Over time, the railway companies in Britain changed. The EF1s became part of the LNER (London and North Eastern Railway) fleet. Later, they joined British Railways.
- New Names: When they moved to LNER and British Railways, their class name changed to EB1. However, only one engine was fully updated to the EB1 design.
Where Did They Go?
The EF1 locomotives worked for many years, helping to move goods across the country.
- Retirement: These hardworking engines were eventually retired from service in April 1964.
- Scrapped: After their retirement, all the EF1 locomotives were scrapped. This means they were taken apart, and their materials were recycled. None of them were saved for museums.
The EF1 class might not be as famous as some other trains, but they played a key role in the early days of electric railways in Britain. They helped show that electric trains could be strong and reliable for moving freight.
