British Rail Class 85
85007 at Carlisle
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| Type and origin | |
|---|---|
| Power type | Electric |
| Builder | British Railways’ Doncaster Works |
| Build date | 1961–1964 |
| Total produced | 40 |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Configuration: |
|
| • Whyte | Bo-Bo |
| • AAR | B-B |
| • UIC | Bo-Bo |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 0 in (1.219 m) |
| Length | 56 ft 6 in (17.22 m) |
| Loco weight | 79.5 long tons (80.8 t; 89.0 short tons) |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC Catenary |
| Traction motors | 847 hp (632 kW) BTH 189, 4 off |
| Train heating | Electric Train Heating |
| Loco brake | Air |
| Train brakes | Vacuum, Dual from 1968–1971 |
| Performance figures | |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 85/0: 100 mph (160 km/h) 85/1: 80 mph (130 km/h) |
| Power output | 3,200 hp (2,400 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 50,000 lbf (222,000 N) |
| Brakeforce | 69 long tons-force (688 kN) |
| Career | |
|---|---|
| Operators | British Rail |
| Numbers | E3056–E3095; later 85001–85040 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 6 |
| Retired | 1981–1992 |
| Disposition | One preserved, remainder scrapped |
The British Rail Class 85 is an electric locomotive built during the early 1960s, as part of BR's policy to develop a standard electric locomotive. Five prototype classes (81-85) were built and evaluated, which eventually led to the development of the Class 86 locomotive.
Forty of these locomotives were built from 1961-64 by BR at Doncaster Works. The class were used to haul trains on the then newly electrified West Coast Main Line, from Birmingham, to Crewe, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool and later Preston. By 1965, electrification had spread south to London Euston.
The locomotives of Class 85 were originally fitted with germanium rectifiers which were eventually replaced by silicon rectifiers.
Under the earlier BR classification, the type was given the designation AL5 (meaning the 5th design of 25 kV AC locomotive), and locomotives were numbered E3056-E3095. In 1968, this was changed to Class 85, when BR introduced the TOPS numbering system. From 1971 onwards, locomotives were progressively renumbered into the 85001-040 series. Fifteen locomotives were converted for freight only use, numbered in the 85/1 series - see table below. These locomotives were restricted to 80 mph.
The locomotives always worked on power provided by overhead catenary energized at 25,000 V AC. However, the main transformer, normally operated with the four windings in series, could be operated at 6250V AC with the transformer windings in parallel. This voltage was initially to be used where limited clearances gave concern over use of the higher voltage.
One locomotive has been preserved, 85101 (having previously numbered E3061 & 85 006) This locomotive is preserved by the AC Locomotive Group, who also have examples of Classes 81-84 and 86. at Barrow Hill Engine Shed. It was named to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Doncaster Works, and is painted in Railfreight Distribution livery, a livery it never carried in service. Their intention is to eventually restore this locomotive to operational condition.
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Wikipedia