The British Rail Class 73 is a British electro-diesel locomotive. The type is unusual in that it can operate from the Southern Region's 650/750 V DC third-rail or an on-board diesel engine to allow it to operate on non-electrified routes. This makes it very versatile, although the diesel engine produces less power than is available from the third-rail supply so the locomotives are rarely operated outside of the former Southern Region of British Rail. It is one of the first bi-mode locomotives ever built. Following the withdrawal and scrapping of the more powerful Class 74 bi-mode locomotives in 1977, the Class 73 was unique on the British railway network until the introduction of the Class 88 bi-mode locomotives in 2017. Ten locomotives have been scrapped.
Quick Facts Type and origin, Power type ...
British Rail Class 73 |
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Performance figures |
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Maximum speed | 73/0: 80 mph (129 km/h) 73/1: 90 mph (145 km/h) |
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Power output | Electric (continuous): 1,420 hp (1,059 kW) Electric (one-hour): 1,600 hp (1,193 kW) Engine: 600 hp (447 kW) 73/9: 1,600 hp (1,193 kW) |
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Tractive effort | 73/0 (electric): 42,000 lbf (186.8 kN) 73/0 (diesel): 34,100 lbf (151.7 kN) 73/1 (electric): 40,000 lbf (177.9 kN) 73/1 (diesel): 36,000 lbf (160.1 kN) |
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Career |
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Operators | |
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Numbers | E6001–E6049 later 73001–73006, 73101–73142 |
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Axle load class | Route availability 6 |
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Withdrawn | 1972 (1), 1982 (1), 1991–present |
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Disposition | 6 preserved, 27 still in service 6 stored, 10 scrapped |
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