British Rail Class 81

The British Rail Class 81 was an AC electric locomotive that operated on the West Coast Main Line on the London Midland Region of British Rail. Only one was preserved.

British Railways AL1 British Rail Class 81
A row of Class 81 locomotives waiting to be scrapped
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Associated Electrical Industries at Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company Build date 1959–1964 Total produced 25
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte Bo-Bo  • 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) Width 8 ft 8+1⁄2 in (2.65 m) Height 12 ft 4+1⁄4 in (3.77 m) Loco weight 79.60 long tons (80.9 t) Electric system/s 25 kV AC Current pickup(s) Stone-Faiverley ‘V’-type pantograph, 2 off (later 1 off) Traction motors 847 hp (632 kW) AEI 189 quill drive, 4 off Train heating Electric Train Heating Loco brake Air, Rheostatic Train brakes Vacuum; Dual from 1972–1973
Performance figures Top speed 100 mph (161 km/h) Power output 3,200 hp (2,390 kW) Tractive effort 50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Career Railroad(s) British Rail Number E3001–E3023, E3096, E3097; later 81001–81022 Axle load class Route availability 6 Retired 1968 (2), 1971 (1), 1983–1991 Disposition One preserved, remainder scrapped