British Rail Class 83

The British Rail Class 83 were electric locomotives built by English Electric at Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows as part of the West Coast Main Line electrification.

British Railways AL3 British Rail Class 83
Class 83, no. E3035, on display at Doncaster Works open day on 27th July 2003. This locomotive is preserved by the AC Locomotive Group at Barrow Hill Engine Shed.
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder English Electric at Vulcan Foundry Build date 1960–1962 Total produced 15
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 52 ft 6 in (16.00 m) Adhesive weight 19 long tons (19 t) Loco weight 76.40 long tons (77.63 t) Electric system/s 25 kV AC Current pickup(s) Pantograph Traction motors 740 hp (550 kW) English Electric 532A, 4 off Train heating Electric Train Heating Train brakes Vacuum, Dual from 1972–1973
Performance figures Top speed 100 mph (160 km/h) Power output 2,950 hp (2,200 kW) 2200 kW (continuous) Tractive effort 38,000 lbf (169 kN) 169 kN (max)
Career Railroad(s) British Rail Class AL3; later 83 Number E3034–E3035, E3097, E3098, E3100; later 83001–83015 Axle load class Route availability 6 Retired 1975 (1), 1978 (1), 1983 (10), 1989 (3) Disposition One preserved, remainder scrapped