British Rail Class 80

Class 80[1] was the TOPS classification allocated by British Rail to the prototype 25 kV AC electric locomotive. This locomotive was built by Metropolitan-Vickers, initially as a prototype gas turbine-electric locomotive, numbered 18100. British Rail allocated the number E1000 (and later E2001)[2] to the locomotive following its conversion from gas turbine propulsion.

Not to be confused with NIR Class 80.

British Rail Class 80
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderMetropolitan-Vickers
Build date1951; rebuilt 1958
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UIC(A1A)'(A1A)'
 • CommonwealthA1A-A1A
Gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 8 in (1.118 m)
Length56 ft 6 in (17.22 m)
Width8 ft 8 1⁄4 in (2.65 m)
Height12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Loco weight109 long tons (110.7 t; 122.1 short tons)
Electric system/s25 kV AC Catenary
Current pickup(s)Stone-Faiveley ‘V’-type pantograph, 1 off
Mercury-arc rectifiers
Traction motorsMetropolitan-Vickers, 4 off
Train heatingElectric Train Heating
Train brakesVacuum
Performance figures
Maximum speed90 mph (145 km/h)
Tractive effort40,000 lbf (178,000 N)
Career
OperatorsBritish Rail
NumbersE1000; E2001 from 1959
Axle load classRoute availability
RetiredApril 1968
DispositionScrapped

Conversion

Its new electric propulsion meant it was rated at 2,500 hp (1,900 kW), giving a maximum speed of 90 mph (145 km/h) and weighing 109 long tons (110.7 t; 122.1 short tons). In addition, it was also converted from Co-Co to A1A-A1A wheel arrangement when the centre traction motor from each bogie was removed. The new traction motor rating (with four motors) was about the same as the original rating (with six motors). This suggests that new traction motors were fitted.

The conversion of the locomotive began in January 1958 when the locomotive was moved from storage at Dukinfield Works to the Bowesfield Works at Stockton-on-Tees.[2] The work involved the removal of the gas turbine unit, main generator, fuel tank, air filters, the centre traction motor from each bogie and all of the ancillary equipment used for the gas turbine unit.

Once the locomotive had been stripped, the new electrical equipment was installed which included the transformer, the Stone-Faiveley pantograph (for which a section of the roof had to be lowered), a Brown Boveri air blast circuit breaker and the Hackbridge-Hewittic mercury arc rectifier units.

The cabs of the locomotive were converted from Western Region right-hand drive to the standard British Rail left-hand drive arrangement. The rebuilt locomotive was completed and ready for trials in October 1958. It retained its original BR black livery, with a silver stripe around the middle of the body and silver numbers.

Usage

The locomotive was used to prepare the ground for the 25 kV AC electrification being installed on the West Coast Main Line, including the testing of overhead line equipment and staff training.

Withdrawal
When this photo was taken in 1969 the class 80 was stored on the disused Great Central near Akeman Street railway station.

Once the production locomotives (Class 81 onwards) were in service, E2001 was no longer required. It was put into store at the end of 1961, and lasted for over ten years at various locations. It was officially withdrawn in April 1968 and scrapped in November 1972 at J Cashmore[2] in Great Bridge.

Models

E1000/E2001 is being made as a kit and a ready-to-run model in OO gauge by Silver Fox Models.[3]

References
  1. "The all-time guide to the UK Traction Classification System - Part 2: Locomotives" (PDF). The Railway Centre. 2 May 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 September 2012.
  2. Marsden & Fenn 2001, p. 59
  3. "E1000 / E2001 A1A-A1A Metropolitan Vickers". Retrieved 17 November 2012.

Sources
  • Marsden, Colin J.; Fenn, Graham B. (2001). British Rail Main Line Electric Locomotives (2nd ed.). Oxford Publishing Co. ISBN 9780860935599. OCLC 48532553.
  • Morrison, Brian (1988). The Power of the AC Electrics. OPC Railprint. ISBN 978-0860932468.
External image
E2001 West Midlands Buses in Photographs
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