British Rail Class 81 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Railways AL1 British Rail Class 81
A row of Class 81 locomotives waiting to be scrapped
Power type	Electric
Builder	Associated Electrical Industries at Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company
Build date	1959–1964
Total production	25
Configuration	Bo-Bo
UIC classification	Bo'Bo'
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
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)
Locomotive weight	79.60 long tons (80.9 t)
Electric system(s)	25 kV AC
Current collection method	Stone-Faiverley ‘V’-type pantograph, 2 off (later 1 off)
Traction motors	847 hp (632 kW) AEI 189 quill drive, 4 off
Top speed	100 mph (161 km/h)
Power output	3,200 hp (2,390 kW)
Tractive effort	50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Train heating	Electric Train Heating
Locomotive brakes	Air, Rheostatic
Train brakes	Vacuum; Dual from 1972–1973
Career	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

The British Rail Class 81 is an AC electric locomotive that formerly operated on the West Coast Main Line of the London Midland Region of British Rail.

Images for kids

• 

  A row of Class 81 and 85 locomotives waiting to be scrapped. The first and third locomotives from the left are Class 81s.