Class 85 goes under the wires

2010 sees the introduction of a 25Kv AC powered locomotive for the first time. These operate from the overhead line system and were originally designated AL5.

The Class 85 locomotives were built for the electrification of West Coast Main Line services between Liverpool / Manchester / Birmingham and London Euston in the early 1960’s. 40 locomotives were built between June 1961 and December 1964 by British Rail workshops at Doncaster. Initially numbered E3056 – E3095 they later received TOPS numbers and were designated Class 85 becoming 85001 – 85040.

The 100 mph Class 85 locomotives were used on a variety of mixed traffic work (passenger, freight and parcels) over the electrified route. Fourteen of the Class were later downgraded to 80 mph to work freight trains for Railfreight Distribution and renumbered in the 85/1 series due to later delivery of the Class 90 locomotives. The Class was withdrawn between July 1984 and November 1991. One locomotive survived scrapping thanks initially to Pete Waterman and is now owned by the AC Locomotive Group based at Barrow Hill.

Three versions will be produced as the original AL5 E3058 in BR electric blue with twin pantographs (31-676), E3056 in BR blue with pre-TOPS numbers (31-677) and 85026 in BR blue with TOPS numbering (31-678).

BF 2010-07

7 March 2010

-ends-

 

For further information please contact :

Dennis Lovett, Public Relations Manager,

Bachmann Europe PLC, Moat Way, Barwell, Leicestershire, LE9 8EY

Telephone:+44 (0) 1455 847097