Locomotive Class

Class 81 (AL1)

Class 81 (AL1) Class: Class 81 (AL1)
Type: Electric
Designer: AEI
Weight: 80 tons
Purpose: Mixed Traffic

Information: British Railways Modernisation Plan put forth plans in the late 1950’s to electrify large parts of the network using 25-kV AC electric over-head catenary. As a large number of unproven electric locomotives would be required to take over both passenger and goods services over former Midland West Coast Mainline (WCML) as steam was retired, British Railways placed orders for five designs of varied source for comparison purposes. The AL1 was the first, often regarded as the most successful, of the prototype designs that followed.

Details: Orders were placed for 25 AC electric locomotives with Metropolitan Vickers (AEI Traction Div.) with deliveries commencing in November 1959. The intent was to build 23 locomotives geared for 100-MPH passenger service and 2 additional locomotives with an 80-MPH top speed for freight service. During construction the specification changed and all locomotives were constructed for mixed traffic service with the higher top speed rating. Locomotives were built at Birmingham Carriage and Wagon Works in Smethwick, entering service between 1959 and 1964.
As built, the locomotives featured two pantographs. In practice it was found the second pantograph was of no benefit and subsequently removed. Locomotives were originally out-shopped in Electric blue with red buffer beams and white window surrounds and roof. The livery was adorned with a cast BR lion emblem and running numbers at both cab ends. Later small safety yellow end warning panels were added to cab ends. By the late 1960’s, with the electrification scheme well underway BR was quick to repaint the locomotives in the new Corporate Blue colour scheme with full yellow ends. After 1972 locomotives in the class were renumbered in the Class 81 series under TOPS.
Although the locomotives were quite successful in operation there were several fires and accidents necessitating early withdrawal. Between 1983 and 1991 the remainder of the class was withdrawn, most lasting until the early 90’s. One member, E3003 / 81 003 is preserved at Barrow Hill Shed in non-operational condition.

John Faulkner

Class 81 (AL1) Releases (4)

MODEL NO. LIVERY
A.E.1 Type AL1 Electric Locomotive
Released: 1968 1969 1970 1971
E3001 B.R. Blue
A.E.1 Type AL1 Electric Locomotive
Released: 1966 1967
E3001 B.R. Electric Blue
Class E.3000 Electric Locomotive
Released: 1964 1965
E3000 B.R. Electric Blue
Inter-City Train (A.E.1 Type AL1 Electric)
Released: 1968 1969 1971
E3001 B.R. Blue

Class 81 (AL1) Images (4)

A.E.1 Type AL1 Electric Locomotive
A.E.1 Type AL1 Electric Locomotive E3001

A.E.1 Type AL1 Electric Locomotive
A.E.1 Type AL1 Electric Locomotive E3001

Class E.3000 Electric Locomotive
Class E.3000 Electric Locomotive E3000

Inter-City Train (A.E.1 Type AL1 Electric)
Inter-City Train (A.E.1 Type AL1 Electric) E3001


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Database

11,328 yearly Items over 57 Years.
4,069 individual Items.
3,707 Models.
362 catalogued Train Sets.
156 Train Packs.
820 Steam Locomotives.
497 Diesel Locomotives.
1,082 Passenger Coaches.
1,152 Freight Wagons.


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