British Rail Class 85

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British Rail Class 85
85024 at Bescot on 14 February 1988
Builder:	BR Doncaster
Years built:	1961-1964
Number built:	40
Replaced by:	Class 90.
Voltage:	25 kV AC
Brakes:	69ton, Vacuum/Air
Length:	56ft 6in
Weight:	79.5ton
Maximum speed:	100mph 161km/k
Operators:	British Rail

The British Rail Class 85 is an electric locomotive built during the early 1960s, as part of BR's policy to develop a standard electric locomotive. Five prototype classes (81-85) were built and evaluated, which eventually led to the development of the Class 86 locomotive. Forty of these locomotives were built from 1961-64 by BR at Doncaster Works. The class were used to haul trains on the then newly electrified West Coast Main Line, from Birmingham, to Crewe, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool and later Preston. By 1965, electrification had spread south to London Euston.

Under the earlier BR classification, the type was given the designation AL5 (meaning the 5th design of 25 kV AC Locomotive), and locomotives were numbered E3056-E3095. In 1968, this was changed to Class 85, when BR introduced a new computer numbering system. From 1971 onwards, locomotives were progressively renumbered into the 85001-040 series.

[edit] Preservation

One locomotive has been preserved, 85101 (having previously numbered E3061 & 85 006) This locomotive is preserved by the AC Locomotive Group, who also own examples of Classes 81-86. at Barrow Hill Engine Shed. It was named to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Doncaster Works, and is painted in Railfreight Distribution livery, a livery it never carried in service. Their intention is to eventually restore this locomotive to operational condition.

[edit] Fleet Details

Class 85, no. 85101 'Doncaster Plant 150 1853-2003', on display at Doncaster Works open day on 27th July 2003

[edit] External links

• AC Locomotive Group - Owners of preserved locomotive no. 85101 / E3061