British Rail Class 82

British Railways AL2
British Rail Class 82

Preserved locomotive, no. 82008 on display at Crewe Works open day on 11 September 2005. This locomotive has been restored to InterCity Executive livery.
Power type	Electric
Builder	Metropolitan Vickers and Beyer, Peacock & Co. Ltd.
Build date	1960–1962
Total production	10
Configuration	Bo-Bo
UIC classification	Bo'Bo'
Gauge	4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter	4 ft 0 in (1.219 m)
Length	56 ft 0 in (17.07 m)
Width	8 ft 9 in (2.67 m)
Height	12 ft 4¼ in (3.77 m)
Locomotive weight	79.70 long tons (81.0 t)
Electric system(s)	25 kV AC
Traction motors	847 hp (632 kW) Metropolitan Vickers 189Z, 4 off
Transmission	Quill drive
Top speed	100 mph (161 km/h)
Power output	3,300 hp (2,460 kW)
Tractive effort	50,000 lbf (222,000 N)
Train heating	Electric Train Heating
Locomotive brakes	Air
Locomotive brakeforce	63 LTf (628 kN)
Train brakes	Vacuum, Dual from 1971–1972
Career	British Rail
Number	E3046–E3055; later 82001–82008
Axle load class	Route availability 6
Retired	1969 (1), 1971 (1), 1983 (6), 1987 (2)
Disposition	One preserved, remainder scrapped

The British Rail Class 82 electric locomotives were built by Beyer, Peacock and Company between 1960 and 1962 as part of the West Coast Main Line electrification.

History

Ten locomotives were designed by the Metropolitan Vickers division of AEI (Associated Electrical Industries) and built by Beyer, Peacock and Company at their works in Gorton, Manchester. They were originally classified as AL2 under the pre-TOPS classification scheme and were originally numbered E3046 - E3055.

During manufacture it was realised that the locomotives would be heavier than anticipated and some redesign was required to meet the British Transport Commission specification. The design modifications included replacing heavy parts with lighter aluminium or fibreglass parts, replacing heavy electrical equipment with lighter versions.

Power supply

Power was provided by overhead catenary energised at 25,000 V AC 50 Hz.

Early withdrawals

The last locomotive built, E3055, was destroyed by fire in 1966 and the first locomotive built, E3046, was also destroyed by fire in 1971.

Rebuild

E3049 was the first to be refurbished with a silicon rectifier replacing the mercury-arc rectifier, being done in 1972. The rest of the class followed suit over the following years.

Renumbering

Under the TOPS system they were reclassified Class 82. They became 82001 to 82008, being renumbered in order.

The end

The entire fleet was placed into storage in 1982 and the majority of these locomotives were withdrawn in 1983. Two, 82005 and 82008 were subsequently reinstated for use on empty coaching stock workings between London Euston Station and Willesden and worked until 1987.

Preservation

82008 was preserved in the early 1990s following a long period of storage and is now owned by the AC Locomotive Group, located at Barrow Hill Engine Shed.

Fleet details

External links

• AC Locomotive Group - owners of preserved locomotive no. 82008