British Rail Class 82

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Preserved locomotive, no. 82008 on display at Crewe Works open day on 11th September 2005. This locomotive has been restored to InterCity Executive livery.

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

[edit] History

Ten locomotives were designed by the Metropolitan Vickers division of AEI (Associated Electrical Industries) and built by Beyer-Peacock at their Gorton Works in 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 aluminum or fibreglass parts, replacing heavy electrical equipment with lighter versions.

[edit] Power supply

Power was provided by overhead catenary energized at 25,000 V AC.

[edit] Early Withdrawals

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] Renumbering

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

[edit] The End

The entire fleet was placed into storage in 1982 and the majority of these locomotives were withdrawn in 1983.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

[edit] 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.

[edit] Fleet details

[edit] External links

• AC Locomotive Group - owners of preserved locomotive no. 81002