British Rail Class 82

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British Rail Class 82

Preserved locomotive, no. 82008 on display at Crewe Works open day on 11th September 2005. This locomotive has been restored to InterCity Executive livery.
Also called: AL2
Builder: Beyer, Peacock & Co. Ltd. & Metropolitan Vickers
Years built: 1960–1962
Early numbers: E3046-E3055
TOPS numbers: 82001-82008
Number built: 10
Replaced by: Unknown.
Voltage: 25 kV AC
Transmission: Quill drive
Wheel layout: Bo-Bo
Brakes: 63ton, Vacuum/Air
Length: 56ft
Width: 8ft 9in
Height: 12ft 4¼in
Weight: 77ton
Maximum speed: 100mph
Engine power: 3320hp
Rail power: 5500hp
Operators: British Rail

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.

Contents

[edit] 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.

[edit] Power supply

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

[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The entire fleet was placed into storage in 1982 and the majority of these locomotives were withdrawn in 1983.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 between London Euston Station and 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

Key: Preserved Scrapped
Numbers Withdrawn Disposal
Pre-TOPS TOPS
E3046 - 1971 Scrapped at Crewe Works
E3047 82001 1983 Scrapped at Vic Berry, Leicester
E3048 82002 1983 Scrapped at Vic Berry, Leicester
E3049 82003 1983 Scrapped at Booth Roe, Rotherham
E3050 82004 1983 Scrapped at Vic Berry, Leicester
E3051 82005 1987 Scrapped at Booth Roe, Rotherham
E3052 82006 1983 Scrapped at Vic Berry, Leicester
E3053 82007 1983 Scrapped at Vic Berry, Leicester
E3054 82008 1987 Preserved at Barrow Hill Engine Shed
E3055 - 1969 Scrapped at Crewe Works

[edit] External links