Power type Electric Total produced 10 AAR wheel arr. B-B | Build date 1960–1962 Configuration Bo-Bo | |
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Builder Metropolitan-Vickers and Beyer, Peacock & Co. Ltd. | ||
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
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 body and fibreglass roof parts, replacing heavy electrical equipment with lighter versions.
On introduction, the AL2 locomotives were allocated to Longsight depot.
Power supply
The locomotives always worked on power provided by overhead catenary energized at 25,000 V AC. However, the main transformer, normally operated with the four windings in series, could be operated at 6250 V AC with the transformer windings in parallel. This voltage was initially to be used where limited clearances gave concern over use of the higher voltage.
Early withdrawals
The last locomotive built, E3055, was destroyed by fire at Maw Green in 1966. The first locomotive built, E3046, was also destroyed by fire, while north of Bletchley on 7 January 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 as '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The entire fleet was placed into storage in 1982, and the majority of these locomotives were withdrawn in 1983.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, working until 1987, with 82008 receiving a repaint into Intercity Executive livery by 26 January 1986.
Preservation
82008 was preserved in the early 1990s, following a long period of storage, and was later owned by the AC Locomotive Group, located at Barrow Hill Engine Shed.