Class 85 Profile and Models

Class 85

85035 at Crewe in May 1987. ©Steve Jones

The British Rail Class 85 (also known by the designation AL5) is an electric locomotive that was designed and produced at British Rail’s (BR) Doncaster Works during the early 1960s. While largely developed by BR, much of its systems can be attributed to the British manufacturing interest Associated Electrical Industries (AEI). The locomotive was developed as a part of the programme of works to electrify the West Coast Main Line during the late 1950s and early 1960s. BR deliberately opted to procure multiple batches of locomotives from a range of manufacturers, leading to the procurement of five prototype classes. The Class 85 proved to be a relatively reliable workhorse of the London Midland region, particularly following a refurbishment during the 1970s that saw the replacement of their rectifiers. Some members of the type were in service for thirty years, their withdrawal having commenced during the mid 1980s and lasting into the early 1990s, having been effectively displaced by the arrival of newer types such as the Class 87 and later Class 90. Following the retirement of the Class 85, a single example was preserved.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Type of Locomotive

Electric

Builder

BR Doncaster Works

Build Dates

1961 to 1964

Total Built

40

Tractive Effort

50,000 lbf

Power Output

3,200 hp

Top Speed

100 mph (85/0)
80 mph (85/1)

Wheel Configuration

Bo-Bo

Operated By

British Rail

Main Duties

Mixed Traffic

In Service Until

1992

Surviving Examples

1

 

Products awaiting categorisation

Scale Brand Image Construction Type DCC Capability Product Code Product Title Livery
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) L and J Models No image available Requires assembly Not set LJ85
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Class 85 Electric Locomotive kit Awaiting Categorisation