Class 83 Profile and Models
E3035 at Old Oak Common Depot in August 2000. ©Steve Knight
The British Rail Class 83 electric locomotives were built by English Electric at Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows as part of the West Coast Main Line electrification. The class was used to haul trains on the then newly electrified West Coast Main Line, from Birmingham, to Crewe, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool and later Preston. By 1965, electrification had spread south to London Euston. As with the Class 84, the Class 83 suffered with problems due to the mercury-arc rectifiers. After spending several years in storage (1967 to 1971), they were rebuilt with silicon rectifiers. Electrification finally reached Glasgow in the early 1970s, allowing this class to operate the full length of the West Coast Main Line. All were withdrawn by the end of 1993 and one has been preserved. |
|
Type of Locomotive |
Electric |
Builder |
English Electric at Vulcan Foundry |
Build Dates |
1960 to 1962 |
Total Built |
15 |
Tractive Effort |
38,000 lbf |
Power Output |
2,950 hp |
Top Speed |
100 mph |
Wheel Configuration |
Bo-Bo |
Operated By |
British Rail |
Main Duties |
Mixed Traffic |
In Service Until |
1993 |
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 | Requires assembly | Not set |
LJ83 View |
Class 83 Electric Locomotive kit | Awaiting Categorisation |