British Rail Class 74

class of 10 electro-diesel locomotives rebuilt from Class 71

British Rail class 74 was an electro-diesel locomotive that operated on the Southern Region of British Railways, rebuilt from redundant Class 71 locomotives in the late 1960s. An electro-diesel locomotive is one that can operate either from an electrical supply, such as overhead lines or an energized third rail, or from an onboard diesel engine.

British Rail Class 74
74 003 in BR blue with full yellow ends
Type and origin
Power typeElectro-diesel
BuilderBritish RailwaysDoncaster Works; rebuilt BR Crewe Works
Build date1958–1960; Rebuilt 1967–1968
Total produced10 (rebuilt)
Specifications
Configuration:
 • WhyteBo-Bo
 • UICBo'Bo'
Gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter4 ft 0 in (1.219 m)
Loco weight77 long tons (78 t)
Electric system/s650–750 V Direct Current
Current pickup(s)Third rail
Prime moverPaxman 6YJXL
Traction motorsEnglish Electric 532A, 4 off
Train heatingElectric Train Heating
Train brakesVacuum, Air, Electro-Pneumatic
Performance figures
Power outputElectric (continuous): 2,300 hp (1,715 kW)
Electric (one-hour): 2,552 hp (1,903 kW)
Engine: 650 bhp (485 kW)
Tractive effortElectric: 47,500 lbf (211.3 kN)
Diesel: 40,000 lbf (177.9 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways’ Southern Region
NumberE6101–E6110
Axle load classRoute availability 7
DispositionAll scrapped none preserved