British Rail Class 71

The British Rail Class 71 was an electric locomotive used on the Southern Region of British Railways. Unlike most other Southern Region electric locomotives (such as the class 73s & 74s) they could not operate away from the electrified (750 V DC third rail) system.

British Rail Class 71
E5001 at Doncaster Works.
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder British Railways’ Doncaster Works Build date 1958–1960 Total produced 24
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte Bo-Bo  • UIC Bo'Bo' Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Wheel diameter 4 ft 0 in (1.219 m) Loco weight 77.00 long tons (78.24 t) Electric system/s 660–750 V DC Current pickup(s) Third Rail (mainline) Pantograph (sidings) Traction motors English Electric 532, 4 off Train heating Electric Train Heating Train brakes Dual Vacuum and Air
Performance figures Top speed 90 mph (145 km/h) Power output One-hour: 2,700 hp (2,010 kW) Continuous: 2,300 hp (1,720 kW) Tractive effort 43,800 lbf (195,000 N) Brakeforce 68 long tons-force (678 kN)
Career Railroad(s) British Railways Number E5000–E5023; later E5001–E5024; later 71001–71014 Axle load class Route availability 6 Disposition 10 rebuilt to class 74, 13 scrapped, 1 preserved