British Rail Class 76

class of 58 Bo+Bo 1300hp DC electric locomotives

The British Rail Class 76, also known as Class EM1, is a class of 1.5kV DC, Bo-Bo electric locomotive designed for use on the now-closed Woodhead Line in Northern England.

British Rail Class 76
Preserved locomotive no. 26020 in original black livery.
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderLNER Doncaster Works (prototype) BR Gorton Works
Build date1941 (prototype), 1952–1953
Total produced58
Specifications
Configuration:
 • WhyteBo+Bo
Wheel diameter4 ft 2 in (1.270 m)
Length50 ft 4 in (15.34 m)
Loco weight87.90 long tons (89.3 t)
Electric system/s1500 V DC
Current pickup(s)Pantograph, 2 off
Traction motorsMetropolitan Vickers 186, 4 off
Train heatingSteam generator (14 locomotives)
Train brakesVacuum, some later Dual
Performance figures
Top speed65 mph (105 km/h)
Power outputContinuous: 1,300 hp (969 kW)
One-hour: 1,868 hp (1,393 kW)
Tractive effort45,000 lbf (200,000 N)
Brakeforce72 long tons-force (717 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
Number26000–26055; later E26000–26057; later 76001–76057
Axle load classRoute availability 8 (LNER: 9)
LocaleManchester-Sheffield-Wath line
Retired1970–1981