British Rail Class 71

British Rail Class 71

E5001 at Doncaster Works.

Type and origin
Power type	Electric
Builder	British Railways’ Doncaster Works
Order number	Doncaster EO3 (3), EO4 (10), EO15 (11)
Build date	1958–1960
Total produced	24

Specifications
Configuration:
• AAR	B-B
• UIC	Bo′Bo′
• Commonwealth	Bo-Bo
Gauge	4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter	4 ft 0 in (1,219 mm)
Loco weight	77.00 long tons (78.24 t; 86.24 short tons)
Electric system/s	660–750 V DC Third rail (mainline) 650 V DC Overhead Line (sidings)
Current pickup(s)	Contact shoe (mainline) Pantograph (sidings)
Traction motors	English Electric 532 or 532A, 4 off
Train heating	Electric Train Heating
Loco brake	Dual Vacuum and Air

Performance figures
Maximum speed	90 mph (145 km/h)
Power output:
• 1 hour	2,552 hp (1,900 kW)
• Continuous	2,300 hp (1,720 kW)
Tractive effort	43,800 lbf (195 kN)
Brakeforce	68 long tons-force (678 kN)

Career
Operators	British Railways
Numbers	E5000–E5023; later E5001–E5024; later 71 001–71 014
Axle load class	Route availability 6
Withdrawn	1976–1977
Preserved	E5001
Current owner	National Railway Museum
Disposition	10 rebuilt to class 74, 13 scrapped, 1 preserved

The British Rail Class 71 is an electric locomotive that was used on the Southern Region of British Railways. Unlike Southern Region electro-diesel locomotives (such as classes 73 and 74) they could not operate away from the electrified (750 V DC) system.