Euston to Carlisle Express hauled by an 81 class locomotive circa 1961

The 81 class was an AC powered Bo-Bo type electric locomotive, of which 25 were built over 1959 to 1964. They formerly operated on the West Coast Main Line of the London Midland Region of British Rail. Originally designated AL1, it was the first type of AC electric locomotive to be delivered to British Railways. Output at the 1 hour rating was 4 × 920 hp (690 kW) = 3,680 hp and 3,388 hp continuous rating. All had been withdrawn by the end of 1991, one is preserved.

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