British Rail Class 73

The British Rail Class 73 electro-diesel locomotives are very unusual in that they can operate from a 750 V DC third-rail supply but also have a diesel engine to allow them to operate on non-electrified routes. This makes them very versatile, although the diesel engine produces less power than is available from the third-rail supply so they rarely stray from the former Southern Region of British Rail. Following the withdrawal of the more powerful Class 74 electro-diesels in 1977, the Class 73 is now unique on the British rail system.

British Rail Class 73
Class 73, no. 73201 at Woking. This locomotive was used by South West Trains as a “Thunderbird” to rescue failed trains.
Power type	Electro-diesel
Builder	73/0: British Railways’ Eastleigh Works 73/1: English Electric at Vulcan Foundry
Build date	1962, 1965–1967
Total production	49
Configuration	Bo-Bo
UIC classification	Bo'Bo'
Gauge
Wheel diameter	3 ft 4 in (1.016 m)
Length	16.36 m (53 ft 8 in)
Locomotive weight	73/0: 76.30 long tons (77.52 t) 73/1: 76.80 long tons (78.03 t)
Electric system(s)	660–750 V DC
Current collection method	Third rail
Prime mover	English Electric 4SRKT Mk II
Traction motors	73/0: EE 542A 73/1: EE 546/1B
Top speed	73/0: 80 mph (129 km/h) 73/1: 90 mph (145 km/h)
Power output	Electric (continuous): 1,420 hp (1,059 kW) Electric (one-hour): 1,600 hp (1,193 kW) Engine: 600 hp (447 kW)
Tractive effort	73/0 (electric): 42,000 lbf (186.8 kN) 73/0 (diesel): 34,100 lbf (151.7 kN) 71/0 (electric): 40,000 lbf (177.9 kN) 73/1 (diesel): 36,000 lbf (160.1 kN)
Train heating	Electric Train Heating
Train brakes	Vacuum, Air and Electro-Pneumatic
Career	British Rail Eurostar FM Rail Gatwick Express FirstGBRf Network Rail South West Trains
Number	E6001–E6049; later 73001–73006, 73101–73142
Axle load class	Route availability 6

Class 73, no. E6013 (73107) at Rowsley South, on the Peak Railway on 17 April 2003. This locomotive was on loan from Fragonset Railways, and has since returned to main-line service.

Class 73/1 73101 in BR blue livery

British Rail Class 73 Media

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  A British Rail Class 73 with a parcels van and carriages under British Rail carrying the mail in 1986 through Clapham Junction.

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  British-style dual buffer-and-chain/automatic coupler with knuckle swung out of the way (drop head)

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  Class 73 on Gatwick Express

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  Eurostar Class 73 73130 at Finmere in preservation hauling 4CIG 1753 on an open day at this former Great Central station site in 2016.

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  73211 with a Gatwick Express train at Horley in April 2001.

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  73107 is on display at Long Rock Depot open day, along with freshly painted 50049 and 50007.

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  73966 in Caledonian Sleeper livery at Fort William Station.

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  No. 73951 (previously 73104 and E6010) at Eastleigh works on 31 October 2015 following conversion to Ultra73 specification.