British Rail Class 87: Was This the Ultimate Electric Locomotive?

Описание: Did the British Rail Class 87 change the game for electric locomotives in the UK? In this in-depth documentary-style video, we take you on a journey through time—from the bold engineering vision of the 1970s to the present-day legacy of one of Britain’s most iconic electric locomotives.

The Class 87 was introduced between 1973 and 1975 as part of British Rail’s effort to modernize and electrify key routes, especially the West Coast Main Line (WCML). With 36 locomotives built at Crewe Works, these powerful machines were designed to conquer steep gradients and haul heavy high-speed passenger trains between London Euston and Glasgow Central.

With a top speed of 110 mph and a power output of over 5,000 horsepower, the Class 87 wasn’t just fast—it was a force. These locomotives were the pride of British Rail, named with prestige and often associated with royalty, heritage, and notable figures like 87035 ‘Robert Burns’ and 87002 ‘Royal Sovereign’.

But what happened to them?

As modern tilting trains like the Class 390 Pendolino emerged in the 2000s, the 87s began to fade into history. Some were scrapped, but others found a second life on foreign soil—sold to Bulgaria, where they still haul freight today. Several have been preserved in the UK, including at the Crewe Heritage Centre, where they stand as proud relics of Britain’s rail past.

In this video, you’ll learn:

🚆 Why the Class 87 was developed—and what made it so unique
⚙️ The technology that powered its 30+ years of service
📉 How and why it was eventually phased out
🌍 What became of these locomotives after retirement
🏛️ Where you can still see one in person today
💭 And the big question: Was the Class 87 a success or a forgotten misstep?

Whether you're a lifelong railfan or just discovering the golden age of British railways, this video is a nostalgic deep dive into a locomotive that shaped the modern electric era.

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#BritishRail, #Class87, #TrainHistory, #ElectricLocomotive, #RailwayNostalgia, #UKTrains, #LocomotiveLegends, #Railfan, #WestCoastMainLine, #trainspotting

Video Credits
87022 working 1M44
   • 87022 working 1M44  

Class 87 Compilation
   • Class 87 Compilation  

Class 87 87002 Royal Sovereign Euston to Glasgow thrashing through Tamworth low level
   • Class 87 87002 Royal Sovereign Euston to G...  

87002 arriving/departing London Euston, 12th July 2006. BLAST FROM THE PAST !!
   • 87002 arriving/departing London Euston, 12...  

87002 through Newton on The Electric Scot (26/01/22)
   • 87002 through Newton on The Electric Scot ...