EM1 and EM2 Electric Locomotives

The British Rail Class EM1 and EM2 electric locomotives were designed to operate on the Manchester to Sheffield railway line. This line used to pass through a long tunnel at Woodhead. This was unpleasant for steam train passengers who were choked by fumes, so it became Britain's first electrified line in 1954.

These locomotives were built at the former LNER works at Gorton, Manchester. Metropolitan-Vickers of Trafford Park supplied the electrical gear. The EM2 locomotives were sold to the Netherlands Railway in 1969 and remained in use there until 1986. The EM1 locomotives continued in use until 1970.

See Also

Vulcan Steam Locomotive
Beyer-Garratt Steam Locomotive