Woodhead Class 76 & 77 hypothetical question.

[12CSVT]

Here's a hypothetical question regarding the preserved class 76 (EM1) and class 77 (EM2) electrics. These locos ran on the 1500 V DC system, which is the same voltage as the Tyne & Wear Metro.

So my question, if any of them were restored to main line standards, would it be possible (at least in theory) for them to run between Sunderland and Pelaw Junction under their own power ? (Assuming T&W Metro, Network Rail etc didn't object of course !)

 

[DXMachina]

I understand this was considered a few years ago when 1500vdc catenary went up on a preserved line for testing foreign tramcars (cant remember where)

the idea was turned down as there was no long-term benefit in doing a general refit that would never otherwise be used.

Also I'm inclined to wonder if the power supply for lightweight 2-car Metro units is even remotely powerful enough for a 1950s-style 2500 horsepower electric express locomotive. It'd be like testing a formula one car in a tesco car park.

 

[47403]

wouldnt the panographs on the 76/77's be too high for the metro wires.

 

[jonesy3001]

Here is a write-up of whats left in both classes and there is only a couple left in preservation;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_76

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_77

 

[Genocide]

Simple answer - no.

It's about amps, not voltage. A 76/77 would, as soon as the pan was lifted, suck so much power out of the system that anything else in section would be flattened.

 

[HSTEd]

Simple answer - no.

It's about amps, not voltage. A 76/77 would, as soon as the pan was lifted, suck so much power out of the system that anything else in section would be flattened.

They won't draw that much power if they are held to notch one and it isn't rush hour.

But you wouldn't be able to get up much speed.