British Rail Class 71 Electric Locomotive

Explore the detail of this Southern Region locomotive designed to run exclusively on the third rail system throughout the 1960s and 70s.

Co-co Configuration

The British Rail Class 71 Electric Locomotive is a Co-Co configuration engine built for service on Southern Region’s Kent Coast Main Line at the British Rail Doncaster works between 1958 and 1960.

London to Paris

Unlike many locos in the Southern Region, the Class 71 was only able to work on the third rail power system, which ultimately limited its operational scope for passenger and freight work. Despite this restriction, the engines worked high profile routes including the London-to-Paris night ferry, the Golden Arrow and the Pullman service.

Run of 24 Units

Built as a run of 24 units, 10 of which were rebuilt as Class 74's between 1967 and 1968. Only one Class 71 engine was preserved on withdrawal from service in 1977.