GEC Class 91 Locomotives


Experience gained in high-speed operations with the prototype Advanced Passenger Train played a significant part in the design specification for Class 91 "Electra", including the aerodynamic styling which will give a streamlined look to the front end of the locomotive.

"Electra" will be able to corner at high speed. The locomotive itself will not tilt, but it is designed to haul tilting coaches, giving the railway the flexibility to plan such operations on the West Coast Main Line some time in the future.

'Son of APT'

Class 91 GEC Traction Ltd.Class 91 GEC Traction Ltd.
'Son of APT' – The British Rail Class 91 Locomotive, GEC Traction Limited.

The locomotives built by BREL in Crewe for use with InterCity 225 trains on the newly electrified East Coast Main Line of British Rail between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh.

Weighing 84.5 tonnes and capable of speeds up to 140 mph, the Class 91's are the fastest and most powerful to ever run in Britain. Their direct current traction motors each have 30% more power than similar sized motors on previous electric locomotives. This power is controlled by a microprocessor which also monitors the performance of all the power equipment.

They also feature a new driving system, which allows the driver to select the required speed of acceleration by computer control. Speed is then maintained by applying power or electric braking.

This has the benefit of a much smoother ride and enables the train to complete the 400 mile journey between London and Edinburgh at an average speed of 98.5 mph, including stops.


GEC Transportation Projects Class 91 locomotives for British Rail.

GEC Transportation Projects Class 91 25kV BoBo locomotives for British Rail.


GEC Transportation Projects Class 91 locomotives for British Rail.

GEC Transportation Projects Class 91 25kV BoBo locomotives for British Rail.

INTERCITY 225

InterCity 225 Standard Rake (480 Seats)
DVT PO PO SV TOD TO TO TO TOE 91
DVT PO PO SV TOD TO TO TO TOE 91

InterCity 225 Pullman Rake (398 Seats)
DVT PO SV PO PO SV TOD TO TOE 91
DVT PO SV PO PO SV TOD TO TOE 91
Vehicle
Description
Seats
DVT
Driving Van Trailer
-
PO
Pullman Open
46
SV
Catering Service Vehicle
20
TOD
Tourist Open (Disabled Toilet)
72*
TO
Tourist Open
74
TOE
Tourist Open End
74
91
Class 91 25kV Electric Locomotive
-
* Plus 1 Wheelchair.

INTERCITY THE NEW 225 - A new generation of high speed electric trains.

THE NEW 225 - A new generation of high speed electric trains.


THE INTERCITY 225 A new generation of high speed electric trains.

THE INTERCITY 225 A new generation of high speed electric trains.


Take a look at www.traintesting.com for more information and photographs of the Class 91 locomotives and InterCity 225 trains.


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© R G Latham 2025.