Woodhead line
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The Woodhead line was a railway line linking Sheffield, Penistone and Manchester in the north of England. A key feature of the route is the passage under the high moorlands of the northern Peak Distri
An electric freight train headed by two Class 76s, about to enter Woodhead Tunnel in 1981
The line in 1951 before electrification, looking westwards from above Woodhead Tunnel. Woodhead railway station is visible in the foreground.
Goods train pulled by WD Austerity 2-8-0 near West Silkstone Junction in 1950
Electric locomotives at Penistone railway station in 1954
British Rail Class 77
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The British Rail Class 77, also known as Class EM2, is a class of 1.5 kV DC, Co-Co electric locomotive. They were built by Gorton Works in 1953 and 1954 for use over the Woodhead Line, between Manches
Woodhead line
…for the line were constructed at Gorton locomotive works, Manchester. These were the EM1/Class 76, for freight trains and some passenger duties, and EM2/Class 77 locomotives for express passenger trains. Given the steep gradients on the line, the locomotives were able to use regenerative braking on their descent…
Preserved locomotive no. 27000 in original black livery
A Class 77 (E27000 Electra) hauled passenger train waiting at Manchester Piccadilly in 1967
NS 1500 Class no. 1505 at Manchester Museum of Science and Industry