TheClass EF1 (Electric Freight 1) was a class ofelectrically powered locomotives built by theNorth Eastern Railway from 1914. They were built to haul coal trains from the mines atShildon to the docks atMiddlesbrough. In common with other LNER electric locomotives, no classification was given to these locomotives until 4 October 1945, when nos. 3-12 were all classified EB1 (Electric Banking 1) although only no. 11 was actually modified forbanking.[1] It was expected that all the locomotives would be similarly modified, but this did not happen, and the remaining locos were classified asEF1 (Electric Freight 1).[1]
During the 1920s the coal traffic declined and some of the locomotives became surplus to requirements. In 1928 a plan was devised to convert one of them to adiesel-electric, using a 1,000 hpBeardmore diesel engine driving anEnglish Electric generator. This plan did not come to fruition.[2]
Electric traction on the Shildon line was discontinued in 1935 but the locomotives were retained for possible future use. Number 11 (later BR 26510) was rebuilt in 1941 for use as abanker on theManchester-Sheffield line, and given the classificationEB1 (Electric Banking 1). Horsepower was increased from 1,100 to 1,256 and the twinpantographs were replaced by a single central one. In October 1945, all ten locomotives were classified as Class EB1. Although only one had been rebuilt, it was expected that rebuilding of the others would follow. Nos. 3-12 were renumbered as Nos. 6490-9 in the LNER's 1946 renumbering scheme. After nationalisation in 1948 they were renumbered again as 26502-11. In 1949, the plan to convert the remaining nine locomotives as banking engines was dropped and they were reclassified as Class EF1 (Electric Freight 1).[2]
The EF1s were withdrawn in 1950–51. In 1949, the EB1 (number 26510) was moved toIlford Depot (Eastern Region) for use as a shunter.[1] Number 26510 was transferred to departmental stock (as No. 100) in 1959 and withdrawn in 1964.[3] None of the locomotives were preserved.
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