British Rail Class 70 (electric)

The British Rail Class 70 was a proposed class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives intended for freight traffic. The design originated in the late 1970s as part of British Rail's strategy to modernize its freight operations, specifically to replace older locomotives and increase efficiency. The Class 70 was intended to be a high-power, six-axle locomotive suitable for heavy haul duties.

The proposed specifications included a power output significantly greater than existing electric locomotives in the UK. It was envisioned to be capable of hauling substantial freight trains on routes electrified under the West Coast Main Line and potentially other future electrified lines.

However, the project faced numerous setbacks and was ultimately cancelled in the early 1980s due to a combination of factors, including economic constraints, changing priorities within British Rail, and the availability of alternative solutions like modified existing locomotive designs. The Class 70 designation was never used, and no locomotives of this type were ever built. The designation remained unused until the later introduction of the diesel-electric Class 70 locomotives built by General Electric.