Factfile: North Eastern Railway ‘ES1’ Bo-bo

In an effort to compete with the local corporation’s electric tram network, the North Eastern Railway (NER) introduced electric trains to the North Tyneside suburban lines. Energised with a 630V DC supply, via a third rail, the new trains began operation in 1903.

Also electrified was the NER’S freight-only branch from Trafalgar Yard in Manors, just a mile or so from Newcastle Central station, to Quayside Yard beside the River Tyne. The line was short, yet it dropped over 100ft to reach the riverside, running through deep cuttings and a problematic tunnel. Sited on a curve and with limited clearance, this tunnel had provided steam crews with manifold operating problems, from poor rail adhesion to a noxious working environment.

As part of the electrification work, the NER ordered a pair of steeple-cab Bo-bo electric locomotives, built by Brush and featuring electrical equipment from British Thompson-houston (BTH). Designated as ‘English Shunting Type 1’, or ‘ES1’ for short, the two locomotives were numbered NER No. 1 and No. 2, entering traffic in 1904.

Most of the freight line utilised the same third rail equipment as the North Tyneside commuter lines, with collector shoes installed to the ‘ES1’ bogies. However, for reasons of safety, yard areas featured overhead catenary, with short changeover sections provided. Initially, elaborate bow collectors were mounted on one of the bonnets, but these were replaced within a couple of years with traditional roof-mounted pantographs.

NER No. 1 and No. 2 (later LNER 6480/81 and BR 26500/501) worked the Quayside branch until 1964 and, by the early 1960s both had been repainted into a retro NER lined green livery, with both BR and NER emblems. Prior to that, they had worn plain black schemes during LNER and early BR days. The duties of the ‘ES1S’ were taken over by diesel shunting locomotives, although the branch was closed in 1969 and very little trace remains today. Happily, NER No. 1 was deemed important enough to be claimed by the National Collection and it currently resides at

Locomotion, Shildon.

1: Wearing a grimy coat of BR black livery, 26500 rests at Heaton depot in the early 1950s, with a Drewry diesel shunter for company.

COLOUR RAIL 2: Both of the NER ‘ES1’ Bo-bos present a work-stained appearance as they sit on the third-rail electrified lines at Heaton depot in the early 1960s.

COLOUR RAIL 3: Taking power from the overhead catenary, 26501 is seen on the Quayside branch in its retro NER livery, in the early 1960s. Note the overhead warning legend on the cab.