Between 1959 and 1961 the South African Railways placed one hundred and thirty-five Class 5E1, Series 1 electric locomotives in service, numbered in the range from E364 to E498. It was designed and built by Metropolitan-Vickers at its Bowesfield Works, with the electrical equipment supplied by Associated Electrical Industries. While virtually identical in outward appearance to the forerunner Class 5E, it had more powerful traction motors and a new bogie design that gave a smoother ride. See also the Wikipedia article on the South African Class 5E1, Series 1. |