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The ten AL2 locomotives were designed by Metropolitan-Vickers (by now part of AEI) and built by Beyer, Peacock and Company at their Gorton Works between 1960 and 1962. During the build, it became apparent that the locomotives were going to be heavier than originally thought and a redesign was necessary. This involved an aluminium body, fibreglass roof and lighter electrical equipment. The AL2's, as they were originally called, were numbered E3046 to E3055.

Two locomotives, E3046 and E3055 were withdrawn early due to fire damage. The remainder had their mercury arc rectifiers replaced with silicon rectifiers in 1972. Under the TOPS system, they were classified as Class 82 and re-numbered 82 001 to 82 008. The entire class was placed in storage in 1982, with all but two being withdrawn in 1983. 82 005 and 82 008 were re-instated to work empty stock at Euston until 1987. 82 008 is preserved.

At the moment, this is one of the few mainline locomotives I do not have a model of, having missed earlier kit productions! Maybe a mainstream manufacturer will produce one, or I'll have to give CAD and 3D Printing a go!

MTK produced a white metal kit and I believe L&J Models produced a resin bodied version. DC Kits produced a kit with white metal ends, roof and bogies with etched brass sides.