Authors: Ray Love & Peter Attenborough
Editor: John Sargent
Publisher: Train Hobby Publications
Publication Year: 2008
Format: Softcover, Landscape
Pages: 56
Photography: All colour
Condition: New

Under the Wires Part 4 – NSW 85 & 86 Class Electrics provides a comprehensive photographic record of the State Rail Authority of New South Wales’ electric locomotives, focusing on the 85 and 86 class units.

The 85 class, built by Comeng, Granville between 1979 and 1980, were 10 of the most powerful locomotives in Australia at the time, rated at 2,880 kW, and primarily assigned to haul coal trains over the Blue Mountains line. They were also used on other freight and occasional passenger services, including the Indian Pacific.

The 86 class, built by Comeng from 1981 onwards, comprised 50 units. These locomotives employed Mitsubishi camshaft-control equipment, deliberately matching the older 85 class technology despite newer options being available. Major electrical components were interchangeable with the 85 class, with two units capable of multiple-unit operation.

Presented in a 56-page, full-colour landscape format, this book captures the locomotives in action, showcasing both freight and passenger services, design details, and operational versatility. It is an essential reference for NSW railway enthusiasts, electric locomotive historians, modellers, and collectors of Australian railway photography.