Class 86s bow out of front line use after 55 years
FREIGHTLINER has finally removed its last pair of the iconic BR/English Electric ‘AL6' locomotives from its operational fleet.
It was something of a speedy run down for the 16-strong sub-class, with repairs still being authorised well into 2020 and the first example only stored last May.
However, this was not unexpected after the arrival of 13 former Greater Anglia Class 90s last year. The end was not without a few final flings, with Nos. 86613+86632 paired up early in February on their classic Great EasternNorth London-West Coast Main Line route with containers in tow.
Typically entrusted with the 4M45 Ipswich-Garston and 4L60 return, the pair worked this diagram every day until February 5, when they were removed from 4M45 at Crewe Basford Hall due to a lack of hours on No. 86613.
LIGHT ENGINE RUNS
No. 86613 was then let loose on February 8 and 9 on 0Z90 CreweNorthampton crew training runs (0Z91 return) before being stopped and transferred to the DHLT pool on the 10th and officially stored six days later on the 16th. It was replaced on the light engine runs by No. 86632, and this was sent out most weekdays until February 16, when it was replaced by No. 66415.
The ‘86' was stored DHLT the following day (17th), and joined its 15 classmates at Basford Hall with their future uncertain.
Some ten months after arriving at Crewe from East Anglia, No. 90005 (still wearing Vice-Admiral Lord
Nelson nameplates) has made its first appearance on the main line for its new owner, the Class 90 working a Crewe-Trafford Park light engine move on February 1 before being turned out for container train duties later the same month.