Newsdesk: ‘OO’ gauge Class 89 confirmed

Electric locomotives continue to make news, starting with the ‘OO’ gauge Accurascale Class 89 being confirmed for production. Heljan, in the meantime, revealed livery samples of its forthcoming ‘OO’ gauge Class 45 model range, along with samples of the Class 104 DMU.

FOLLOWING a long interval to accurately gauge interest in a ‘OO’ gauge model of the only Class 89, No. 89001, the decision to proceed with the model has been taken, with CAD design work completed by Accurascale, and tooling at the early stages. The project is a joint venture between Accurascale and Rails of Sheffield, with models only being made available through those two outlets.

The risk of producing a model of a single locomotive prototype has paid off for other manufacturers in the past. No. 89001’s success may come from its strong following since its introduction as a prototype locomotive in 1986 as a possible replacement for HSTs on the East Coast Main Line.

Only the one locomotive was built due to BR changing its mind and opting for the Class 91 instead. Although the Class 89 contributed to the Channel Tunnel locomotive design, it has remained just one of a kind which had to fight for its survival in 2006 when Sea Containers/GNER put it up for sale when scrap metal prices were high.

Fortunately, the locomotive was saved for preservation by an AC Locomotive Group appeal and subsequently, it has been restored ready for main line operation in a joint venture with Locomotive Services and Electric Traction.

Model specifications

With work on the forthcoming Class 92 well under way, the same specifications are being applied to the Class 89 which will include a working pantograph capable of being raised and lowered electronically on DCC control.

Beyond that, the model is expected to follow Accurascale’s usual specification. An injection moulded plastic bodyshell will be fitted out with a wealth of small details composed of plastic and etched metal including separate hand rails and clear prism-free flush glazing.

The underframe will be equipped with close coupling cams and a wealth of electronics including a stay-alive power pack and circuits allowing authentic control of the running lights.

Power is from the conventional frame-mounted five-pole motor driving all axles through drive shafts and gear towers mounted on the bogies. It is hoped that an ‘EM and ‘P4’ gauge drop-in wheel set pack will be made available too.

Liveries

Livery choices cover the life span of the locomotive from 1986 to the present day preparations to return the locomotive to the main line. Original InterCity livery as applied when new in 1986 through to InterCity ‘Swallow’ livery which lasted for around four years from 1988, represents the locomotive in BR ownership. GNER ownership from 1997 with white GNER lettering and gold lettering from 1999 is covered too, up to the point at which the locomotive was sold to the AC Locomotive Group. The last of the five liveries is heritage InterCity livery as applied from 2019.

Two versions of each livery is available for preorder: £229 for an analogue model and £329 for factoryfitted digital sound versions. The higher than normal price for an Accurascale locomotive model is reflected in the greater commercial risk of modelling a single locomotive prototype.

Safely in the hands of the AC Locomotive Group: Class 89 No. 89001 was resident at Barrow Hill for many years as a static exhibit awaiting restoration. Restoration work commenced in 2019 with a return to the mainline now not far off. No. 89001 was photographed at Barrow Hill on June 20, 2009 adorned in InterCity executive livery.

Three of the five Class 89 liveries being offered, including both versions of GNER livery together with InterCity with Avocet nameplates.

CAD work is reported as being complete and tooling of the model is now under way.