Preserved Class 89 secures a main line return

THE UNIQUE Class 89 electric locomotive 89001 is set for a return to main line running after agreement was reached between the locomotive’s owners, the AC Locomotive Group’s subsidiary Electric Traction Ltd (ETL), and Crewe-based train operator Locomotive Services Ltd (LSL). LSL will fund the outstanding works required to allow the former ECML Brush-built locomotive to be recertified for main line running. It will then operate services for LSL’S Intercity charter division for a period of five years. LSL’S AC Locomotive engineer, Robert Fenner, said: “I can’t believe this opportunity has arisen. This is one locomotive I’ve always been interested in as my grandad worked in Crewe Works while she was built, and with it being the only example ever built just makes this opportunity even more special. “It will be an absolute pleasure working with the team at Electric Traction Ltd to accomplish the goal to see 89001 operational on the main line again, and to give all of you out there the chance to experience 89001 on the main line with our Intercity programme will be 100% worth all the effort”. Glenn Edwards, from ETL, said: “We’ve worked long and hard on 89001 since purchasing the locomotive in 2006. Being unique has caused plenty of challenges for our technical team but we’ve always had main line running as a longterm objective.

“With the assistance of our partners at Locomotive Service Ltd, we will now be able to achieve this. We’d also like to thank the AC Locomotive Group volunteers who have helped out by working on 89001 at Barrow Hill.”

The ACLG has been working to return 89001 to operational condition for a number of years, with the locomotive undergoing testing under its own power at Soho Depot in Birmingham during 2021, although it suffered traction motor issues during the tests and has been undergoing repairs since. 89001 hauled ECML services for two separate periods before it was withdrawn by GNER in 2004.