Mainline operator confirmed for Class 89 ‘Badger’ locomotive

Electric Traction Ltd along with Locomotive Services Ltd have announced a new partnership which will see Class 89 No. 89001 ‘Avocet’ return to mainline operation.

Whilst 89001 will remain under ownership of Electric Traction Ltd, Locomotive Services Ltd have agreed to fund the final work needed on the rebuild of 89001.

This will mean that we will see this unique livery hauling a full rake of Intercity Coaches on the mainline once all safety systems have been fitted.

Predominately hauling railtours for InterCity, 89001 Avocet will operate with Locomotive Services Ltd for a period of 5 years.

LSL’s AC Locomotive Engineer, Robert Fenner commented; “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 whilst 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 their goal to see 89001 operational on the mainline again and to give all of you out there the chance to experience 89001 on the mainline with our Intercity program will be 100% worth all the effort”.

Electric Traction Ltd’s Glenn Edwards 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 mainline running as a long-term 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.”

Updates will be provided on the work being completed on 89001 with an announcement in due course on what tour 89001 will haul first.

You can see plans for InterCity in 2022 by clicking here.

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