Locomotive Services Ltd & Electric Traction Ltd are pleased to announce a new partnership with one goal in mind …. to return 89001 ‘Avocet’ to full mainline operational condition.
Whilst the locomotive will remain under the ownership of Electric Traction Ltd, Locomotive Services Ltd have agreed to fund the final works required to complete the rebuild of 89001. This final push over the finishing line will see this unique Locomotive once again haul a full rake of Intercity coaches on the mainline, following fitment of mandatory safety systems and completion of other works.
Once required certifications are in place, Avocet will operate with Locomotive Services Limited for a period of five years, predominately hauling rail tours for https://inter-city.co.uk/
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.”
We will provide regular updates on the progress of the Locomotive in coming months, leading up to an announcement of a first tour date for the Locomotive. In the meantime visit https://inter-city.co.uk/ to view our fantastic 2022 programme and please support the brand by travelling with us, so that we can continue to invest in UK Railway Heritage.
The Badger will return.