On 18 and 20 March 2026, 89001 worked its first loaded test runs in preservation, after obtaining unrestricted approval to run on the main line network, between Crewe and Tebay and return. The train load was provided by Locomotive Services Ltd vehicles and consisted of Mk.3 Driving Van Trailer 82139, six Mk.3 carriages and electric locomotive 86101 dead in train as backup. 89001 was run-round the train at Tebay to ensure that both driving cabs were fully exercised during these test runs.
89001 and 90001 shared test runs between Crewe and Preston on 17 June 2026, with 89001 working northbound and 90001 working southbound.