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British Rail Class 89
British Rail Class 89
British Rail Class 89
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British Rail Class 89
89001 in GNER livery at Doncaster Works in July 2003
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
DesignerBrush Traction
BuilderBREL Crewe Works
Serial number875[1]
Build date1986
Total produced1
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICCo′Co′
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Wheel diameter1.070 m (3 ft 6.1 in)[2]
Minimum curve80 m (262 ft 6 in)[2]
Wheelbase15.100 m (49 ft 6.5 in)[2] ​
 • Axle spacing
(Asymmetrical)
  • Axles 1–2 and 5–6:
    2.100 m (6 ft 10.7 in)[2]
  • Axles 2–3 and 4–5:
    2.300 m (7 ft 6.6 in)[2]
 • Bogie4.400 m (14 ft 5.2 in)[2]
Pivot centres10.900 m (35 ft 9.1 in)[2]
Length19.798 m (64 ft 11.4 in) (over buffers)[2]
Width2.736 m (8 ft 11.7 in)[2]
Height:
​
 • Pantograph3.977 m (13 ft 0.6 in)[2]
 • Body height3.810 m (12 ft 6.0 in)[2]
Axle load17.6 t (17.4 LT; 19.4 ST)[2]
Loco weight105 t (103 LT; 116 ST)[2]
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead
Current pickupsPantograph
(Brecknell Willis high speed)[3]
Traction motors6 × Brush Traction TM 2201A[3][2] ​
 • Continuous808 A per motor[2]
MU workingTDM[4]
Train heatingElectric Train Supply, index 95
(510 kVA at 893 V AC)[2][3]
Loco brakeAir and rheostatic[2]
Train brakesAir[2]
Safety systemsAWS[5]
CouplersBuckeye[6]
Performance figures
Maximum speed
  • Design:
  • 125 mph (201 km/h)[2]
  • Service:
  • 110 mph (177 km/h)[3]
Power output:
​
 • Continuous4,286 kW (5,748 hp) at rails[2]
Tractive effort:
​
 • Starting205 kN (46,000 lbf)[2]
 • Continuous105 kN (24,000 lbf) at 91 mph (147 km/h)[2]
Brakeforce53% of loco weight (inc. rheostatic brake)[2]
Career
Operators
Class89
Numbers89001
Nicknames
  • Aardvark
  • Badger
Axle load classRoute Availability 6[3]
Locale
Delivered2 October 1986
First run9 February 1987
Withdrawn
  • July 1992 (BR)
  • October 2000 (GNER)
Current ownerAC Locomotive Group
DispositionPreserved

The British Rail Class 89 is a prototype electric locomotive. Only one was built, in 1986, by British Rail Engineering Limited's Crewe Works. It was used on test trains on both the West Coast and East Coast Main Lines. The locomotive was fitted with advanced power control systems and developed more than 6,000 bhp (4,500 kW). After being withdrawn in 1992, it was returned to service in 1996, before being again withdrawn in 2000. After overhaul, it completed a series of mainline test runs in October 2025.

Design

[edit]

The Class 89 locomotive was designed by Brush Traction, Loughborough to meet a specification issued by British Rail. BR subsequently changed the requirements of this specification, but not before Brush had committed to building the prototype locomotive.

The locomotive has six DC traction motors. The main armature current for all the motors is fed from a common thyristor drive, with each motor having an independent field current controller. The field current controllers comprise a two quadrant chopper inside a thyristor bridge. The bipolar transistor based choppers provide a fast fine control of motor torque for electric braking and slip control, while the thyristor bridge is used to invert the field current polarity.

History

[edit]
89001 in original InterCity livery at Eaton Crossing

The specification for the locomotive was laid out in mid 1981, which then went out to tender in April 1982.[7] The contract to build the locomotive was awarded to Brush in June 1983, with BREL Crewe as the nominated subcontractor and delivery planned for September 1985.[7]

The locomotive was built at British Rail Engineering Limited's Crewe Works in 1986, emerging and being initially delivered to Derby Litchurch Lane Works on 2 October 1986.[8][9][10] The Class 89 was then transferred by road to Brush Traction at Loughborough for static testing and commissioning.[4]

The locomotive was taken to Crewe Electric TMD on 9 February 1987. The following day, it first ran under its own power, inside the depot perimeter.[7] The first lone run on the mainline was on 20 February 1987.[10] On 6 March 1987, the locomotive visited the Railway Technical Centre for weighing and other tests.[7] 89001 was moved to the Old Dalby Test Track for evaluation and pantograph tuning on 13 April 1987.[7][11] The locomotive was initially allocated to Crewe Electric depot for trials along the West Coast Main Line.[3] Main line running between Crewe, Willesden and Carlisle was performed with the BREL International rake of Mark 3 coaches, along with measurement coaches.[7] Following successful testing, 89001 was transferred to Hornsey on 9 December 1987, having been run for 11,500 mi (18,500 km) by that point.[7] The locomotive was later transferred to Bounds Green, for passenger services on the East Coast Main Line.[3] In May 1988 the locomotive returned to Old Dalby for braking trials.[11] On 22 May 1988, 89001 along with a Class 90, Class 91 and Class 150 left for Hamburg for display at the International Traffic and Transport Exhibition, returning on 17 June 1988.[6][12]

On 3 July 1988, the locomotive hauled the Mallard 50th anniversary special from London King's Cross, along with the return journey.[7] The locomotive began regular passenger service from London King's Cross to Peterborough on 15 July 1988.[7] As the development of the ECML Electrification continued, the engine was painted into the new style InterCity Swallow livery and named Avocet, in recognition of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB),[6] by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on 16 January 1989 at King's Cross station.[13] After the ceremony the locomotive hauled a special train conveying the RSPB president Magnus Magnusson, along with other VIPs, to Sandy.[14] Passenger use continued on the ECML until 5 March 1989, a week before the Class 91s entered service on the diagrams.

89001 suffered a serious failure and was withdrawn from traffic in July 1992.[15][3] At the time of its failure it was still owned by British Rail and Brush had no contractual obligation with regard to it. Additionally, having received no orders from BR in return for their design investment, there was little incentive for Brush to construct spare parts for it. BR had written off the locomotive financially as part of the ECML development; thus it was seen as surplus and of nil value as an asset. As such, the locomotive was sidelined.

It was saved for preservation at the Midland Railway Centre by a group of Brush Traction employees.[15] During this period of ownership the locomotive appeared at every major British Rail depot open day, in a slowly deteriorating Intercity Swallow livery.

Legacy

[edit]

It was hoped that the Class 89 design would be used for electric locomotives for the Channel Tunnel and some investigation was undertaken. It was also hoped the Class 89 would be a viable Class 86 replacement; however an upgraded version of the Class 87 was ordered instead, as the Class 90.

Ultimately only technology and ideas from 89001's internal design were used in the Class 9 Eurotunnel locomotives, and some similarity in electronics lives on today in the Class 92 locomotive design. Brush did eventually win the contracts to build Channel Tunnel locomotives, and similarities between these and 89001 enabled suitable spares to be constructed.

GNER ownership

[edit]

In 1996 the InterCity East Coast franchise was won by the Great North Eastern Railway (GNER). Suffering from a motive power shortage, it purchased 89001 and repaired it for use on London to Leeds and Bradford services, investing £100,000 in an overhaul.[16] It was also repainted in the GNER blue and orange livery.[17] The locomotive returned to service in March 1997.[18] However, in October 2000 the locomotive again suffered a major failure and was withdrawn from traffic. Its future was again in doubt, and it was laid up at Doncaster Works. It moved to Bounds Green TMD in December 2001 for use as a depot generator, before returning to Doncaster.[19]

In December 2004 the locomotive was moved into the care of the AC Locomotive Group at Barrow Hill Engine Shed for secure storage.[20] With the overhaul of the British Rail Class 91 fleet complete, along with the availability of Class 373 trains for lease, 89001 was seen as a one-off asset with little economic value.

Preservation

[edit]
89001 at Barrow Hill Engine Shed in September 2011

In October 2006 GNER put 89001 up for sale, with a six-week deadline for bids. The AC Locomotive Group launched an appeal and fundraising effort to save the locomotive, which was ultimately successful, and purchased it in December 2006.[21] The locomotive was mostly complete, although a number of major components required expensive overhaul before it could run on the main line again. A thorough survey was undertaken to establish exactly what was required and costs drawn up. Cosmetic work in 2007 saw the loco return to its original InterCity Executive colour scheme. Electrical restoration work focused on repairing and/or refurbishing the items that led to the locomotive being withdrawn from service, namely the traction motors and their associated field converter electronics. The locomotive was lifted by Harry Needle Railroad Company at Barrow Hill Engine Shed in December 2010 and three traction motors were removed, including the one known to be faulty. In February 2011 these were being examined at Bowers to allow repair cost estimates to be made. Two of the field converters were removed, one being faulty, and again repair estimates were sought. Initially it was intended, as funds became available, to allow one power group (i.e. one bogie) to become fully operational.

On 30 April 2020 the locomotive was moved from Barrow Hill Engine Shed to Toton TMD to be repainted.[22] It was outshopped in Intercity Swallow Livery.[23] In October 2020 it was hauled to Soho TMD for testing.[24] In December 2021, the AC Locomotive Group announced it had formed a new partnership with Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) that would see the remaining tasks in the overhaul completed and 89001 returned to the mainline. The overhaul was completed in 2025 and a series of mainline test runs between Crewe and Stafford was made in September 2025.[25]

Models

[edit]

Class 89 89001 is being made as a kit and as a ready-to-run model in OO gauge by Silver Fox Models.[26]

In 2020, Accurascale announced their intention to manufacture a ready-to-run model in OO gauge to be sold as a Rails of Sheffield Exclusive Model.[27][28]

Other uses of Class 89

[edit]

Since 1989, numbers in the Class 89 range have been used to register preserved mainline-accredited diesel and electric locomotives, except shunters, on TOPS and its successor systems.[29] These locomotives can continue to display their historic numbers, but are identified in industry data systems by their 89xxx identity.

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

British Rail Class 89

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The British Rail Class 89 is a unique prototype AC , numbered 89001, designed by with mechanical construction subcontracted to (BREL) at and completed in 1986. Intended as the forerunner to a new class for express passenger services on the electrified (ECML), it featured a streamlined body profiled to match Mk 3 coaches, Co-Co , buckeye couplers with rubbing plates, and a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h), making it suitable for both passenger and freight duties. Following successful testing on the West Coast and East Coast Main Lines in 1987, the locomotive entered in 1988 but saw its proposed fleet production cancelled due to British Rail's shift toward fixed-formation trainsets like the Class 91 and Mk 4 coaches for the ECML electrification project. Withdrawn in 1992 amid sectorization and privatization changes, it was stored before being reactivated in 1997 for use by (GNER) on ECML services, but withdrawn again around 2000 due to reliability issues; it remained in storage until sold in 2006 amid fleet modernization. The Class 89's advanced thyristor-controlled DC traction motors and power electronics influenced later designs, including the Class 92 and locomotives, though its short operational life highlighted the challenges of development in a rapidly changing rail industry. Named on 16 January 1989, the sole survivor escaped scrapping twice and was purchased for preservation by the AC Locomotive Group in 2006. Following overhaul, it completed mainline test runs in September 2025 and returned to operational status.

Design and Development

Background and Specifications

The British Rail Class 89 was developed in the early 1980s by Brush Traction as a prototype electric locomotive to support British Rail's electrification expansion, particularly for the East Coast Main Line (ECML) from London to Edinburgh. Intended as a versatile mixed-traffic design capable of hauling express passenger, parcels, and freight services at high speeds, it responded to a 1981 specification tendered in 1982, with Brush awarded the contract in 1983. The project aimed to create a fleet of advanced AC electrics to replace aging diesel locomotives on newly wired routes, though changing requirements ultimately limited production to a single unit. Construction of the sole prototype, numbered 89001, was subcontracted to (BREL) at , where it was completed and delivered in October 1986. The locomotive featured a Co′Co′ with six powered axles across two three-axle bogies, optimized for stability at high speeds and on mixed-traffic duties. It operated on the standard 25 kV AC overhead system, using a single for current collection. Key performance specifications included a continuous power output of 4,350 kW (5,850 hp) at the rail, delivered through six TM2201A separately excited DC traction motors. The design speed was 125 mph (201 km/h), though operational limits were set at 110 mph (177 km/h) for service reliability, with a total weight of 105 tonnes to balance power and route compatibility. The body adopted a streamlined profile to match Mk 3 coaching stock, complete with buckeye couplers and rubbing plates for seamless integration with passenger formations in locomotive-hauled or push-pull configurations. This featured thyristor-based control for efficient power management.

Technical Features

The British Rail Class 89 featured an advanced -based system that enabled step-less regulation of the traction motors, providing smooth acceleration and precise power delivery across varying load conditions. This system utilized banks of with phase-angle control to convert the 25 kV AC supply into DC for the motors, allowing for efficient operation without the stepped control limitations of earlier -based designs. The traction system comprised six separately excited DC traction motors arranged in a Co-Co configuration, fed from a common via secondary windings, with individual field controllers for each motor to enhance slip and slide protection while optimizing efficiency during mixed-traffic duties. Braking on the Class 89 integrated regenerative and rheostatic capabilities through its innovative control electronics, where the two-quadrant choppers in the field controllers provided rapid modulation for electric braking, reversing field current via bridges to recover back to the overhead lines. This combined approach, supplemented by air brakes with electro-pneumatic (EP) actuation, minimized wear on mechanical components and supported seamless transitions between regenerative recovery and rheostatic dissipation when grid absorption was unavailable. These features contributed to its design emphasis on reliability for versatile freight and passenger services, offering lower maintenance requirements compared to the Class 87 and Class 90 through simplified electronics and individual motor controls that reduced downtime from wheel slip issues. The overall power output reached 4,350 kW, underscoring its capability for demanding mixed-traffic roles.

Operational History

British Rail Testing and Service

The prototype Class 89 electric , numbered 89001, was constructed at Engineering Limited's and delivered by rail to Centre on 2 1986 for initial evaluation. Following static testing at Brush Traction's Loughborough facility, where a defective axle caused a brief delay, the returned to on 4 February 1987 to commence dynamic trials. Its first mainline run occurred on 20 February 1987, marking the start of revenue-earning operations on both the (WCML) and (ECML). Extensive performance and acceptance tests followed, including load hauls on the WCML between Carlisle and , and aerodynamic evaluations of the pantograph at the in April 1987, where speeds up to 100 mph were achieved. Allocated to Electric Depot, 89001 entered limited primarily on the ECML, handling parcels traffic, engineering trains, and occasional passenger workings such as the King's Cross to route starting on 15 July 1988. It participated in trials, including King's Cross to diagrams using a Train Description Module (TDM) system for compatibility with multiple-unit operations, and was showcased at the International Railway Vehicle Exhibition (IVA88) in in May 1988. On 16 January 1989, the locomotive was officially named during a ceremony at , highlighting its role in British Rail's proposals. In service, it routinely attained speeds of 110 mph, demonstrating its capability for mixed-traffic duties, though early issues contributed to frequent downtime and reliability concerns. The Class 89 program, intended as a versatile mixed-traffic design for the ECML , was ultimately canceled due to constraints and the onset of British Rail's sectorization and processes in the early . Multiple mechanical failures, including thyristor-related problems, led to 89001 being stored out of use by 1990, culminating in its formal withdrawal from service in 1992. During its brief operational period under , the locomotive accumulated significant trial and service mileage, underscoring its potential despite the production halt.

GNER Operations

In 1996, (GNER), facing a shortage of motive power on the (ECML), acquired the sole British Rail Class 89 locomotive, No. 89001, from storage at the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley. The purchase was made through GNER's parent company, , with the locomotive undergoing a light overhaul at at a cost of £100,000 before being repainted in GNER's dark blue livery. It returned to revenue-earning passenger service in March 1997, hauling Mk3 coach sets and marking its transition from prototype testing to commercial operations under private sector management. The was primarily deployed on express passenger services from London King's Cross to and Bradford Forster Square, operating alongside GNER's Class 91 fleet to provide additional capacity during peak periods. It was frequently top-and-tailed with a Class 91 , utilizing through driver multiple control (TDM) for enhanced reliability and operational flexibility on these routes. Crews and enthusiasts nicknamed the "The " due to its distinctive slanted front end design, which resembled the animal's snout, and it was noted for its smooth, quiet ride in service. This role supplemented GNER's existing electric and diesel formations, including High Speed Trains (HSTs) on semi-electrified segments of the ECML network. Over its three-and-a-half years of GNER service, No. 89001 covered significant mileage while demonstrating the Class 89's potential for mixed-traffic duties on the 25 kV AC electrified ECML, though its single-unit status limited scalability. However, reliability issues persisted from its origins; in October 2000, it suffered a major failure while working a Leeds-bound service, leading to its withdrawal from traffic. The incident highlighted ongoing maintenance challenges, and despite earlier repairs, the locomotive was stored at thereafter, ending its brief commercial revival.

Withdrawal and Later Use

Storage and Initial Withdrawal

Following a serious failure, 89001 was withdrawn from traffic in July 1992 while still under ownership. It was subsequently stored at until late 1996, when it was purchased privately by , the parent company of the Great North Eastern Railway (GNER), amid a motive power shortage on the . After suffering a transformer failure in October 2000 during GNER service, 89001 was taken out of operation and placed into storage at . In December 2001, it was relocated to TMD, where it served briefly as a depot generator. During 2002, the functioned as a static carriage power supply at before being returned to for ongoing storage. By 2003, 89001 entered further storage, with the AC Locomotive Group assuming care of the locomotive at Barrow Hill at the end of , prior to formal ownership transfer. It remained GNER property throughout this period until October 2006, when the operator placed it up for sale; the AC Locomotive Group successfully acquired it in December 2006 following a public fundraising appeal.

Post-2000 Developments

Following its storage at in 2003, the unique British Rail Class 89 locomotive No. 89001 was relocated by road to Barrow Hill Engine Shed on 17 December 2004, entering the care of the AC Locomotive Group for secure storage on behalf of GNER. This move ensured the prototype's protection amid uncertain future plans for the East Coast franchise, with the group providing maintenance to keep it presentable. In December 2006, the AC Locomotive Group successfully purchased 89001 outright from GNER after two years of custodianship, securing its long-term preservation. Early activities by the group included a full repaint in 2007 to restore the original Executive livery, enhancing its appearance for static display and volunteer-led upkeep at Barrow Hill. The locomotive remained based there, benefiting from ongoing cosmetic attention by group members to address weathering from prior storage conditions. Further progress came in 2018 when the bogies were overhauled, including fitting new axle bearings, dampers, and overhauled traction motors, before being reinstalled to improve structural integrity. By 2020, 89001 had achieved a cosmetically restored state in its heritage livery but remained non-operational, with volunteers focusing on preservation rather than full mechanical revival. In December 2021, the group announced a partnership with Locomotive Services Limited and Electric Traction Ltd to fund and complete the restoration, aiming for eventual mainline operation. Restoration efforts continued after 2021; in 2022, the locomotive was relocated to (its original construction site, now operated by UK Rail Leasing) where traction motors were reinstalled and additional work undertaken. Testing commenced in July 2024 following installation of new safety systems. The overhaul was completed in 2025, culminating in mainline test runs between and in September 2025.

Preservation and Restoration

Acquisition by AC Locomotive Group

The AC Locomotive Group was established in late 1996 as the United Kingdom's sole preservation society dedicated to safeguarding (AC) electric locomotives, with a focus on rescuing the final surviving examples of key classes from withdrawal and scrappage. This initiative arose amid the ongoing projects and the phasing out of early AC designs, aiming to maintain their historical significance through custody, maintenance, and eventual operational revival for heritage operations and potential mainline appearances. In December 2004, following prior storage at , the sole British Rail Class 89 , No. 89001, was transferred into the group's custodianship at Barrow Hill Engine Shed for secure off-site storage on behalf of its owner, (GNER). This arrangement provided a stable environment during GNER's operational hiatus for the , following its withdrawal from service in 2001 after suffering a major failure. By October 2006, as GNER—then under ' ownership—decided to dispose of surplus assets, No. 89001 was formally offered for sale with a tight bidding deadline. The group responded by initiating the "89 Appeal," a public campaign that garnered widespread support from enthusiasts and members, enabling the successful acquisition of the in December 2006 and securing its long-term preservation. Upon acquisition, the group's primary objectives centered on returning No. 89001 to fully operational status, allowing it to participate in heritage rail events and, where feasible, chartered mainline runs to demonstrate its advanced engineering features. To fund these ambitions, the organization emphasized membership drives, donation appeals, and participation in railway galas, building on the momentum from the recent purchase campaign to sustain ongoing care. Early efforts post-acquisition included formalizing secure storage arrangements at Barrow Hill, a heritage depot affiliated with the group, alongside basic protective measures such as weathering covers and periodic inspections to prevent deterioration. Public engagement was prioritized through outreach initiatives, including open days at the shed and media coverage of the appeal's success, which helped foster community interest in AC electric heritage. In the immediate aftermath, volunteers cosmetically restored the to its original livery, enhancing its visual appeal for display and future events. These initial years were marked by significant challenges, including constrained financial resources that limited activities to essential maintenance rather than comprehensive overhauls, with all work dependent on a dedicated but small cadre of volunteer members. No substantial mechanical interventions occurred until the , as the group focused on stabilizing the asset and expanding its support base amid broader economic pressures on volunteer-led preservation efforts.

2025 Overhaul and Test Runs

In November 2022, British Rail Class 89 locomotive No. 89001 was relocated to UK Rail Leasing's facility at Falcon Works in for a comprehensive overhaul to prepare it for mainline operation. The project, managed by the AC Locomotive Group in collaboration with UK Rail Leasing, involved reinstalling the six traction motors, fitting a new , and undertaking various electrical upgrades to restore full functionality. The overhaul was completed in 2025, enabling the to undergo testing for mainline use. Following successful safety assessments, including load testing of all traction motors in 2024, No. 89001 received approval to commence mainline runs. The first mainline test runs occurred on the nights of 29–30 September and 30 September–1 October 2025, consisting of return journeys between and . Operating light engine under its own power for the first time in over 25 years, the was supported by Class 90 No. 90001 as a backup unit during these movements, designated as 0Z81, 0Z83, and 0Z84. The tests evaluated performance over extended distances and at higher speeds, confirming the locomotive's restored capabilities without incident. As of November 2025, No. 89001 is fully operational following the successful test program and is scheduled for appearances at heritage rail events, with potential mainline charter operations in development to align with the AC Group's preservation objectives.

Legacy and Influence

Design Impacts

The British Rail Class 89 introduced advanced control and rheostatic braking systems that marked a significant evolution in technology, offering improved power management compared to earlier s. These features contributed to shaping subsequent developments, with ideas and internal technology influencing the Class 92 locomotives introduced in 1994 for operations and the variants. Despite its innovative potential, the Class 89 faced missed opportunities that curtailed its broader adoption; it was initially proposed as part of a mixed-traffic fleet for the (ECML) to replace aging locomotives, but the timing coincided with British Rail's privatization in the early , leading to its rejection in favor of more conventional options like the sets. This shift not only halted plans for a full fleet but also redirected resources away from the Class 89's versatile six-axle configuration, which had been optimized for both high-speed passenger and heavy freight duties. The Class 89's broader contributions lie in its testing of advanced mixed-traffic concepts, demonstrating the feasibility of a single type handling diverse roles on electrified routes like the ECML and , thereby advancing technology. Post-prototype evaluations highlighted its potential for efficiency gains over the Class 87 through better adhesion, reduced wear, and energy recuperation, though economic constraints of the — including high development costs and uncertain freight volumes—rendered it "too advanced" for widespread implementation, resulting in no production fleet. These analyses underscored the Class 89's role in advancing technology, even as fragmented further innovation in unified designs.

Numbering and Other Uses

The British Rail Class 89 was designated under the TOPS (Total Operations Processing System) classification as 89/0, a category established in the 1973 TOPS framework for a proposed series of mixed-traffic AC electric locomotives capable of operating under 25 kV AC electrification. Although the class was envisioned for broader production, only a single prototype, numbered 89001, was constructed in 1986 by at , and this unique number was retained throughout its operational and preservation life. Following the limited utilization of the 89xxx numbering range during British Rail's era, the designation "Class 89" has been informally repurposed since 1989 for preserved mainline-accredited diesel and electric locomotives operating on heritage lines or under special mainline certification, addressing gaps in the TOPS numbering scheme for non-standard stock. This reuse applies to locomotives where original TOPS numbers are reallocated in the 89xxx series, with the third digit indicating the power classification (e.g., 1 for Type 1, up to 5 for Type 5) and the final two digits typically reflecting the last two of the pre-TOPS or original TOPS number to avoid duplication. Examples include the preserved English Electric Type 4 D1062 (original Class 46), allocated 89462, and the Type 2 D7562 (original Class 25), allocated 89262. Administratively, this numbering convention presents no conflict with the original Class 89 , as preserved locomotives primarily operate off the national network on heritage railways or receive temporary mainline access via the Library (RSL) managed by , which employs distinct tracking classifications separate from active fleet numbers. The 89001, now under preservation, maintains its historical 89001 identity without interference. In enthusiast communities, the dual application of "Class 89" occasionally leads to minor confusion between the electric and preserved diesels using the 89xxx series, though official records from bodies like the RSL and heritage operators clearly distinguish the contexts based on operational status and historical allocation.

Models

Scale Reproductions

The British Rail Class 89 has garnered interest among model railway enthusiasts, particularly in (1:76 scale), where several options exist for both kit builders and those seeking ready-to-run (RTR) models. Silver Fox Models offers an etched brass kit for the Class 89, introduced in the 1990s, which includes detailed components for assembly on a compatible such as a modified Hornby or Class 47. In 2022, Accurascale announced a highly detailed RTR model of the Class 89 in partnership with Rails of Sheffield, with production and delivery in 2025, featuring accurate representations of the prototype's control grilles and buckeye couplers, along with all-wheel drive and motorized pantographs. This model is available in liveries including the Executive and GNER variants, the latter reflecting the locomotive's operations under from 1996. Prices for the Accurascale RTR versions typically range from £229.99 to £329.99 (as of November 2025) depending on the DCC configuration and retailer. Options in other scales are more limited due to the prototype's rarity as a single-unit class. In N gauge (1:148 scale), interest has been expressed through expressions of interest campaigns, such as Revolution Trains' 2020 proposal, but no commercial RTR or kit releases have materialized to date. No dedicated models exist in (1:87) or larger formats, reflecting the locomotive's niche status among prototype enthusiasts. These scale reproductions are popular for layouts depicting (ECML) operations, where the Class 89's high-speed capabilities can be simulated. Following the locomotive's overhaul and successful mainline test runs in September/October 2025, model manufacturers may introduce updated liveries or variants in future years.

References

  1. https://aclocogroup.co.uk/index.php/history-introduction/ac-history-3rd-generation-locos/class-history-89
  2. https://www.keymodelworld.com/article/reality-check-class-89-electric-locomotive
  3. https://www.aclocogroup.co.uk/index.php/the-locomotives-summary/89001
  4. https://www.facebook.com/LocomotiveServicesGroup/posts/-class-89-avocet-returns-to-the-mainline-were-thrilled-to-share-a-major-mileston/803048118895415/
  5. https://topstastic.blogspot.com/2024/06/class-89.html
  6. http://www.traintesting.com/Class_89.htm
  7. https://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1988/1177/1177-007.pdf
  8. https://aclocogroup.co.uk/index.php/the-locomotives-summary/89001
  9. https://spotlog.org/locolist/class/UK/89
  10. https://silverfoxmodels.co.uk/class-89-co-co-british-rail-crewe/
  11. https://www.railwayherald.com/imagingcentre/view/660743/TM
  12. http://www.old-dalby.com/Class_89.htm
  13. https://www.aclocogroup.co.uk/index.php/preservation/ac-preservation-2000-to-2009/ac-preservation-2004
  14. https://www.aclocogroup.co.uk/index.php/the-locomotives-summary
  15. http://ukrailways1970tilltoday.me.uk/BarrowHill2007-class20s-event_3.html
  16. https://www.aclocogroup.co.uk/index.php/latest-news/108-class-89-december-2018-update
  17. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/12/mainline-operator-confirmed-for-class-89-badger-locomotive.html
  18. https://www.railmagazine.com/news/2024/09/06/main-line-bound-class-89-at-crewe
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e2KYehR6M0
  20. https://www.aclocogroup.co.uk/index.php/more-information/about-the-group
  21. https://www.aclocogroup.co.uk/index.php/history-introduction
  22. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2022/11/class-89-locomotive-to-move-to-loughborough-for-fitting-of-mainline-equipment.html
  23. https://www.aclocogroup.co.uk/index.php/latest-news/149-89001-mainline-testing
  24. https://gb.readly.com/magazines/railways-illustrated/2024-07-30/669e57dcdd25ef284a0e4ab6
  25. https://features.rcts.org.uk/locomotives/tops-class-89/
  26. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/15129-tops-numbers-for-locomotives-that-never-had-them-painted-on/
  27. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/72749-silver-fox-models-class-89-reviews/
  28. https://railsofsheffield.com/collections/accurascale-class-89
  29. https://www.accurascale.com/products/br-class-89-89001-gner-white-lettering
  30. https://www.keymodelworld.com/article/accurascales-badger-class-89-oo-gauge
  31. https://www.accurascale.com/products/br-class-89-89001-intercity-swallow-present-day
  32. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/155011-revolution-trains-looking-for-eoi-for-a-br-class-89-in-n-gauge/
  33. https://www.hattons.co.uk/directory/vehicledetails/1453068/class_89
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w25BI9qp3tU
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