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Future of the Class 89

PYROOGOBBO

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wikipedia isn't saying a lot, and it'd be amazing to at least see this on a charter run, any news at all about the possibility of the class 89 being allowed a run out to track or will it just remain static until it fades away or is scrapped?
 
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TimboM

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wikipedia isn't saying a lot, and it'd be amazing to at least see this on a charter run, any news at all about the possibility of the class 89 being allowed a run out to track or will it just remain static until it fades away or is scrapped?

As per link from mph1977 you'll find out far more about how 89001 is getting on via AC Loco Group's own website (and their YouTube videos) than you will on 'wonderful' Wiki.

Bearing in mind these are the folks who own 87002, 86101 and 86401 which work the Caledonian Sleeper ECS most nights - and admirably step in on the full Sleeper runs when called upon - I have every faith they'll get 89001 to at least some form of working order :)
 

Roast Veg

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The Caledonian sleeper working is what's paying for it, work seems to be progressing well and their communication about the work done/required is very interesting.
 

Tim R-T-C

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Fascinating to read about the work they are doing.

Does anyone know the planned result - are they expecting a full mainline return like the 86/87 or excursion work only?
 

CosherB

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Fascinating to read about the work they are doing.

Does anyone know the planned result - are they expecting a full mainline return like the 86/87 or excursion work only?

I'd hope they treat it carefully - there will be no runs to Scotland and back during the hours of darkness!
 

Polarbear

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I for one hope that they mange to get the "badger" back into running order & out on the mainline. I'd certainly pay good money to have another run behind it.

I have happy memories of one or two phenomenal runs on the ECML with 89001.:D
 

Tim R-T-C

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It used to run Bradford FS services IIRC during the GNER period but everytime I went to see it, I just got a 91, so never actually seen 89001. Hoping to see it out one day.
 

route:oxford

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Will the scrapping of the Eurostar sets, or in due course the 91s, release any useful heritage electronics or mechanics for the 89?
 

TimboM

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Will the scrapping of the Eurostar sets, or in due course the 91s, release any useful heritage electronics or mechanics for the 89?

I'd be surprised if they did - I don't think the 89 has much in common with the 91s and has very little in common with the Class 373 Eurostar (AFAIK). There's more of the 89's design and electronics that made its way into the Class 9 Euroshuttle locos and the Class 92s.

Added to that 89001 is a unique prototype, so a fair bit of what's in it is probably one-of-a-kind too.

As per the website, it would appear that spare/new parts they need they're either reconditioning the existing ones, or having bespoke new parts manufactured. After what appears to be a bit of negotiating, Brush (Wabtec) have allowed them access to the original design documents, which I'm sure will be useful too.
 

TimboM

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I dare say you're right. When does the new stock arrive?

Before 89001 will be ready! ;)

Think the first stock for testing/training etc is due Autumn this year, then due to be phased into service from c.April 2018, starting with the Lowlander.

Now if ACLG could find a way of ramping up 89001's ETS... (I doubt it's feasible though...)
 
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jonathan01n

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I hope VTEC could use the class 89 (along with other classic trains such as Deltics) on special days for fundraising purpose.:D
 

TimboM

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Can't be that tricky surely, it's plugged in after all! :D

If there's a way they can I'm sure GBRf would be very interested in hiring it. It's 92s or nothing otherwise once the new stock comes in.

I'm not sure though that the AC Loco Group's plan is to have the 86s/87 on Sleeper (shunting/ECS) duties to help fund the 89001 restoration so it can be... a Sleeper ECS/shunting loco too..?? Although, I'm sure after all that work they'd like to see it used regularly if possible.

I reckon it'd look good in the CS teal livery though... ;)
 
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alexl92

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Given that the 92s are the only current locos with a high enough ETS to work the new stock (have to confess I don't know what the 88s have), is there any prospect of CS adding a generator van to allow other locos to haul the sleeper?
 

CosherB

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Given that the 92s are the only current locos with a high enough ETS to work the new stock (have to confess I don't know what the 88s have), is there any prospect of CS adding a generator van to allow other locos to haul the sleeper?

Simple answer. No.
 

gazthomas

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Could we see a new life for the 91's on the sleeper? ETH is only 95 though
 
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TimboM

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CosherB is correct - 108 is on third rail, 180 on 25kv... [Data plate on 92014 for reference (photo courtesy Leo Martin) https://flic.kr/p/HEmWyQ ]

Can't recall the expected ETS demand of the new Caley Sleeper stock (full 16 coaches) but seem to recall it's c.120-150; either way well in excess of anything other than a 92 on 25kv - including the 89.

...anyway see my post above :)
 
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Cowley

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I hope this isn't a silly question but (here goes), with the scale of work being done on 89001 and the money it could potentially earn if used on the Caley Sleepers would it be worth or even possible to upgrade the ETS so that it could work them? What I suppose I mean is would it be technically possible?
Or is it just how it is and let's be happy that it may at some point be an excellent railtour locomotive?
Thanks in advance technical and knowledgeable types for your informed and friendly replies. ;)
 

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