Class 87 on the GWML

[tomsy47]

So I had to do a double take just now as I’ve just seen a Class 87 at the loop near Hayes and Harlington with its pan up. It’s got me wondering, since the GWML has been energised, have there been any unusual AC locos or units running on the route. I still can’t think how it got there as I don’t think there’s any OLE link to other routes??

 

[FGW_DID]

87002 is showing on a tops list as working:

0Z12 Wembley LHS - Didcot West End!

Hellfire!

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

It will then haul the final leg of a Victoria-Bridgend-Paddington charter this evening. Hellfire indeed!

 

[EE Andy b1]

Probably dragged by a diesel, a Class 66 from Willesden.

Doing a charity railtour with GBRf

http://gbrfcharityrailtours.co.uk/railtours/gb18d1

 

[NSEFAN]

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55333/2018/09/20/advanced

It will be hauling this train from Didcot West End to Paddington this evening.

 

[Mag_seven]

Just seen it pass through Twyford - heading to Reading now to see it pass through there. Its under its own power!

 

[EE Andy b1]

Just seen it pass through Twyford - heading to Reading now to see it pass through there. Its under its own power!

A nice first.
Could you post any piccies of the 87.

 

[The_Train]

Oh good lord, there is an 87 out there working on the mainline and I'm sat miles away from it watching hollyoaks

Edit: we definitely need some pics

 

[FGW_DID]

Currently sat in Kennet Loop at Reading, booked there until 19:16. Due Didcot just after 20:00.

 

[FGW_DID]

From my mate at work:
87002 passes Reading TCD

 

[tomsy47]

So I wasn’t going mad!! I did have a tough day at work so was wondering. I’m at Didcot now so try and get somewhere close by to see it pass.

 

[gazthomas]

Yes, I'm on the railtour at Didcot West with 87002 just about to drop on to take me to Paddington. Hellfire indeed. I will take a picture

 

[Mag_seven]

Could you post any piccies of the 87.

Not from me I'm afraid - I'm sure there will be loads on Flickr etc in due course.

 

[uvarvu]

Just found this on YouTube - it's looking good!

 

[pdeaves]

There is probably no reason why it would happen but, as it's in Sleeper livery, I think it would be interesting parked with the GWR sleeper carriages.

 

[6Gman]

87002 hauled the inaugural electric-hauled VIP special Preston - Euston.

My father was the Driver.

Go 87002 !

 

[Cowley]

87002 hauled the inaugural electric-hauled VIP special Preston - Euston.

My father was the Driver.

Go 87002 !

That’s amazing 6G.
I wonder what he’d have thought if told that the same machine would pass through Reading under its own power over 40 years later?

 

[Kite159]

It certainly flew after Reading

 

[dmncf]

Probably dragged by a diesel, a Class 66 from Willesden.

Doing a charity railtour with GBRf

http://gbrfcharityrailtours.co.uk/railtours/gb18d1

Shame the Class 87 needed to be dragged, just because of the non-electrified Acton Incline. I would have tried scheduling the movement so the Class 87 coasted down the incline, with the diesel loco available on standby if the Class 87 conked out.

 

[Ash Bridge]

Here's a shot of 87002 in her youth (in fact virtually brand new out of Crewe Works) 45 years ago at Manchester Piccadilly awaiting departure with an IC service for London Euston.

 

[Cowley]

Here's a shot of 87002 in her youth (in fact virtually brand new out of Crewe Works) 45 years ago at Manchester Piccadilly awaiting departure with an IC service for London Euston.

That’s wonderful.
There was something special about the 87s.
Premier cutting edge 1970s electric traction in original BR blue. Mmm...

 

[Ash Bridge]

That’s wonderful.
There was something special about the 87s.
Premier cutting edge 1970s electric traction in original BR blue. Mmm...

Yes definitely, and still looking great in its present day Caledonian Sleeper livery. Can't quite get my head around that shot above at Paddington though!

 

[Cowley]

View attachment 52832 It certainly flew after Reading

Shot of the decade Kite...

 

[DarloRich]

87002 is showing on a tops list as working:

0Z12 Wembley LHS - Didcot West End!

Hellfire!

I don't go in for spottery affectations but in this case I agree: Wowsers!

 

[EE Andy b1]

View attachment 52832 It certainly flew after Reading

Great picture and a bit of history in the making.

I believe this 87 and the other AC loco's will be finishing with Caledonian once the Mk5 sleepers come into operation. Will be such a shame.

I had the privilege of driving Class 87s over two different periods in my railway career. The first was mainly on freight under British Rail as was and secondly when i moved to Virgin Trains. Even then with there age and the mileage they had done they were still a superb locomotive to work with and to my mind much better than the Class 90 that followed.
The fact that these loco's are still working in Bulgaria says plenty and surely we could have kept them going for more years in the UK. Freightliner for one.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Oh good lord, there is an 87 out there working on the mainline and I'm sat miles away from it watching hollyoaks

Edit: we definitely need some pics

Technically it’s always on the mainline - it works in and out of the head of the West Coast one pretty much daily so don’t worry too much. PS: I hope Nancy finds out about Darren and Mandy

 

[DarloRich]

Got to sa ythe 20's sounded good at Blethcley this morning. Does anyone know if the tour paused briefly at Blethcley to pick up a new driver? It was signaled straight through but cam to a stand in P5

 

[nlogax]

Awesome stuff!

 

[Desiro360]

Incredible stuff, not something you see everyday on the Great Western Main Line.

 

[The_Train]

Technically it’s always on the mainline - it works in and out of the head of the West Coast one pretty much daily so don’t worry too much. PS: I hope Nancy finds out about Darren and Mandy

Doesn't meet my needs though Until it is back working Euston-Manchester or Glasgow I won't be happy

PS: Nancy always finds out.....