Crewe Locos (Stored/Withdrawn)

[Strathclyder]

I think the fire must have caused so much damage that it was not worth repairing. So it makes sense to use any useful components to keep the other FL 90s in service.

Yeah, I was aware of the particularly severe fire it suffered in late 2004, condemning it to the life of a spares donor at Crewe. Am just a little surprised that it's managed to last over 13 years in that role, is all. Can't have that many significant spare parts left to give, given the length of time it's been used as such.

The fact it's the "last in Class" may have some bearing why it's not been scrapped yet, although you'd think when the time comes if someone wanted to preserve one you'd go for an example that was in better nick!

Yeah, that what I was thinking as well. Cosmetic restoration & static display would seem to be the most likely outcome for 050 if it ever gets secured for preservation (has it already been earmarked by the NRM?), as the cost of returning it to mainline-running condition from it's current state would be prohibitive. Never say never, though!

 

[TimboM]

Yeah, that what I was thinking as well. Cosmetic restoration & static display would seem to be the most likely outcome for 050 if it ever gets secured for preservation (has it already been earmarked by the NRM?), as the cost of returning it to mainline-running condition from it's current state would be prohibitive. Never say never, though!

No idea if NRM/National Collection have ear-marked it in anyway. It doesn't have any special significance I don't think though (e.g. "Last electric loco built in the U.K." so you'd think if they wanted to "sticker" one for potentially adding to the National Collection it would be one that isn't a wreck! e.g. 90001 is still in service and presumably would be in better condition when eventually it "retires".

 

[Southern Dvr]

90050 couldn't return to traffic without an extensive rebuild and of course if it last worked in 2004 then it will need OTMR fitment as well I believe.

You can bet that 90001 is far more likely to make it into preservation with a view to mainline running possibly.

 

[Strathclyder]

^^ Yeah, I concur with you both about 90001 being the far more likely candidate for full mainline running in preservation. Getting 050 up to current mainline running standards from it's current state is more or less a dead duck from the word go. It's a shame, really...