89001 - Restoration

[Railperf]

Any news on how the restoration of 89001 is going? Doesn't look like there's been any news since early 2023.

 

[Trackman]

28/02/2024:

Locomotive Services Group | Crewe

Locomotive Services Group, Crewe. 14,446 likes · 1,452 talking about this · 284 were here. As a Group, we are dedicated to the overhaul, maintenance and operation of Heritage Rail Vehicles.

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With it being a few months since we last updated you on the restoration of Class 89 89001 ‘Avocet’ we thought it was time we broke silence with a small update to let you know how things are going.
As with any one of a kind locomotive that hasn’t run for over 20 years there have been some challenges faced big and small, but working alongside the Electric Traction Limited has been an absolute pleasure whilst overcoming these challenges.
89001 is still currently at UKRL’s Depot in Loughborough where the majority of the works has been completed with final testing the only large item left to complete on the long list of jobs.
The fitment of TPWS 4, Compliant Fire Suppression System & OTMR are now physically complete which is a huge step forward.
It was noticed during static testing in the workshop that the brake frame had a few pneumatic leaks which needed resolving so the brake frame was completely stripped and replacement O-rings sourced. These are sandwiched in between two large manifolds which make up the entire brake frame, this hasn’t been a small job and we can’t thank Electrical Traction Limited enough for all their hard work and dedication to the project. Light is finally at the end of the very long tunnel!
Whilst spanners were being turned in the workshop ETL’s Paul Steane & our own AC Locomotive Engineer Robert Fenner have had several meetings with Network Rail regarding the return to service of 89001.
As you can imagine this is a process that needs to be very thorough and treated with great respect to ensure all parties are satisfied. A plan has been put together and the relevant testing is soon to be started to get the ball rolling for mainline approval. This process isn’t a 5 minute job and will take some time to complete but we think we can all agree .. it will be worth the wait for the badger!

Stay tuned for the next update in a few months’ time …

 

[D365]

Existing discussion here - I shall ask the mods to unlock.