British Rail Class 89 Electric Locomotive

Climb aboard the prototype Class 89, a one-off design used for testing on both the West and East Coast Main Lines.

Co-Co Configuration

The British Rail Class 89 Electric Locomotive was a Co-Co configuration prototype engine built in Crewe in 1986 by British Rail Engineering Ltd. Given the number 89001 and later named Avocet, it was a one-off design used for testing on both the West and East Coast Main Lines.

Testing Service

Following its testing service, Class 89 went to work on the East Coast Main Line from King's Cross to Leeds until March 1989 when it was withdrawn following a serious failure.

Preservation

After a public appeal for support, the engine was saved and acquired for preservation by AC Locomotive Group in 2006.