14 July 2026 saw 89001 working 0Z34 (light engine Crewe-Carlisle) and 1Z34 (Crewe-Euston hauling the Chairman’s Train). These workings represent:
- The first passenger haulage in over 26 years,
- First visit to Carlisle in 39 years and
- First ever run into Euston.
Operating the locomotive on these services came after an intensive period of testing and driver training which included loaded test runs of the locomotive on Crewe-Tebay outing being undertaken on 18 and 20 March. During the mainline running of the 89, ACLG engineers have monitored the locomotive systems, both manually inspecting items and through continuous monitoring of various locomotive parameters on to a dedicated PC package. Speaking of the testing process, Martin Reynolds – Chairman of the AC Locomotive Group - commented, “We approached the 89 in the same way as any classic car owner. We gradually built up ‘confidence’ through various static and light load tests to check everything was performing correctly before reaching the point at which we took the 89 out and gradually warmed it up until we were at a point to start working the locomotive at higher currents and speeds.”
Talking about the 89 working its first passenger service in 26 year years Martin said, “To reach the point at which we had sufficient confidence in the 89 for it on its own and haul a loaded train is a huge achievement. Our Engineering Team (led by Paul Steane) and our colleagues from LSL Operations and Support teams should be rightly proud of what they have achieved; working through the numerous challenges in taking the 89 from operational but unproven to mainline approved and able.”
Considering the restoration of the 89 Martin added, “The 89 has been part of my ‘preservation life’ for over 20 years, along with other colleagues I have at times found myself wondering what on earth I was doing ‘fighting’ this uniquely challenging locomotive. A colossal amount of effort from ACLG Volunteers, LSL, numerous Industry Partners and other friends of the 89 has got us this far – all I can simply say is thank you for coming on the journey with us.”
89001 at Bay Horse, Courtesy Fred Kerr.