GNER Ownership
In 1996, the InterCity East Coast franchise was won by the Great North Eastern Railway (GNER). Suffering from a motive power shortage, it purchased 89001 and repaired it for use on London to Leeds and Bradford passenger trains, investing £100 000 in an overhaul. It was also re-painted in the GNER blue and red livery. The locomotive actually entered service in March 1997 (Railway Magazine May 1997 p61). However, in 2001, the locomotive again suffered a major failure and was withdrawn from traffic. Its future was again in doubt, and it was laid up for a period at Doncaster Works.
In December 2004, the locomotive was moved into the care of The AC Locomotive Group at Barrow Hill Engine Shed for secure storage. With the overhaul of the Class 91 fleet complete, plus the availability of Class 373 trains for lease, 89001 was seen as a one-off asset with little economic value.
Read more about this topic: British Rail Class 89
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