86/7s enter traffic

19th October 2008

ETL's newly refurbished Class 86/7s have entered traffic following two successful and uneventful test runs last week. Two days later the pair hauled their first revenue-earning train, a private charter for First GBRf from Newcastle to London on 17th October.

The pair performed superbly, once again demonstrating the potential usefulness of overhauled electric locomotives.

Class 86 depot shunter in service at Willesden

28th September 2008

Another of ETL's Class 86 fleet has returned to use at Willesden depot to shunt and supply train heat to the Mk3 coaching stock now based there. Loco 86401 (part of the AC Locomotive Group's heritage fleet) has been reactivated at Long Marston and moved to Willesden earlier this month.

The loco was successfully powered up this week.

86/7s under power

15th September 2008

ETL's first two 86/7s have completed testing and OTMR installation at Crewe and are now awaiting the completion of paperwork before a re-entry into traffic.

'Constellation' Class 86s ready to roll

7th August 2009

ETL is launching its first pair of overhauled Class 86 locomotives for hire. The two locomotives, now reclassified as 86/7s and numbered 86701 and 86702, have been given major exams by ETL and Europhoenix at Long Marston and recertified for 110 mph running. Both locomotives have been repainted into ETL's house colours of grey and red, and have been named "Orion" and "Cassiopeia" respectively. The pair will move to LNWR Crewe for testing and final certification next week, before being offered for trials with a number of interested operators.

110 mph

A number of Class 86/2 locomotives were selected to run at this higher speed in the 1990s, but reverted to 100 mph prior to privatisation. ETL has taken the opportunity to reintroduce this higher speed to allow potential operators to gain better paths amongst existing 125 mph services.

ETL sees the locomotives as ideal for open access operators who want to take rapid advantage of new and infill electrification schemes without having to purchase brand new traction in the short term.

Working in pairs, the locomotives are also suited to fast freight services.

Regearing potential

While currently geared for high-speed running, ETL have also developed plans to offer regearing of the locomotives for 75mph heavy freight use. This, in combination with the higher-power Class 86/2 traction motors, would effectively produce a "super-86/6" with a high hauling capacity.

Further locomotives

ETL has already identified a further pair of locomotives for overhaul, and with locomotives 86101 and 87002 already registered and available for hire, a small fleet of electric locomotives is now available to operators looking for a quick, environmentally friendly traction solution.

Class 86 nears completion

29th May 2009

The first of two additional Class 86 locomotives is nearing completion for a return to service. The second is expected to follow shortly.

Both locomotives are being uprated for 110 mph running and are being leased from Europhoenix.

Two more 86s in June

25th February 2009

ETL is currently preparing two additional Class 86 locomotives for entry into service around June 2009. The two locos will be offered on a spot-hire basis for 100 or 110mph operation as required.

The locos are being leased by ETL and overhauled to E-exam standard prior to a return to operation. OTMR has been fitted, and 25kV testing of the first locomotive is expected to take place in May. Both locomotives will be painted in the ETL red and grey colour scheme.

A further two locomotives have been identified as candidates for overhaul.

Class 87 enters service

5th September 2008

Our latest locomotive to be recertified for main line use, 87002, is now in service with GBRf, acting as standby for Anglo-Scottish mail services. The loco was given a main-line test run on 16th July, with no major problems found. The loco will remain on standby while 86101 undergoes a routine exam.

This locomotive is part of the preserved AC Locomotive Group fleet.

ETL supplies standby locos to GBRf

24th June 2008

ETL is to supply standby locomotives to First GBRf for use on the Royal Mail flows between Glasgow and London. 86101 will be the first in action, based at Warrington during the week. New addition to the fleet, 87002 will also be available to back up 86101 in due course once recertified for main line use.

100% reliability for 86101

28th April 2008

ETL's class 86/1 locomotive has completed its hire to Hull Trains, having operated for a period of four-and-a-half months in passenger service with no failures.

The loco operated a 110mph service, three days a week between London Kings Cross and Doncaster on the East Coast Main Line, with a rake of stock from Cargo-D, covering for a shortage of diesel multiple units.

86101 has now returned to Crewe for some minor maintenance.

Class 86 enters service with Hull Trains

11th January 2008

Locomotive 86101 has now entered passenger service with Hull Trains, working a three-days-a-week timetable between Doncaster and London Kings Cross. This follows several months of staff training and stock testing based at Bounds Green.

The train is formed using a Driving Van Trailer at the remote end, using the loco's TDM equipment for traction control.

Hire fleet expansion plans

22nd October 2007

Further Class 86 locomotives are to be acquired by Electric Traction Ltd to form the core of a new hire fleet. The locos will be returned to main-line condition, being given comprehensive exams (approximating an E-exam) to the same high standards as ETL's first re-certified locomotive, 86101, and fitted with OTMR. The locos will initially be configured for 100mph running, although re-gearing at a later date has not been ruled out.

Additional locomotives are under consideration for possible conversion to freight use.

See our Locomotive Hire page for more details.

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ETL supplies Class 86 to Hull Trains

19th October 2007

Electric Traction is supplying Class 86 locomotive number 86101 to Hull Trains to cover for an unavailable Class 222 unit. The loco will run several return trips on Friday through Sunday for four months, hauling Mk3 vehicles from Cargo-D. Several test runs have been carried out and staff training is underway.

Services are due to start on 26th October.

This locomotive is part of the preserved AC Locomotive Group fleet.

First Class 86 Available For Hire

25th June 2007

Electric Traction Ltd in association with The AC Locomotive Group has returned the first of its several Class 86 locomotives to traffic. The locomotive, number 86101, is a 5000hp, 110mph locomotive, capable of operating on any 25kV-equipped route in the UK. The loco is available for hire - please contact us with your requirements.