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.