British Rail Class 89 facts for kids
The Class 89 is a special kind of electric locomotive. Only one of these powerful trains was ever built! It was designed to be a test model, like a first version of something new.
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 89 |
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| Class 89, no. 89001, at Doncaster Works open day on July 27 2003. This locomotive has now been bought by the AC Locomotive Group. | |
| Power type | Electric |
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| Builder | BREL Crewe Works |
| Build date | 1989 |
| Total production | 1 |
| Configuration | Co-Co |
| UIC classification | Co'Co' |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
| Minimum curve | 80 m (260 ft) |
| Length | 19,800 mm (65 ft 0 in) |
| Locomotive weight | 105 tonnes (103 long tons; 116 short tons) |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC |
| Current collection method | Pantograph |
| Top speed | 125 mph (201 km/h) |
| Train heating | Electric Train Heating index: 95 |
| Locomotive brakes | Air & Rheostatic |
| Locomotive brakeforce | 50 long tons-force (500 kN) (Rheostatic) |
| Train brakes | Air |
| Career | British Rail, GNER |
| Number | 89001 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 6 |
| Disposition | Now preserved by the AC Locomotive Group |
Contents
What is the Class 89?
The Class 89 is an electric locomotive. This means it gets its power from electricity, usually from overhead wires. It was built as a "prototype." A prototype is like a test model or the very first version of something new. Only one of these locomotives was ever made.
The "Avocet" Locomotive
This single Class 89 locomotive was given the number 89001. It was officially named Avocet. An avocet is a type of bird with long legs and a thin, upturned beak.
The train was named by Margaret Thatcher. She was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the time. The naming ceremony happened on January 16 1989. It took place in Sandy, Bedfordshire. This town is where the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has its main office. The avocet bird is even part of the RSPB's logo!
Building and Testing
The Class 89 was built in 1986. It was made by a company called BREL at their Crewe Works. Crewe Works is a famous place where many trains have been built.
After it was built, the locomotive was used for testing. It ran on special test-trains. These tests happened on two important railway lines: the West Coast Main Line and the East Coast Main Line. The train had very advanced systems to control its power. It could produce over 6,000 horsepower!
Nicknames
People who love trains, sometimes called "railfans," gave the Class 89 a few nicknames. Some called it "Aardvark." Others called it "The Badger." This was because of its unique front shape, which sloped downwards.
Images for kids
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89001 in original InterCity livery at Eaton Crossing
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89001 at Barrow Hill Engine Shed in September 2011
