The One and Only 'Avocet'! Class 89 Number 89001 Electric Locomotive Seen Flying South on the WCML

British Rail Class 89 Co-Co electric locomotive number 89001, famously named "Avocet", was constructed in 1986 by Brush Traction at Loughborough (with mechanical construction sub-contracted to BREL Crewe Works) as a unique, one-off production prototype designed for high-speed express operations. Weighing 105 tonnes, this legendary six-axle locomotive features a starting tractive effort of 46,000 lbf and is powered by an advanced thyristor drive system powering six DC traction motors to generate a massive 5,748 horsepower (4,286 kW) at the rails, capable of achieving a maximum design speed of 125 mph. Preserved by the AC Locomotive Group, it stands as an absolute icon of British engineering history and is presented in a completely pristine restoration of its celebrated heritage InterCity Swallow livery.

"The Chairman's Train" coaching stock represents the pinnacle of luxury rail travel in the UK, operating under the banner of Locomotive Services Group (LSG) as the nation's first entirely private, exclusive-hire luxury heritage train. Originally constructed as mid-century Caledonian Sleeper carriages, the rolling stock underwent a comprehensive, multi-million-pound transformation at Crewe. The rake is beautifully turned out in a historically accurate 1950s British Railways "blood and custard" (carmine and cream) livery. The interior features opulent handcrafted marquetry and fine linens, with individual coaches carrying unique names inspired by classic childhood literature—such as the Moidart carriage, which houses individual suites named The Rabbit Hole, Toad Hall, and Piglet's House.

The train is seen here in 8K 16:9 widescreen flying South at very high speed through Bletchley Station, utilizing the fast lines of the historic West Coast Main Line (WCML). Operating on the fifth and final day of an inaugural, ultra-luxury five-day private charter tour, the pristine prototype locomotive is proudly hauling "The Chairman's Train" railtour on its return leg from Kilmarnock to London Euston, having taken charge of the heavy rake at Carlisle. Displaying a dedicated corporate headboard and presenting an immaculate, showroom-quality finish, the train puts on a spectacular display of high-speed electric power as it streaks towards the capital. This historic mainline event was captured on Tuesday 14/07/2026 at 13:47.

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