The British Rail Class 87 is a type of electric locomotive built from 1973-75 by BREL. These locomotives were built to work passenger services over the West Coast Main Line after electrification spread north from Crewe to Preston, Carlisle and Glasgow. This allowed the pairs of Class 50 diesel locomotives that previously worked these services to be redeployed.

Description

In 1977/78, British Rail named its entire Class 87 fleet, many receiving names previously carried by the Class 7P "Britannia" Pacific steam locomotives. The rest were named after towns, cities or counties along the WCML.

Current Operations

Direct Rail Services

In November 2004, Direct Rail Services (DRS) acquired four locomotives. Three of these, nos. 87006/022/032 were recently by Virgin Trains, whilst the fourth, no. 87028, had been out of traffic for a period, but was still operational. DRS acquired the locomotives due to a ruling by Network Rail that meant new freight paths on the WCML had to be hauled by electric traction.

Three of the locomotives have now been repainted into DRS blue livery. It is expected the locomotives will be used on Anglo-Scottish intermodal services. If the trials are successful, more locomotives could be acquired.

EWS

EWS inherited a sole locomotive from Railfreight Distribution, the unique Class 87/1, no. 87101. The locomotive was used infrequently on freight and charter trains. However in early 1999 it suffered a major failure, and was subsequently withdrawn due to its non-standard standard nature. After languishing at Crewe for several years, it was eventually sold to Alstom for spare parts. It was finally scrapped at Barrow Hill by HNRC in 2002.

GB Railfreight

In November 2004, GB Railfreight (GBRf) acquired two locomotives, nos. 87013 and 87014, which had recently been retired from passenger service. They are used as standby locomotives, to rescue failed Class 325 units for the new parcels contract recently won by GBRf.

Virgin Trains

Virgin Trains inherited all 35 Class 87/0 locomotives, which were operated as part of the West Coast franchise.

Fleet Details