| The story of 86101 'Sir William A Stanier FRS' is an interesting one. Built at Vulcan Foundry, E3191 was delivered to traffic in March 1966.
When the government of the day ceased their "Oooh well, it'll be ever so expensive" dithering and finally agreed that the extension of the WCML electrification to Glasgow would indeed be a good idea (as any informed individual could clearly see), it was decided that some test work was necessary with the type of bogie envisaged for the proposed Class 87. This represented a new departure for UK AC traction, incorporating frame mounted traction motors with flexible drive passing through the motor. This was considered essential, as the decision to use axle hung motors on the AL6 types had been shown to be ill-advised in the light of experience, with high unsprung axle loads causing unacceptable track wear. Indeed, while the AL1 and AL5s were prone to rough riding, the AL6s were probably the worst offenders in this respect, being particularly hard riding - so much so that SAB resilient wheels and 'Flexicoil' suspension were eventually fitted to all bar those which became the 86/1s. Three 86s were hence chosen as test bed locos for the BP9 bogie, with its hugely powerful GEC 412AZ traction motors, each with a continuous rating of 1250hp - sufficient, it was reckoned, to take a 12 coach load up Shap at 90mph. In 1972, E3191 thus became 86201 after re-equipping, E3150 86202, and E3143 was transformed into 86203. After much testing of these new variants out on Shap and Beattock, they entered service, and after a short time, they were re-numbered as Class 86/1s to differentiate them from the 86/2s, with which they bore little similarity below the body! For the next 25 years or so they operated turn and turn about with the 87s. After a period in storage, followed by a spell in use on Freightliner services, 86101 and 86102 were eventually withdrawn from service; 86103 had already succumbed, providing spares for the other two. The ineviatble appointment with the scrap man appeared to be their certain destiny as they were stored, along with five 86/2s, at the Longtown MOD depot near Carlisle, but happily 86101 was saved by the AC Locomotive Group. Being found to be in much better condition than expected, the group set about restoration, with the aim of a return to main line running. It is reckoned that the capital expenditure was in excess of £50,000, with the fitment of OTMR and a fire protection system being essential; the number of man-hours expended ran to many thousands. The result is the magnificent sight of the storming WCML machine you see in this collection of photographs, a great credit to the hard work of The AC Locomotive Group - to say nothing of the BR designers of three and four decades past. |
The first ever (I believe....) main line outing under its own power for a preserved AC Electric ! Running as 0z86 from Crewe to Stafford, and 0z87 return, 86101 made a gentle test run on 15th March 2007. It is seen here approaching Badnall Wharf (between Norton Bridge and Standon Bridge). |
A second view of the absolutely immaculate Sir William A Stanier FRS cruising past on the down slow, 0z87 Stafford to Crewe return test trip; this magnificent machine is a credit to many hours of hard work by the AC Loco Group. Understandably, 47847 is inside as insurance, though to my knowledge all was well with 86101, other than a scare when the OLE line light apparently went out, minutes after this shot was taken. |
On Wednesday 21st March 2007, 86101 undertook a loaded test run. Originally planned to run from Crewe to Rugby and return, this was for some reason changed to Crewe - Carnforth. Whatever, it had to be photographed! Sir William makes a fine sight, pictured here at Minshull Vernon with a 47 inside as insurance, as it heads north in charge of 5Z86, 14:00 Crewe - Carnforth. Due to the non-availability of the MkIII set, a motley assortment of stock appears to have been cobbled together at short notice for the purpose ! |
And so to the big day. Saturday 24th March saw a major milestone in the annals of AC Electric locomotive preservation, with 86101 taking charge of 'The Ynys Mons Express', run by Compass Tours from Carlisle to Holyhead. In this view, shortly before departure from the border city, Sir William stands in the early morning mist as a 156 disappears into the distance. |
Two generations apart in terms of WCML AC power, and both capable of blistering performance in the right hands, 86101 stands alongside the Pendolino forming the 06:30 to Euston. |
Sir William A Stanier FRS glitters in the early morning sunshine. :-) |
A closer view of the immaculate 86101 awaiting the road south over Shap. |
06:45 in the morning and two of the hardcore AC men are already on the ale. As you do...! Gordon and Andrew blink in the low early sunshine. To my disgust, they and a number of others (yes, Nicky, Simon et al, you know who you are....) this merry band later carried on as far as Bangor with the horrible pair of duffs on the front. Shame on you ! |
Shortly after 06:33, 86101 sets forth from Carlisle with 1Z43, seen here approaching Upperby. As ever with an 86/1, some wheelspin on the damp rails caused things to be taken gingerly for the first few miles, but Sir William was soon into his stride, with a load of some 600 tons at the drawbar. |
A brief pause at Penrith before the assault on Shap, and 86101 looks resplendent in the sunshine. |
The centre of attention after arrival at Crewe; rarely has an 86 been so popular - and deservedly so ! |
Its work over for now, 86101 slips away to stable at LNWR Crewe for a few hours. |
5pm and 86101 is stabled in Platform 10 ready for the return leg. |
The new replica plates are, as one would expect, perfect copies of the originals, and look fantastic. |
But for the gaily coloured DMU garbage behind, this could almost be 1986, as Sir William is viewed through the arches between Platform 10 and 11. |
Tied on and ready for action, 86101 means business as it stands at the head of 1Z44 in Platform 11. With 13 coaches and a dead 47 on the rear, totalling at least 600 tons, Sir William charged north from Crewe in fine style. Both drivers, Angie and Brian (I think!) had the measure of their magnificent charge. |
Looking moody and magnificent in the night at Carlisle, 86101 stands in Platform 3, having completed the northbound assault on Shap in fine style. Pulled down from 96 to 90mph by the neutral section at Tebay, the 600-ton+ load was whisked up the bank in storming fashion, with no lower speed than 75mph despite four miles at 1 in 75, a superb performance. Power output during this ascent of the fells is estimated at some 5360hp (or 4 megawatts!), which I'd wager makes 86101 the most powerful preserved locomotive currently running in the UK by some margin.....? |
The obligatory seminar shot with the AC faithful bellowing at a fabulous machine. |
