Locomotive Services Fleet (LSL) updates

[Richard Scott]

Amazingly, I never had a 50 failure on that route. Plenty on the GWML though, and 3 around Oxford/Banbury!

Nor me, never had one fail on me ever (unless count 2 pairs on separate occasions that wouldn't multiple work. One pair eventually did, the other pair went forward with front loco powering and rear one an overpowered carriage heater).

 

[Sun Chariot]

Nor me, never had one fail on me ever (unless count 2 pairs on separate occasions that wouldn't multiple work. One pair eventually did, the other pair went forward with front loco powering and rear one an overpowered carriage heater).

I had 50024 Vanguard (in multiple with 050 Fearless) splutter up Shap throwing so much oil all over our front carriage, that I was convinced somebody was constantly refilling its sump on the move.
But the pair got us to Carlisle, then S&C and then all the way back south-west. Tough EEs.

 

[Harpo]

Amazingly, I never had a 50 failure on that route. Plenty on the GWML though, and 3 around Oxford/Banbury!

I did loads with the 50s and oddly my only 50 failure (unrefurbished 026) was north of Banbury. Full power comically only got walking pace, like a very flat Lickey. Despite an abundance of rats at Banbury, some awful NB strumming thing replaced it.

Had an ‘almost’ with a newly refurbed 032 around Goose Hill Jn but a very sweary travelling fitter (‘I’ve had enough of this …king thing!) made sure it left the ER and reverted to being a WR problem.

 

[31160]

Amazingly, I never had a 50 failure on that route. Plenty on the GWML though, and 3 around Oxford/Banbury!

Yep the only time I had a train sit down on the mule was 33202 at Chard Hun, was rescued at the rear by 47711 joy

 

[Steam4Max]

Does anybody know what these movements are?

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U79357/2026-03-19/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U79358/2026-03-19/detailed

From Crewe H.S. To Yarmouth C.H.S. with a small break then return. Yarmouth is where Eastern Rail Services operate from but I didn’t know LSL had anything to do with them? (I may be wrong with that)

Or is it maybe just route learning?

 

[cj_1985]

ERS have previously serviced/watered charter stock and even steam locos on charters prior to return journeys

 

[37069]

Does anybody know what these movements are?

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U79357/2026-03-19/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U79358/2026-03-19/detailed

From Crewe H.S. To Yarmouth C.H.S. with a small break then return. Yarmouth is where Eastern Rail Services operate from but I didn’t know LSL had anything to do with them? (I may be wrong with that)

Or is it maybe just route learning?

I believe a small number of LSL vehicles are stored there.

 

[fgwrich]

I believe a small number of LSL vehicles are stored there.

Plus, Eastern and LSL have over the years built up a working relationship too, occasionally swapping or buying or hiring vehicles from each other.

 

[Steam4Max]

ERS have previously serviced/watered charter stock and even steam locos on charters prior to return journeys

I believe a small number of LSL vehicles are stored there.

Plus, Eastern and LSL have over the years built up a working relationship too, occasionally swapping or buying or hiring vehicles from each other.

Thanks Guys, very much appreciated

 

[The_Train]

There are paths in for the badger to go out on test between Crewe and Tebay with coaching stock next week:

Realtime Trains | 5Z31 0929 Crewe H.S. to Tebay | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z31 0929 departure from Crewe H.S. to Tebay on 18/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Z32 1324 Tebay to Crewe H.S. | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z32 1324 departure from Tebay to Crewe H.S. on 18/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Mollman]

There are paths in for the badger to go out on test between Crewe and Tebay with coaching stock next week:

Realtime Trains | 5Z31 0929 Crewe H.S. to Tebay | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z31 0929 departure from Crewe H.S. to Tebay on 18/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Z32 1324 Tebay to Crewe H.S. | 18/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z32 1324 departure from Tebay to Crewe H.S. on 18/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Thanks for the heads up

 

[yorkshirerail]

37401,37409 joined the statesman in front of 47810 at Crewe to give a very rare triple header on the Statesman

 

[Isle of Mull]

37401,37409 joined the statesman in front of 47810 at Crewe to give a very rare triple header on the Statesman

Will the 37s be doing any future statesman trains?

 

[MiNi]

Did they work out and back from Crewe ?.

 

[yorkshirerail]

Did they work out and back from Crewe ?.

Yes they did

 

[Forty29]

Will the 37s be doing any future statesman trains?

Usually 47's/ 57's unusual for 37's.

 

[Iskra]

The class 89 out on the mainline today:

 

[Steam4Max]

Do we have any idea which loco/locos are on this tomorrow?

Realtime Trains | 5Z31 0742 Crewe H.S. to Yarmouth C.H.S. | 19/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Z31 0742 departure from Crewe H.S. to Yarmouth C.H.S. on 19/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

5Z31 - Crewe H.S. To Yarmouth C.H.S. and return on 5Z32

Thanks

 

[Trackman]

The class 89 out on the mainline today:

So happy LSL have got it running.
I watched a video about its restoration, very complex to a point it would give you headache!
If it wasn't for ex-BR engineers with their technical knowledge about this loco, it would have never happened.
So well done the 'Badger' even though I think it's a daft nickname.

 

[317362]

Wonderful to see (and hear)...the whistling 89 is back!

 

[cats_five]

The class 89 out on the mainline today:

Found a video on FB which has more of Badger leaving Crewe and almost nothing else:

10K views · 214 reactions | History as the badger returns... The AC Locomotive Group and Locomotive Services Group announced a partnership back in 2021 to bring the prototype electric locomotive, #Class89 89001' Avocet' back into mainline use. After

History as the badger returns... The AC Locomotive Group and Locomotive Services Group announced a partnership back in 2021 to bring the prototype electric locomotive, #Class89 89001' Avocet' back...

www.facebook.com

 

[DarloRich]

The class 89 out on the mainline today:

So happy LSL have got it running.

The LSL team and the preservation people have done a great job getting this beastie running on the mainline.

Might have to get someone else to buy me a ticket for a run behind this monster again. It will be like the olden days !

 

[47286Dan]

LSL movements today

47810 LSLO CREWE HS 425Z311B19 E GTYARMTCS N
Coaches 6394 6393 9513

57003 LSLO CREWE HS 420D41CE19 F CHESTER N

Dan

 

[fgwrich]

LSL movements today

47810 LSLO CREWE HS 425Z311B19 E GTYARMTCS N
Coaches 6394 6393 9513

57003 LSLO CREWE HS 420D41CE19 F CHESTER N

Dan

Looking at that, I would say it’s 9513 going home to Eastern and 6393 / 6394 picking up Mk3 stock.

 

[Strathclyder]

Some excellent shots of the 89 out on her loaded test runs have just been uploaded to YT by Hughesy. The shot at Docker is a particular standout imho.

 

[Isle of Mull]

The LSL team and the preservation people have done a great job getting this beastie running on the mainline.

Might have to get someone else to buy me a ticket for a run behind this monster again. It will be like the olden days !

I hope it’ll run on an intercity tour in June maybe

 

[Strathclyder]

So happy LSL have got it running.
I watched a video about its restoration, very complex to a point it would give you headache!
If it wasn't for ex-BR engineers with their technical knowledge about this loco, it would have never happened.
So well done the 'Badger' even though I think it's a daft nickname.

Indeed. A momentous achievement for sure. Up there with the Duke of Gloucester's initial return to the mainline in the 90s, at least as far as modern traction preservation is concerned at least.

The LSL team and the preservation people have done a great job getting this beastie running on the mainline.

Might have to get someone else to buy me a ticket for a run behind this monster again. It will be like the olden days !

It'd be a ideal (late) 30th birthday prezzie for me, a ticket for my very first run behind her. Even if I could afford one, I suspect they'll sell out pretty quick once they become available.

 

[DarloRich]

It'd be a ideal (late) 30th birthday prezzie for me, a ticket for my very first run behind her. Even if I could afford one, I suspect they'll sell out pretty quick once they become available.

30. sigh It would be an early 50th present for me.

( I am off to contemplate how I got so old. I am sure i was 20 only a few minutes ago)

 

[Strathclyder]

30. sigh It would be an early 50th present for me.

( I am off to contemplate how I got so old. I am sure i was 20 only a few minutes ago)

Oy vey indeed. I'm off to ruminate on how it felt like I was 18 only a half-hour ago.

 

[MboroFC]

What speed will the 89 be permitted to run at when it's in railtour service please? Will it be it's top speed 125mph?