Rail UK - Class 86

Virtually ignored by the majority for most of their working lives, it's only in the twilight of their careers that the 86s are gaining the recognition they deserve. 86632 is paired up with 90041, seen here at Carlisle with 4M74 Coatbridge to Basford Hall. Thu31Mar11

Virgin liveried 86242 'James Kennedy GC' stands at Warrington Bank Quay with a southbound service. 100 of the Class 86s were built in 1965-1966, known as AL6 at the time. E3101 - E3200, but it seemed that there were thousands of the things, especially south of Crewe. Virtually ignored for most of their working lives but, as is usually the case, with just a handful remaining, it's something of an event when one turns up nowadays. Thu12Aug99. Scanned

86603+86628 roll a container train through Stockport, heading for the FreightLiner Terminal at Manchester Trafford Park. Thu8Jul99. Scanned

Problems with the wiring with the rear end loco has resulted in hastily procured 86207 'City of Lichfield' being tacked onto the front of the DVT - Driving Van Trailer - at Manchester Piccadilly, on a train bound for London Euston. Thu30May91. Scanned

Recently rebuilt and renumbered 86203 at Willesden. Formerly E3143, this was one of 3 Class 86s rebuilt into 5000hp machines - 86201 to 86203 - as test bed locos for the Class 87. Soon renumbered again to 86101 - 86103. Sat7Oct72. Scanned

Just another Euston train, hauled by just another Class 86. E3158 arrives at Stockport with a train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston. Under the TOPS renumbering scheme, this loco became 86223. Sat29Jun72. Scanned