Electric Traction Limited today announces the sale of 86101 and 87002 to Locomotive Services Limited (LSL).
86101 and 87002 have, until early October, been engaged a contract with GB Railfreight working services on behalf of Serco Caledonian Sleeper. With the Caledonian Sleeper moving to new stock there is no longer a requirement for ETL’s locomotives.
A number of avenues were explored across the UK industry in hope that further contracted work could be found for the fleet. As this became increasingly unlikely alternate options were considered. The priority was continued operation in the UK.
We would like to thank GBRf for their support over the last eleven years. ETL supported the Royal Mail contract, numerous charter operations and most recently the Caledonian Sleeper.
The sale to LSL allows both the 86 and 87 to remain on the UK mainline as part of LSLs’ heritage rail operations. ETL will refocus its’ resources away from mainline operations on to its’ fleet of locomotives at Barrow Hill.
A decision on 86401, which was also used on Caledonian Sleeper work, will be made in due course.