The Class 90 were the last locomotives ordered by BR before sectorisation [1]. The Class 90 was a development of the Class 87 (and indeed originally were to have been called the Class 87/2 - though the final result was sufficiently different to lead to the creation of a new class). They replaced the first generation AC Electric locos Classes 81-85s. The Class 90s are mixed traffic locomotives and have been used on express passenger and heavy freight services [2]. These days usually the latter.
Freightliner 90 049 heads through Stafford
Information
Number built:
50
Built:
1987-90
Builder:
BREL Crewe
Engine:
GEC G412CY traction motors (25kV AC OLHE)
Power:
5, 000 hp (3, 728 kW) - continuous
7, 860 hp (5, 861 kW) - maximum
Wheel arrangement:
Bo-Bo
As built they were capable of 110mp/h but just over half the class became dedicated freight locomotives (Class 90/1) with the top speed reduced to 75mp/h, on these locomotives the electric train heating was also isolated and the brakes improved. After privatisation these were eventually converted back to 90/0 (though some were reclassified as 90/2 for a time).
The Class 90 currently serves with Locomotive Services, Freightliner and DB Cargo. They have also served with Grand Central, Greater Anglia, GNER and Virgin Trains in the past. One example, 90 050, is out of service following a fire.
Freightliner 90 042 heads through Stafford light engine
DB 90 040 and friend head through Stafford
90 026 leads a convoy through Bletchley
Freightliner 90 046 and friend head through Stafford
Another double header though Stafford! This one led by DB 90 024
[1] Gavin Morrison, AC Electric Locomotives (Ian Allan, 2013) p. 59 [2] Colin J Marsden, Traction Recognition (2nd Edition) (Ian Allan, 2008) p. 90
