The Class 90 was the last of the West Coast electric locomotives to be introduced prior to privatisation, intended to see the end of the original AL1 to AL5 electric locomotives of the early 1960s. Sectorisation saw the allocation of specific locomotives to each sector, with the last 29 locomotives of the class (90022 to 90050) being allocated to Railfreight Distribution, thanks to the class being better suited for freight work than the older Class 86s or 87s. These locomotives did however see use on passenger trains over the years, used to haul both Charter and Passenger trains for Intercity.

Later in their lives freight Class 90s have seen work with both EWS, Later DB Cargo as well as Freightliner, used by both operators to haul container freight trains, as well as charter trains. However in recent years DB have withdrawn their entire Class 90 fleet choosing instead to use diesel engines. Freightliner however remain committed to using electric motive power, and usually operate Class 90s ‘double headed’ to provide additional tractive effort.

90001 is one of the lucky pair, alongside 90002, to remain in passenger service now with Locomotive Services Limited, with the remaining Greater Anglia locomotives now in use with Freightliner. 90001 regularly works charter trains now under their Intercity brand, having been returned to the original Intercity livery it wore when delivered.

(1) Freightliner 90008 & 90013 at Harrow and Wealdstone. (2) 90002 at London Euston. (3) Freightiner 90003 & 90047 at Stratford. (4) Freighliner 90013 & 90044 at Stratford. (5) Freightliner 90048 & 90005 in the sidings at Ipswich.

Additional information on the Class 90

Class 90 Electric Loco Group

https://www.class90electriclocogroup.co.uk/

LSL Intercity charters

https://inter-city.co.uk/