Class 91s at work on the ECML May 1989

[@AshHill07]

I do love the versatility of the Class 91. Its something these modern EMU's will never be able to replicate.

[@seansands424]

They can pull old carriages as well as the mark 4s carriages

[@soundseeker63]

A pair of 91s running blunt end first on blue/grey Mk2s is a very odd sight to behold! Also interesting to note the 140mph speed limit sign that was in place at that time. All great footage of this transitional period on the ECML.

[@sadpanda9263]

Do they still run at 140 on the ECML or does it top out at 125 like the WCML?

[@soundseeker63]

They only ever ran at 140mph during a short trial phase in the late 80s. Ever since then the speed limit is still 125 although these locos can still hit 140 with ease. Bit of a waste really.

[@AshHill07]

I'm pretty sure they still have the 140 Mph written on their information boards (I'm not sure what they're actually called, the label on the side of most locomotives that states weight/route availability/etc). At least, I did get a close look look at a pair of East Coast Class 91's (Shortly before they became VTEC) and they both had 140 Mph as their top speed on that, but 125 Mph above the cab window inside.

[@EssexGayBoi]

Nope, they were Mk 3 sleeper coaches...

[@tulyar1043]

@@soundseeker63 The 91s only ran on Sunday's during July 1988 on test trains up to 140mph.After each run BR technical staff would go out and check the curves at Stoke, Swayfiield, Brickyard Creeton, Careby and Maxey. It was found that the curves were being knocked out of alignment. This why there was no increase in linespeed to 140mph. Plus,apart from Stoke, all the other curves just mentioned were sign posted at 135mph.

[@mrsparklepants1705]

Loved this video, seeing the 91 with such varied consists! Thank you

[@Ash-928]

A class 91 and an HST running together makes a badass hybrid super train!

[@Stevenhamer82]

one of my favorite locos class 91 and class 43 HST 125'S

[@waleedarif6740]

91s should last a lot longer because they are newer.

[@ryanohara476]

It's so strange not seeing them with a BR MK4 DVT or a rake of BR MK4s in the early days of the BR class 91 this was the norm!

[@sadpanda9263]

Brilliant footage! I didn't know that the 91 hauled such a wide range or rolling stock prior to the completion of the Mk.IV sets.

[@aljonflavin6760]

Really good stuff train spotting at its BEST.

[@JJthrashing]

Very interesting footage didn’t know the class 43 worked in push pull formation with 91 ? You could clearly see that the 43 engine was on and the pantograph was up on the 91.. early hybrid formation 🙂

[@ChrisCooper312]

Interesting the one about 10mins, obviously a problem with the 91 and just being powered by the HST powercar at the other end.

[@Martindyna]

In case you weren't aware Class 43 was used as a DVT to test the class 91. At first the Class 43's engine was just idling but later (since idling caused oiling up problems) the Class 43 was used for traction as well meaning that 6480 HP + 2250 HP was available to the driver.

[@rickrichard9603]

More excellent footage.

[@darylyatestransportblogs]

I bet these sets were rapid with both a class 43 & class 91 providing power of over 8700hp.

[@model_trains_]

Love the footage

[@slendermanRblx]

how did the 91s couple to HST MK3 coaches i thought the HST had completely different buckeyes from the standard buckeye coupler that was fitted to the 91

[@philipstokes2824]

A number 8-10 TGSs where fitted with drophead buckeyes and buffers, just as the HST DVTs where fitted with buffers and coupling hooks on the nose, although the HST tightlock couplings are compatible with a buckeye coupling in an emergency. Having a standard coupling fire of course make any sort of recovery much easier, ev n the APT had a proper set under its nose, unlike the madness of todays railways where you can't just couple anything up!

[@andrewsaxton2421]

Never seen a class 91/43 combo

[@michaelhealey9538]

How can a 91 be driven, essentially flat end 1st from a DVT at 125 mph? Flat end 1st is 110 mph right? 😊

[@Martindyna]

Yes, due to aerodynamic forces on the pantograph being in the wrong direction.

[@Jimwoodward1212]

i know it sounds odd but why are they using class 43 engines & Mark 3 Carriages with the Class 91

[@avocet1989]

The Mk4 coaches weren't ready and using the Mk3s allowed the first 10 class 91s to enter service and be tested and have problems ironed out before the remaining 21 class were completed.

[@joshwaaa]

@@avocet1989 Also the class 43s were kind of the "DVT"s in this period

[@Ed_Gilbert]

2:37 where was this filmed? Great intercity livery on the 91 too.

[@avocet1989]

It's at Claypole near Newark.

[@shinomoritaka]

伝説のHST+91の謎HST編成があるw

[@Martindyna]

In case you weren't aware Class 43 HST power cars were used as DVTs in the early days to test the new Class 91 locomotive due to a lack of DVTs to test the class 91. At first the Class 43's engine was just idling but later (since idling caused oiling up problems) the Class 43 was used for traction as well meaning that 6480 HP + 2250 HP was available to the driver.