Towards the end of 2011, 86259 was moved to Boden Rail Engineering at Washwood Heath in Birmingham. Neil Boden's company is based in the old Metro Cammell works. For a few years at the turn of the century it was home to Alstom for the construction of Virgin's Pendolino fleet
Making a start.
De-named ..... again!
History Uncovered. The loco was first renumbered from E3137 to 86045 in January 1974, in the new TOPS system, but became 86259 in May 1975, having been fitted with flexicoil suspension, SAB wheels and 282BZ traction motors. The 86/2s dedicated almost exclusively to passenger work.
All the old layers disappearing as the loco is taken back to bare metal.
All the old layers disappearing as the loco is taken back to bare metal.
In the company of Neil Boden's B1 steam engine 1306 "Mayflower".
After being stripped back to the bare metal, filling and sanding was undertaken.
"Ground Control to Major Tom"
A view from up in the air before application of primer, undercoat and topcoat.
86259 received two coats of primer and two undercoats.
Very Yellow!
New blue(!) .... and the yellow panel trimmed back to its required size. (Photo: Richard Thompson)
Strange to think that 86259 is being repainted in a livery from five decades ago on the very spot where the new trains which replaced it a decade ago were constructed!
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