The unique Class 89 was built at BREL Cewe works in 1986 as a prototype, and entered service during October the same year. In January 1989 it was named 'Avocet' but by July 1992 was withdrawn from service and offered for sale. After being bought privately and appearing as a static display at several open days, GNER saw a further use for the locomotive and bought it. After overhauling the lcoomotive GNER returned 89001 to service in 2000. Stored once again in December 2002, and offered for sale in October 2006, 89001 now finds itself preserved for the second time, this time with the 'AC Locomotive Group'.