The unique thyristor controlled Class 87/1 87101 Stephenson passes Roade on 20 May 1991 with the 6A28 08:01 Bescot to Willesden Speedlink service. This non-standard locomotive was the first of its class to be painted into Railfreight colours, being at this time allocated to the FGHC (Railfreight Distribution Crewe Class 85 & 87/1) pool. Owing to its one off nature it frequently spent long periods out of use (the whole of 1989 for example!). Its landmark design did not ensure preservation upon withdrawal, and it was cut up in 2002.