After being withdrawn from traffic in 1992, the unique Class 89 89001 looked set for a life in preservation. However, GNER acquired the loco in 1996 in order to strengthen its East Coast Mainline fleet. Sadly it was not to remain in service for very long, with its non-standard nature being a constant maintenance problem. After repainting into GNER colours and before entering passenger service, it is pictured passing through Fitzwilliam station at the rear of a Leeds to London test run on 9 March 1997.