[MOC] BR Class 89

[BrakeCoach]

 

I made this back in 2021, but I feel like this is still worth showing to everyone.

This model is based on the British Rail Class 89, 89001, a unique one-off of a proposed class of locomotives.

Its a 7-wide model approximating to real-life proportions, thus being the most detailed and ambitious project that I have taken so far.

The three-axle bogies, as they also have buffers attached to them, are too long for lego track, so I divided the bogies into two parts, with the main part connected to the body, and the other has the buffers, and connected to the main bogie.

The front features the distinct rounded vertical headlights, as well as the bars around them. I also was able to reproduce the rounded bufferbeam area as well.

The parts that I am most satisfied of are the sides. I think the sideways grill piece represents the real locomotive well, and I think I made the right choice using rail pieces to have the indentation just below where the roof starts. If I were to make it into a real model, I would love to get decals for the silver nameplates it has.

 

The roof pops out, allowing access to a power functions motor, battery box, and reciever. The reciever is right under the pantograph well, where it is hidden beneath some prototypical grills.

I made this before learning about better lego gear ratios, so currently its not in the most ideal setup.

 

One change I made from the 2021 version is the pantograph from some hinge plates with a pantograph piece, to a bunch of bars and binocular pieces. Now, it is bigger and more detailed, enhancing the pantograph well area as a whole. You can still see the original version from my profile pic.

I'm not sure if I would ever make this in physical form, because the parts for this model costs about $300-400, which I don't have at hand to willingly spend at the moment.

In the meantime, I would love to get some feedback, because there are a bunch of stuff I want to improve upon, such as:

• the cab slope, which is on a 60 degree angle that I am satisfied with, but still leaves a giant hole at the bottom
• better bogie techniques, as well as the gearing

Edited September 6 by BrakeCoach

[Murdoch17]

Nice work on this unique, obscure electric loco @BrakeCoach! I wish I could help with you with your issues you describe with your MOC, but I haven't a clue on how to fix them. (sorry!)

Keep up the good work - this looks fantastic!

[zephyr1934]

It looks good

[ILoveSeatron]

Nice job! It looks great! 

[Hod Carrier]

You may be interested to know that "The Badger", as the loco is affectionately known, still exists. I drove past it just today at Crewe.

Your model is a very good likeness and immediately recognisable. Just one small observation, if I may. The pantograph is facing the wrong way and needs flipping around so that the elbow points towards the centre of the loco.

[zephyr1934]

6 hours ago, Hod Carrier said:

"The Badger", as the loco is affectionately known,

Wow, I can't unsee that (not that I mind). Never would have occurred to me but now I can't get it out of my head

[BrakeCoach]

On 9/15/2025 at 3:44 PM, Hod Carrier said:

You may be interested to know that "The Badger", as the loco is affectionately known, still exists. I drove past it just today at Crewe.

Your model is a very good likeness and immediately recognisable. Just one small observation, if I may. The pantograph is facing the wrong way and needs flipping around so that the elbow points towards the centre of the loco.

Yup! I was delighted to hear that it will be back running soon.

Also thanks for the info on the pantograph! I will make that change.

[Brickstone_City]

Hi,

Very nice model! :-)

But are you sure about the gear connection, shouldn't it be the other way round (small gear attached to the motor, large to the wheels). This way you take away a lot of of torque and I am not sure the wheels need to turn that fast...