The BR Class 87 87305 Restoration Group has unveiled the new look for Bo-Bo Class 87 No. 87305 ‘Robert Burns’.

87035 is now in its exact livery that it was in when it was outshopped 22 years ago – Virgin Trains livery.

87035 is now in a small group of preserved locos that wear post-privatisation era liveries.

Virgin Group provided permission to use the Virgin branding on the sides and whilst it has not yet had its nameplates refitted, which are due to be fitted at a naming ceremony on the 25 January, I’m sure you will agree, this locomotive looks cracking.

It took 8 months for a small team to complete the makeover. Cosmetic work started in March 2021, with the summer months being focused on preparing the bodywork.

September arrived, and the locomotive was moved inside to apply the top coats and finishing touches.

87035 will remain as a static exhibit for the foreseeable future, but the aim is to have it partially working when on display at the Crewe Heritage Centre.

If you would like to donate to the work that the 87035 Group does, please see their PayPal page by clicking here.

James Mather, from the 87035 Group, told RailAdvent “We are pleased to finally reveal 87035 completed this Winter, after 8 months of hard work by a small dedicated team of us at Crewe.”

“Cosmetic work first began on the loco in March 2021 and throughout the summer we focused on prepping the bodywork. From September onwards the loco was moved inside the exhibition hall, where we were able to apply the top coats and finishing touches. We are grateful to Virgin Group for their kind permission in using the logos.

“We hope that 87035 will be noted as something quite unique on the heritage railway scene, being one of the only preserved vehicles re-painted in a post-privatisation livery.”

“There is a re-naming ceremony planned for January 25th. Further details are to be confirmed and will be made public in due course.

“Post repaint, efforts will continue to be focused on the interior and electrical restoration. The loco will remain only a static exhibit for the foreseeable future, but our aim is to have it partially working when on display at the museum. “