BR Klasse 89 - 89001 - InterCity Swallow (Original)

Seeing the badger fly past my house for the first time in 40 years was the moment I knew I had to have one.
Sublime model

I bought all five Accurascale versions of 89001: InterCity Executive, both InterCity Swallow periods and the two GNER versions with white and gold lettering.
Although the two white Swallow models initially appear similar, they are not duplicates. In my photographs, the original locomotive is on the left and the present-day version is on the right. The original carries the roof aerial and has noticeably more visible pipework and colour detailing around the bogies.
Only one Class 89 locomotive was ever built in real life, and these five models cover its principal livery and period variations. This feels like a one-off opportunity, as I cannot imagine Accurascale, or any other manufacturer, producing such a comprehensive Class 89 range again. It is therefore surprising that some versions are still available.
If you are buying one, the DCC sound-fitted model is unquestionably the version to choose. Because the prototype was unique, it is difficult to imagine a generic aftermarket sound profile matching the specially produced factory sound and functions.
As 89001 was a one-off locomotive and these models are unlikely to be produced again in large numbers, my collection would have felt incomplete without both versions. Another superb and historically important model from Accurascale.

I took advantage of Accurascale’s recent summer sale, which provided a random discount of between 10% and 30%. I was fortunate enough to receive the full 30% discount, reducing this sound-fitted Class 89 from £329.99 to just £230.99, a saving of £99. At that price, I simply could not say no.
I already owned the other four Accurascale Class 89 releases, but the discount persuaded me to complete the collection. I now have all five versions, with this original InterCity Swallow model being the sound-fitted example.
The InterCity Swallow livery looks superb, the finish and detailing are excellent, and the DCC sound gives the locomotive even more character and presence. I also purchased the appropriate Class 89 driver and secondman figures. As the photographs show, both figures sit naturally inside the cab, with the driver clearly visible through the windscreen once the body is refitted. They work extremely well with the locomotive and add another level of realism.
At the full price of £329.99, this is unquestionably an expensive locomotive. However, at the discounted price of £230.99, plus crew figures at £9.07, it was an absolute bargain and a fantastic way to complete my Accurascale Class 89 collection.

If there's a candidate for 'Model of the decade', then I'd have to put this model at the top of the list. I'm fortunate to own several Accurascale models, and the 'Badger' has to be the best of the lot. The amount of detail is outstanding, and it looks good from every angle. The sound quality is excellent and is rather distinctive.

I remember seeing the real loco at 'Doncaster Plant 150' back in July 2003 and hoping that someday someone would produce an RTR model. I'm tempted to pick up the GNER version with gold lettering at some point, as that's the livery it had at the time.

Just about to set up a ‘78-‘89 layout . As this livery fell just inside my upper limit (& my limit of interest- preferring a hard working dirty blue) I decided not to indulge numerous times….
Beautiful loco. Ran perfectly straight out the box

I’ve been waiting for this model for some time and it has not disappointed me. The detail is incredible! The livery looks great. It runs great out of the box. My first Accurascale locomotive and it did not disappoint.

That is one of the few words that I would use to describe a model...
Along with phenomenal, amazing, fantastic, amazing, and any other positive adjectives...
One of the many recent offerings of locomotives that I personally never expected to see in OO RTR, it definitely raises the bar on what is available and what we can expect...
Having had this loco for a while not only does it look gorgeous as it goes by, it goes by so well, easily dealing with pretty much any trainload it is asked to pull..
Another exquisite beauty from the Accurascale stable.. 👍🏻🤩

Once the loco was swapped for the correct one all was fine, the loco runs well and has a wealth of detail. I wasn't sure if I really needed this loco but now I've got it I am so glad i did get it.

Really pleased I add this to the one I have in executive.

Superb mode,l as usual from Accurascale. No issues with the model. Worked perfectly straight out of the box.

Absolutely stunning model. Excellent finish and very smooth runner. Packaging seems much improved over some recent models with no damage or loose parts. I think this has to be one of the best models from Accurascale to date.

Excellent model of an outstanding loco. Smooth and silent runner on dc. Once sound chipped an additional speaker enhanced the effect of the built in speaker. Only slight quibble would be that darn catch for the pantograph. A wee illustration in the instructions would have helped.

It's my best loco now, its amazing.

Oh, wow, indeed Accurascale what a superb model of the Class 89 also known as a 'Badger' electric locomotive. The printing and decoration is excellently rendered and the details on the model are marvellous. As you can see from my photos I purchased the model as # 89001 'Avocet' in Swallow black, white and red livery. It is a first RTR version of this unusual looking prototype engine and Accurascale have done a great job in capturing the profile superbly. Plus, all the bells and whistles that we get with the manufacturers printing decoration and fine details per usual. An excellent buy and I'm tempted to purchase another in the GNER Blue with Red stripes along the side.

I've been keeping an eye on this model since launch and bought it after the spin to win offer made the model more affordable. This is a superb model with a wealth of fine detail, crisp printing, excellent paint application and smooth running. Having done a lot of airbrushing and fine detailing to RTR models over the years, spending hours in the process, Accurascale as usual leaves nothing out and all this done on an industrial scale! Well done to all those involved on producing this amazing model.

Fantastic machine, well packaged and the sound and functions are amazing right down to lights on the dials in the cab. The dcc function pantograph is excellent and sets this aside from other models. Brilliant sounds on the decoder too

Thanks Accurascale for a great product. Excellent packaging ensured my order arrived in one piece.
However, because the detail is so fine,(amazing in fact), I'm a little reluctant to attempt adding crew in fear of causing damage. It would be the icing on the cake if crew were added during the manufacturing process to your locomotive catalogue. Good work Accurascale.
Regards. Dave Bell.

Excellent model 👌

This is a good-looking model straight from the (rather nice) box. So far it has been on a test bed and done running-in session. At this stage the motor, panto ,lights and sound are all working perfectly, as I'd expect from this company.

What a model, fantastic detail.

Fantastic model

Really pleased with this model, so glad accurascale and rails took the plunge it’s amazing