During late 2006 and early 2007, 86101 was prepared at Barrow Hill for main line running. On 12 March 2007 86101 was moved from Barrow Hill to Crewe LNWR for power testing, then the loco ran to Stafford and back as a light engine test run, thus becoming the first ever preserved AC electric locomotive to run under its own power on the UK main line railway. On 24 March 2007 86101 hauled the Compass Tours "Ynys Mon Express" railtour from Carlisle to Crewe and return, so becoming the first preserved AC electric locomotive to work a passenger train in the UK.