86401 represents the 86/4 subclass, which were generally used in later years on mail and parcels services, although this didn't stop examples being found on express passenger duties from time to time.
86401 was the first Class 86 to be preserved, being purchased from EWS in June 2004, in full working order. It had been withdrawn in 2003 following the cessation of mail traffic by rail.
86401 was scheduled to be named "The Chartered Institute of Transport", but the plates were never affixed. Instead it was named "Northampton Town" on 13th May 1989 but the plates were removed in November 1991. It was named "Hertfordshire Rail Tours" on 15th October 1998, the plates remaining in place until withdrawal at the end of 2002.
As the only AC electric to legitimately carry Network SouthEast livery, it was restored to the scheme in 2005 for the Crewe Works Open Days with sponsorship from the Webb Crewe Works Open Weekend Committee, where it was rechristened "Northampton Town".
The loco was undergoing a full E-exam in preparation for a return to the main line during 2008, but problems were found with one of the wheelsets. While replacements were being sourced, it was moved to Willesden TMD to act as a shunting and train heat supply loco.

86401 moves to Crewe
14th February 2011
86401 moves to Crewe
14th February 2011
-->86401 moves to Crewe
14th February 2011
-->86401 was moved today from Willesden TMD to LNWR Crewe to receive replacement bogies from 86424.