PEAK FOREST

Work has begun on restoring 50033 Glorious to operational condition at the Severn Valley Railway.

Owned by Vintage Trains, the locomotive arrived at Kidderminster depot on May 31, hauled by GB Railfreight 66763 Severn Valley Railway.

The ‘50’ has not hauled a train since 2004. It is hoped it will return to action at the Class 50 Golden Anniversary event at the SVR on October 4-6.

The bodywork on the’50’ is described as being in fairly good condition, although as with most English Electric locomotives there is corrosion around the cabs, gutters and vents.

On its engine, the oil has been drained while coolant needs filling and pressure testing is required. The Fifty Fund hopes that liner seals are not required, although the group says that because the oil is emulsified the prospects are not good.

The electrics on the ‘50’ are described as looking good, although until the locomotive is started the group cannot be certain. It is at that point that the real fault-finding can begin.

The Fifty Fund has entered into a three-year loan deal with VT’s Bob Meanley and Tyseley Loco Works, to return Glorious to working order.

The deal was agreed earlier this year, and after initial work was carried out at the Tyseley site, the ‘50’ has now moved to the FF’s base at Kidderminster for further work.