Preservationists plan glorious return for ‘50’
CLASS 50 preservationists have joined forces to restore 50033 Glorious, with the hope of reviving the locomotive in time for a Class 50 anniversary event at the Severn Valley Railway in October.
Announcing its plans on Facebook in mid-January, the group consists of several key members of the SVR-based Class 50 Alliance who will aim to return the locomotive to an operational condition over the coming months.
The locomotive is owned by Tyseley Locomotive Works, and has been based there for the past 11 years. However, during its time at Tyseley it has not been used and has been presenting an increasingly derelict appearance.
Work on its restoration began on January 15, with the locomotive shunted at Tyseley and a portion of roof removed to allow access to the radiators, which require
repairs to corroded tanks. This work will be carried out at Tyseley by the locomotive’s owners.
The locomotive is complete, although having been out of use for almost 14 years a number of repairs are required before it can be used to haul a train again.
A detailed assessment of the ‘50’ has proved to be generally positive, although the restoration group would welcome additional volunteers to assist with the project.
The Class 50 Golden Jubilee Event, which will take place at the SVR on October 4-6, aims to reunite as many operational members of the preserved Class 50 fleet as possible. As well as the Class 50 Alliance fleet based at the SVR, a number of other ‘50s’ are also expected to attend.
In addition to the resurrection of 50033, the owners of 50021 Rodney are also hoping to complete its restoration in time for it to take part. This locomotive has been out of use since suffering an ETH generator failure on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway in 1999.
Anyone wishing to contribute towards the project to restore 50033 can make their donation via Paypal to 50033@fiftyfund.org. uk, with donations towards 50033 being managed separately to the other locomotives under the care of the Class 50 Alliance.