50019 Ramillies comes in from the cold
A CLASS 50 that has not worked a passenger train since 2013 has moved undercover, as its owning group begins a programme of works to return the locomotive to service on the Mid-norfolk Railway (MNR). 50019 Ramillies was stopped eight years ago to allow an overhaul to be carried out after more than a decade of working on the MNR. In late October, the locomotive was admitted to the MNR shed at Dereham for specialist bodywork repairs to be carried out. Owned by the Class 50 Locomotive Association (C50LA), it was the second Class 50 to be purchased for preservation in the summer of 1991. After initial restoration work was carried out at Eridge on the fledgling Spa Valley Railway, it moved to the MNR where it has been based ever since, regularly seeing use on the line between Dereham and Wymondham before being stood down. The C50LA has employed a contractor extremely experienced in carrying out bodywork repairs on Class 50s to accelerate the work required on the exterior of 50019.
C50LA spokesman Chris Barrett told Railways Illustrated: “It’s surprising that the repairs we did to 50019 over 25 years ago have held up reasonably well, but now it is time to get the bodywork repairs done professionally.
“It is hoped that the work will be completed around the end of February.
“In the meantime, work will continue on the engine and we will be fitting a pre-heater by next spring. “Once the corrosion repairs are completed, work will commence on reinstating No. 1 end cab, which has been stripped out, as well as repairs to associated air pipes.
“We are extremely grateful to the chairman, general manager and trust council of the MNR for their assistance and help getting 50019 undercover.
“The work required would be much more difficult if having to be done outside.”
If all work progresses as planned, it is hoped that the next phase of the revival of Ramillies will be the overhaul of the locomotive’s bogies, which Mr Barratt described as “quite a major task, but achievable.” There is currently no target in place for when 50019 might return to traffic on the MNR, but the C50LA is determined to build on the momentum that has recently built up with regards to reviving the Class 50.
The C50LA is also seeking donations to assist with the restoration of 50019. A Paypal account has been set up for people who wish to support the work.
Donations to the restoration project can be made via Paypal to 50019ramillies@mail.com, and anyone donating £20 or more will receive a limited edition certificate in recognition of their contribution. More information can be found by searching for the Class 50 Locomotive Association on Facebook.