Restoration of 50019 forges ahead

the bodywork overhaul to 50019 Ramillies is nearing completion on the Mid-norfolk Railway (MNR). The owning group, the Class 50 Locomotive Association (C50LA), employed a professional welder and fabricator with extensive knowledge of repairing Class 50s to address the body rot and corrosion that has been suffered by the locomotive, which has been stored out of use at the MNR for a number of years awaiting overhaul. With new steel now in place, work has commenced on rubbing down the bodywork prior to filling and profiling, with the new metalwork primed and painted. The plated-over cab sandboxes have been removed, as have the now redundant radio pods on both cab roofs.

Now that the bodywork repairs have been completed, the glazing will be refitted and the woodwork in the cabs will be reinstated and repainted. The driver’s desk will then be reinstated, along with other equipment. The C50LA is carrying out a number of tasks away from Dereham, with the parts to be refitted as the project progresses.

New engine hatch covers have been fabricated and one of the exhaust stacks that was in poor condition has been repaired. Additionally, the tail light fittings have been completely refurbished and tested.

The owners are making plans to drain the fuel, oil, and water in preparation for arranging to lift 50019 in order to carry out bogie repairs. There is still a lot of work to be carried out in returning the Class 50 to service.

There is currently no target date for the completion of works, although the owners are hoping to build on the momentum that has been built up in recent months.

Progress on the restoration can be found on the association’s Facebook page, which can be found by Facebook users by searching for either 50019 Ramillies or Class 50 Locomotive Association.