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Traction & Rolling Stock Recognition - Illustrations

Class 50

See Technical Data

In ex-delivery condition, No. D400, the first loco of the fleet stands with one of its first main line test runs in September 1967. CJM.

Class 50 front end detail, showing an unrefurbished loco, the main difference on a refurbished example was the provision of a headlight. A-marker lights set in former headcode box, B-orange square multiple control jumper cable, C-orange square multiple control jumper socket, D-red tail light, E-electric train supply cable, F-vacuum brake pipe, G-coupling, H-air brake pipe, I main reservoir pipe, J-engine control air pipe, K-electric train supply socket. No. 50010 is illustrated parked by the turntable at Old Oak Common. CJM.

In the summer of 1980s, during an early part of the refurbishment contract at Doncaster, a new livery of 'more yellow' was authorised, which included wrap round yellow ends, black window surrounds, large logo and large numbers, set off by a light grey roof. In refurbished condition, showing a central headlight, No. 50023 Howe, stands in the yard at Doncaster with its No. 1 end viewed from the non-driving side leading. CJM.

The Network South East colours were rather controversial when applied in the mid-1980s following the formation of business units within the railway. Two versions of NSE livery were applied, the first style is shown left on No. 50002 with angled bands on the cab side. Later the bands finished in a straight line as shown on No. 50028 (right), which also has blue cab window surrounds. Both CJM.

No. 50015 (left) was repainted by Laira in 'Dutch' engineers livery in March 1991 and was given snowploughs at the same time. Another of the Laira repaints of 1991 is seen left, that of class pioneer No. D400 (50050) which was returned to original 1967 rail blue. Both locos are seen at Laira depot. No. 50015 is seen from its No. 2 end, while No. D400 is viewed from its No. 1 end. Both: CJM.

In February 1984, when the Class 50 fleet were becoming very popular with enthusiasts, No. 50007 was repainted in mock-GWR green livery and renamed Sir Edward Elgar. From then the loco became the celebrity of the fleet and was used for many special and charter services and featured in the many specials operated to mark the demise of the fleet. No. 50007 is seen outside Laira after a full repaint in April 1992. CJM.

In 1989, Laira depot repainted No. 50019 in all-over rail blue but retained black window surrounds and a light grey roof. The loco was officially allocated to the engineers sub-division for departmental traffic. It is seen here from the electrical compartment at its No. 2 end. The roof above the body side grilles at this end was originally flat, it was altered to the standard roof profile during refurbishment. CJM.

The only member of the Class 50/1 sub-class No. 50149 is seen painted its the distinctive Railfreight Distribution colours from its No. 1 end at Exeter. The loco is sporting a cast ship logo on the cab side, the symbol of Plymouth Laira depot and a yellow background to its nameplate. CJM.

Last Updated: 16 August 2006