BR Class 50

English Electric Type 4 - 2700 HP, 100 MPH Co-Co. 50 in Class, all named. Introduced in 1967 and initially saw service on the West Coast Main Line hauling passenger services over the non electrified portion of the route north of Crewe, often in pairs. With completion of the electrification to Glasgow in 1974 the Class was transferred to the Western Region, displacing the non standard diesel hydraulics and working front line expresses until the introduction of the HST's in the late 1970's. Remaining on the Western, the locos were then relegated to secondary duties hauling the less prestigious expresses and outer suburban commuter trains until withdrawal in 1992.

Elegant styling, powerful and a beautiful engine sound make the Class 50 a classic machine which must be considered a vital candidate for inclusion in the British locomotive package.

A sound sample can be downloaded from Mike Wright's "Roaring Forties" web site.

Written by Vern Moorhouse
http://www.trainsim.org.uk/index.html

Resources

General Data

Class 50 Gallery - by Colin Birch
Class 50 Gallery - European Railway Server
Class 50 Gallery - Locomotive Photo Gallery by Mark Shipman