By Joseph Burr, David Clough, Ian Horner, David Keogh, Dave Redbourne, David Searle, and Andrew Watts (Published by The Fifty Fund)
To mark twenty five years since the publication of the ‘Class 50 Factfile’ and the golden anniversary of the class entering service for British Rail, ‘The Class 50s at Fifty - The Factfile’ also celebrates the first quarter of a century since some of these enduringly popular diesel-electric locomotives were first secured for preservation.
 
From the corporate British Rail era, through to the business sectors led operations from the mid-1980s, ‘The Class 50s at Fifty – The Factfile’ looks back at the class in daily service before withdrawal and disposal for scrap. The book charts how the lucky ones survived to forge new chapters in their lives, working for preservation groups on ‘heritage’ lines around the country and even back on the national network.
 
We take a look at the challenges faced keeping Class 50s operational into the 21st century and how you can help! The book also reviews and updates the data-files for each locomotive, charting key facts from when first accepted by BR to their last trains worked, withdrawal dates and onward disposal.
 
Proceeds from the sale of ‘The Class 50s at Fifty – The Factfile’ will help towards the continued upkeep of the six Class 50s in the care of the Class 50 Alliance.