Class 50 Finale
A
complete record of BR’s Class 50 operation between the summers of 1991
and 1992. In this programme: BRR's Area Fleet Manager Geoff Hudson opens the doors of Laira depot
to reveal the inside story on the operation of those that survived, the
fate of those that succumbed and the fortunes of those that entered
preservation. It makes fascinating and compulsive viewing.
Unique footage from Laira includes engine repairs, power unit
changes, bogie swaps, ‘flashover’ assessment, the removal &
storage of nameplates, the planning of the "Valiant Thunderer"
railtour, and the very last A-Exam on 50008 by Fitter Mike Woodhouse.
Lineside footage includes the last twelve Class 50s to work the West
of England route, and every railtour between August ‘91 and July ‘92.
Also included are many remarkable workings, including 50007 on a test
run in grey primer, scrap Class 50s traveling over the Settle-Carlisle
route, 50033 and D400 on a test train with red TPOs, 50033 towing HST
power cars, 50008 on its only West of England passenger turn, and D400 & 50007
quadruple-heading with two steam locos!
Preservation highlights feature 50019’s eventful road move to
Tunbridge Wells,
50027 and 50031 on their inaugural runs, 50002 on passenger and freight
duties,
and 50035 firing-up for the first time in two years!
"A remarkable documentary ... one and a half
hours of riveting entertainment." RAIL Magazine
