Class 50
 

Looking at the gallery pictures of the 50's bought back many memories of the Salisbury Exeter route.

Its a journey I still make from time to time but the magic has gone with the 159's.

The 50's certainly added something special, I used to time them and rembembered Elgar, just ex works making a fantastic run to Exeter, topping over 100mph + on many stretches. Could have made Exeter half an hour early if it weren't for the passing loops.

The 47/7's replacing them were dreadful, one broke down one evening on Honiton bank and had to wait hours for rescue 47 which wasn't much better.

Lost days now and I miss them, but was glad to be there and have the memories:)

Class 50
 

Hi Belmont Road. Just found some pics I'm putting on for you, hope they bring back those memories.

That's really kind great pictures, even the mailbags at Exeter!!

Thanks very much,:)

I remember a 33 had dragged a failed 50033 as far as Oxford on the Birmingham run. Here it was replaced by 50026 and was 25 mins down, by the time we reached New St we were only 3 mins late. a simply storming run Fantastic acceleration and obviously some very skilled driving. The sounds and odd lick of flame from the exhaust is something I won't forget. Thanks guys for posting the pictures
Regards

hi belmont road the class 50 s were fantastic loco s powerful and with a great sound i spent many a happy summer holiday down in devon and cornwall travelling behind them i always remember the jumbo trains which ran from paddington to penzance with a trailing load off sometimes 13 mk2 air con coaches the climb up dainton bank was pure music to the ears when there was a pair off 50 s on the front

Yes I caught a jumbo train from Reading to Truro. A great journey. Also remember getting an all stations journey first thing in the morning from Exeter to Truro, all mark1's with a 50 on the front. Beautiful journey especially along Dawlish.

Article in 'Rail Express' (July 2010) about 50's on the Waterloo-Exeter in 1991

I remember the 50s when first introduced doing Crewe - Glasgow Central double headed.
when first introduced the were leased to the Midland region by English Electric.

fantastic engine
 

One of my first memories of a class 50 was going to Old Oak Common open day -- i think in 1982 -- and seeing 50015 on the turn table. Took a photo of it with my little instamatic camera. Also, used to take trips to London and was always excited when the tube got to Waterloo and I knew there would be a class 50 wating there. Great days.

Class 50's have been my favorite for a long time. Back in the 80's when I lived in the Yeovil area, I spent many a happy hour at Yeovil Junction & Castle Cary watching these fantastic machines. The first one I ever saw (and also was hauled by) was on a train from Birmingham New St. to Bristol TM........happy days!!