We now have multiple ways you can help or donate:
Class 50 Finale - The Laira Years DVD
The First of the Last - The D400 Fund book
Mouse Mats - 50050 Hauling the VSOE
Donations online by credit/debit card via PayPal
Our Buy.at online shop, just click on the logo linked from our site and we get a small
commission if you buy from the online retailers available.
UPDATE: 30 December 2011
Just to prove me wrong, there was a final working party in 2011. On the 27th December four of our hardy
volunteers travelled down to Yeovil. Jobs undertaken are better explained by the photos below, but to summarise
more new woodwork on number 1 cab A side. Radiator fan resistor insulator cleaning and the resistor
covers paint stripped and primed, lastly, the loco was given a steam clean to remove the build up of
metal particles from all the bodywork done this year.
Thank you so much to everybody who has contributed to 50050 in 2011. Happy New Year.
Photographs copyright Chris Thorn
UPDATE: 23 December 2011
We would like to wish all our supporters and followers a happy Christmas, a fantastic New
Year and a BIG THANK YOU for all your support this year!
UPDATE: 1 December 2011
On Sunday we had what is likely to be our last working party of 2011. With the locos time in the shed at
Yeovil at an end, the focus was on preparing 50050 for a winter outside. The loco was towed outside and
drained of water. Newly purchased lorry curtain tarpaulins were fitted over the more or less the entire
length of the roof and the battery was disconnected.
More progress was made on the ongoing overhaul of the radiator fan and associated control equipment. The
covers to the fan resistors were removed so the resistors could be inspected. We had expected a pretty
bleak sight as these resistors can often expire in sympathy when the fan motor expires. However no damage
was found and all bar one of the resistor bars were found to be in acceptable condition. The resistor
covers will be paint stripped and repainted in anti tracking paint.
In number 1 cab, Tom spent the day replacing much of the drivers side woodwork with new hardwood. Most of
what was fitted was rotten and almost all has had to be replaced. Much work has been done off site as a
homework project and we really appreciate the work Tom has done on this job. The cab quarter light and
droplight were refitted to the drivers side of number 1 cab.
As an example of some of the small jobs that we are undertaking, the photo left shows the new shafts to the
roof hatch door lock handles. These were made in Derby this week.
2011 has been a really good, happy and productive year for 50050 Fearless at Yeovil. After finally getting the loco to move under its own power in 2010, we were desperate to start the long overdue bodywork overhaul. Getting shed space and the finding OJ Fabrication changed everything for us at Yeovil and enabled real progress to be made. Book sales and donations have enabled us to do much more that we ever expected and peoples reactions to the work we have done has been so kind and much appreciated. Indeed we have only had two pieces of hate mail and no death threats this year, so we must be doing something right! Thank you to everybody who has helped and supported 50050 in 2011.
UPDATE: 9 November 2011
The latest working day was on October 29. The main focus was to waterproof the loco for a winter outside.
Our new lorry curtain tarpaulins were fitted to the roof. 50050s roof is far from watertight and will be
removed next year for reskinning. Various parts of the body that were in primer were painted into gloss.
Finally the locos lights were switched on and tested. No real reason to do this other than a group morale
booster!
UPDATE: 23 October 2011
The D400 Fund have loaned our spare Control Unit 1 to Garcia Hanson for use on 50008. When Mr Hanson bought
50008 it was missing its CU1 and has to date used a borrowed CU1. The long term loan of our CU1 will enable
50008 to have a future as a running locomotive. If either 50050 or 50027 have a CU1 fault, then our unit
will be returned.
D400 Fund member and 50008 electriction Andy Rowlands hands over the CU1 to 50008s owner Garcia Hanson.
50008 was started for the first time since it arrived at Washwood Heath. The loco was run to test its new
CU1 and overhauled CU4 and CU5.
UPDATE: 12 October 2011
Another working party last weekend. More progress on the roof with 3 of the 4 roof hatches bolted down. New
locks and seals have been fitted. The fourth hatch has been bent during its travels and awaits straightening.
The locos roof will be craned off next year to enable the centre section to be safely reskined.
The drivers side cab at number one end, which has received the most attention of all the cab sides on 50050
has had its first coat of gloss paint. This is just to protect the new metal from the weather once the loco
goes back outside. The loco will be properly painted after all the bodywork repairs are done.
More paint stripping and cleaning of the empty radiator fan compartment has been undertaken. This job will be
ongoing for several months.
The repainted fire pulls were refitted during the weekend and the compressors had their brushes checked for length and freedom of movement within the brush boxes. Both compressors have worn brushes, but with the small amount of running 50050 does per year, they should be alright for a while yet.
UPDATE: 5 October 2011
We were joined by 50050s owner Harry Schneider and various jobs were undertaken. The overhauled CU4 and
CU5 were refitted to the loco. The next job on the cooling system will be the replacement of the temperature
probe sensors. However, we will wait and see how my employer changes the probes on his 50 before trying to
change 50050s! On a similar note, if anybody knows where to source replacement radiator fan resistors,
could they get in touch?
More primer and a first coat of undercoat were applied to the reskined cabside at number 1 end, also more
paint stripping was done in the fan compartment. Finally the battery was reconnected and will be charged in
the coming weeks.
Our new infomation banner arrived at Yeovil. Group member Ashley Floyde has designed this for use both at
Yeovil and for when we start a sales stand.
We have an original Glasgow Eastfield Scotty Dog transfer for sale. Harry was given it by the storeman
during a visit around the depot! If anybody wants it, please get in touch. Delivery will have to wait a
while as its still in Holland...
UPDATE: 12 September 2011
On Thursday and Friday of last week, OJ Fabrications made, what is likely to be their last visit of the
year to Yeovil. Number 1 cab reskining was completed.
New uprights have been fabricated between the windows on B side and the corner pillar has been repaired.
In addition some jobs remaining from A side cab repairs were finished off. The footstep removed to replace
corroded skin behind it was reattached.
The completed cabside
Over the weekend all the bare metal was filled and primed. The ongoing job of fitted the new roof hatches was progressed. New locks and seals are also being fitted.
UPDATE: 1 September 2011
OJ Fabrications will be back for two additional days next week.
Restoration is moving ahead, but we do need funds to carry on the work.
UPDATE: 31 August 2011
Todays work from OJ Fabrications.
The group now has a Facebook page, just type "D400 Fund" into Facebook search.
UPDATE: 30 August 2011
Our contractors have returned for 80 hours contracted work. The first job was to renew the frame of B side
number 1 end cab.
More updates later in the week.
UPDATE: 23 August 2011
More progress on the ongoing overhaul of 50050s bodywork at the weekend, with a start being made on B side
of the locomotive.
The drivers side at number 1 end.
All the skin has been removed. Our contractors will replace all the skin and most of the window frames.
The area below the former rheo brake louvers will be reskinned.
After needle gunning and priming
Also in number I cab, Tom has been busy replacing rotted wood with new on the secondmans side and stripping
wood from the drivers side.
The overhaul of 50050s radiator fan system is progressing. The CU4 and CU5 have both been completed and await
return. Thanks to Joe Burr for his work on them. At Yeovil, various parts have been cleaned and repainted.
Finally, thanks to Tony Middleton and his family for taking the time to visit us on Friday.
UPDATE: 5 July 2011
A working party on Saturday saw more progress on 50050. Replacement timbers have been fitted in number 1 cab
secondmans side and the quarterlight refitted. More guttering has been removed and corrosion delt with on
the cab roof.
We would like to thank and welcome Tom Thorn to the group
UPDATE: 29 June 2011
On Tuesday our defective radiator fan motor was delivered to Bowers Electrical of Heanor. It will initially
be assessed and then we will decide whether to use this motor or a spare. Thanks to Dave Hesketh of Bowers
and to Ashley for taking the day off work and undertaking the marathon drive from Yeovil to Heanor. Thanks
also to the Yeovil Railway Centre volunteers for loading the fan onto the van for us.
50050s fan control units will be dispatched for checking this Saturday. With several large bills coming, please take a look at our sales page and consider a purchase!
UPDATE: 16 June 2011
50050 inside the engine shed this week
UPDATE: 11 June 2011
Issue 672 of RAIL magazine contains a four page feature on the repainting of 50050 into D400, just over 20
years ago, written by Andy Coward with a contribution from Howard Johnston.
The issue is available in newsagents from Wednesday 15 June.
UPDATE: 5 & 6 June 2011
Our latest working party on 50050 was a happy and productive occasion for us. With the progress being made on
50050, everybody at Yeovil are now supportive and kind. We greatly value and appreciate our hosts help with
50050s restoration. Indeed, we would not have been able to crane the fan out without it.
On Saturday, the last remaining bolts holding the rad fan motor were removed and the complete assembly disconnected, ready for removal the next day.
Now ready for the new guttering to be fitted
More corroded guttering was cut off and ground back on A side of number 1 cab. B side was done on Sunday
The loco's CU4 and CU5 were removed and will be sent away for testing. 50050 has always had a fan with a
life of its own, this proberbly causing the fan to flashover. So it makes sense to try and sort this problem
out once and for all. In the photograph below the CU5 Radiator fan control unit is on the left and the CU4,
radiator temperature sensing unit is on the right.
The grill above the fan was removed, cupbrushed and rust treated. On Sunday, with the railways crane driver on
site, the fan was lifted out of the loco
The fan will now be sent to Bowers. It maybe easier to use our spare fan motor or to make one good motor from
the two units. We would like to thank Ronnie, owner of one of the best restored shunters in the country and
Roger for their help and assistance. Thanks Gents.
50050 is now back in the shed at Yeovil. This is not for the second batch of bodywork resheeting, thats due to start in September. But simply because it gets it out of the way!!
UPDATE: 13 April 2011
We now have mouse mats for sale, featuring 50050 hauling the VSOE from Bristol to London at Great Wishford on 2 September 1998 with an excellent image of 50050 taken by Martin Loader.
Priced at only £6.00 including UK delivery, these mats are an ideal way to support the D400 Fund and ensure that your mouse does what it is told and goes in the right direction!
UPDATE: 11 April 2011
Last weekend we held our last working party in Yeovil's engine shed. 50050 is going outside again, to allow
roof repairs to the shed. So the main focus of the weekend was to make 50050 watertight.
The first two engine room roof hatches has returned from having their catches welded. Many thanks to Simon from Shackerstone based HTRS Ltd for this. The cab droplight and quarter light at number 1 end was refitted. We thank and also welcome Chris Thorn who did this job for us. A start has been made on replacing the wood in number 1 cab. This will be the first cab to be restored. On Sunday, Chris made himself busy by starting to disconnect the fan motor, which is going to Bowers for an overhaul. A start was made on removing corroded guttering from number 1 end. We already have replacement gutter section in stock.
Kick plates from both cabs have been refitted
Section of guttering has been removed ready for replacement
Window glass refitted
UPDATE: 5 April 2011
50050 is no longer in large logo livery, Harry and Ashley removed the numbers and arrows on Saturday
UPDATE: 4 April 2011
After another visit by O J Fabrications, A side of 50050 is now almost complete. There will now be a pause in the
bodywork restoration while the loco is turned and awaits another slot in the shed at Yeovil. We would like
to thank our host the Yeovil Railway Centre for the last four months undercover.
New cabside!
Red oxide covers the new platework.
New plate above and below the footstep
Harry with one of the locos nameplates. These will be repainted and refitted.
UPDATE: 26 March 2011
Friday's work update.
New plate welded in to cover the hole shown in our previous update.
UPDATE: 24 March 2011
Yesterday repairs to the frame of number 1 end cab secondmans side were carried out.
Upright cut out and awaiting new metal
Nearly completed frame repairs
More new metal destined for 50050.
UPDATE: 22 March 2011
Cab droplight was removed today, thanks to Roger Marsh and Brian Haigh, YRC volunteers for taking the
droplight out for us.
UPDATE: 21 March 2011
At the end of 60 hours work on Friday, the two staff from OJ Fabrications have reskined number 2 cab drivers
side and stripped number 1 cab secondmans side. Frame repairs have also been undertaken along with new metal
above the footsteps behind the aluminium kick plate.
Various parts were primed, undercoated and glossed this weekend. This weeks job will be frame repairs and
reskining number 1 end. The frame here is much worse than number 2 end was.
Ever fancied owning a unique souvenir of the pioneer class 50? Well how about a part of it removed during the
current repairs? Various parts are available. The cabside panel from number 2 end is mentioned in
last weeks news.
window frame from A side number 2 end. You could use this as a photo frame!
Sand filler from number 1 end secondmans side
Please email if interested in any items from 50050. All will come with an invite to look around 50050 at Yeovil.
Many thanks to OJ Fabrications, Yeovil Railway Centre, Ashley Floyde, Martin
Hart, Mike Matthews and Garcia Hanson
UPDATE: 19 March 2011
Our book, "First of the Last" will be available from the shop at Yeovil from tomorrow.
UPDATE: 14 March 2011
On Wednesday, the restoration of 50050 took a huge step forward with serious bodywork restoration beginning.
All four cabsides will be replaced eventually
50050s original sandbox filler make a brief reappearence
Corrosion cut out of the cab footsteps
The window frame had corroded as water had sat between the window rubber and metal. Just need to find
somebody that can fit windows now!
We would like to get as much done before we loose our shed space. I realise there are lots of loco groups
after money right now, but please consider either buying a book, dvd or making a donation. It really
will speed progress on the pioneer class 50.
UPDATE: 14 March 2011
Last weekend we finally manged to get some new metal into 50050 at Yeovil. Two new roof hatches fitted, only
four more to go...
More cupbrushing and priming was undertaken and on Sunday the newly fitted roof hatches were painted in
undercoat. The loco was filled with water having been drained in early December.
UPDATE: 9 March 2011
Another working day today. The ETH and multiple working equipment has been paint stripped and now awaits a
coat of etching primer. The area inside the exhauster access door has been cleaned out.
The compressor air intake grill from A side has returned from shotblasting and the first set of roof hatches
has returned from haveing their catches and locks fitted.
UPDATE: 7 March 2011
Last weekends working party saw more progress on 50050s bodywork. Number 1 end buffer beam, previously needle
gunned, was cup brushed and painted black. The number 2 end cover between the roof hatches was removed.
The whole centre section of the roof is wafer thin metal and will be reskinned. All cab from hand rails were
painted in undercoat. Both headlights were paint stripped and now await a coat of etching primer. The area
where the roof hatches have been removed, was painted in top coat gloss; Ready now for the fitting of new
hatches. The guttering above number 2 end A side engine room louvres, was cup brushed and rust treated.
This section of guttering is one of the few on the loco that will not require replacement. Finally in
preparation for welding repairs, the locos battery was disconnected and all windows covered.
Our big news this week is that we have finally found a contractor willing to undertake all the bodywork repairs on 50050 at Yeovil. Finding a contractor has been a long and fraught struggle and we are delighted that OJ Fabrications of Weymouth have visited 50050 and have agreed to start work. The new steel required has already been purchased and the first 60 hours of work arranged. Starting serious metalwork replacement on 50050 has long been an ambition and we would like to express our thanks to both OJ Fabrications and to our hosts Yeovil Railway Centre, for enabling this to happen.
If anybody would like to buy the removed cabsides, please contact us. As 50050 is in large logo livery, the numbers or crests are not on the cabsides. Still a unique souvenir of the pioneer 50!
With two contractors working for as many hours as we can fund, the only thing that will now delay 50050s bodywork restoration completion is money! The more we have, the more work will be done. Please consider buying a book or making a donation. It really will speed the return of 50050.
UPDATE: 21 February 2011
Last Friday saw the first set of engine roof hatches despatched to Shackerstone for fitting of catches and
handles etc.
Saturday, the last hatches were removed from the loco. The area where they were has been cleaned up, rust treated and primed.
Sunday, All nose end handles have been stripped down to bare metal, rust treated and primed.
The last of the axles end caps have been torqued up, tab washers bent and new gaskets fitted.
UPDATE: 15 February 2011
We had another working weekend on 50050 at Yeovil on 12/13 of February. With more attention to the bodywork.
The centre cover in the middle was removed to reveal severe corrosion. The metal is very thin and will require
replacement. (Left)
The exhauster access hatch was removed for shotblasting. A new hinge will be fitted. (Right)
Two more roof hatches were removed. New hatches will be fitted after various catches and clips have been
fitted. (Left)
B side compressor air intake was removed for shotblasting and repairs. (Right)
A previous BR repair was found by our needle gun. This whole area will be reskined. (Left)
In addition, number 1 end buffer beam was needle gunned and the area below the air intake grills on B side number 2 end was needle gunned, painted with rust treatment and primed.
UPDATE: 30 January 2011
On December 4 50050 was moved into the shed at Yeovil for the first time since arriving in October
2004. We are very greatful to our host for this. With the benefit of covered accomadation
restoration of 50050s bodywork has at long last started.
We had a working party on 22nd and 23rd January 2011. The roof hatches at number 1 end were removed (shown left) and the
area where they sat was cleaned up and primed.
The hatches will be replaced with new fabricated last year by the South Devon Railway (right).
The access doors below the air intake grills at number 2 end B side were opened up. This space was
cleaned and will be repaired, primed and glossed. (above)
The axle box cover gaskets were replaced with new and some other minor work was carried out to prepare 50050 for a transit exam.
Thanks to everybody who has bought the book, dvd or made donations. Its much appreciated. The next few months will see some large bills, so we much appreciate your help.
UPDATE: 2 December 2010
We are now able to sell the new Locomaster Profiles DVD "CLASS 50 FINALE - THE INSIDE STORY",
our book, "The First of the Last, the life and times of 50050 Fearless" is being very well received.
See Book/DVD page for more details.
Last date for orders for Christmas delivery is Friday 17 December.
UPDATE: 26 November 2010
Our book, "The First of the Last, the life and times of 50050 Fearless" has received good reviews,
see the Book page for more details.
18 October 2010
At the weekend the D400 Fund lost a very dear friend and member. Michael Timms passed away at the age of 51.
Michael was the founder of the Deltic 9000 Fund, which saved Deltics D9000 and D9016. Later the fund became Deltic 9000 Locos limited and became the first group to put a Deltic on the mainline. Later they brought deltics back to service trains and returned 50050 to the mainline. It too operated service trains. It should be remembered that DNLL are the only group to have put 50050 on a train since it was bought in 1994. Michael and his father Charles also purchased a Bullied pacific from Barry scrapyard.
After a few years away from active involvement in 50050, recently Michael had been working very hard arranging the move away from Yeovil. We asked Michael to get involved as he still had the contacts from the 'old days'. He even took it upon himself to try and arrange sponsorship for the move. He was proud to have contributed a chapter to our recently produced book on 50050. Thankfully he had possession of a copy for his final two weeks of life.
It is fitting that the day Michael died, 'his' Deltic, Royal Scots Grey was operating and hauling trains... Michael we will miss you.
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