CLASS 50s ON THE B&H
English Electric power on the Blackburn & Hellifield line
English Electric — Class 50
Built by English Electric at Newton-le-Willows between 1967 and 1968, the Class 50s had a power output of 2,700 bhp and were capable of running at 100 mph. Originally used on the West Coast Main Line north of Crewe, they made regular appearances along the Ribble Valley mainly on weekend diversions. Sometimes running double-headed, they worked both passenger and freight services and although they were all transferred to the Western Region in the early 1970s, they occasionally still show up on the line with special trains to Carlisle.
Nos. D433 & D400 double-headed on the 'Midland Scotsman' Birmingham New Street – Glasgow at Rimington — 5 February 1994 (J.M.)
No. 50012 at Chatburn on a Scottish diversion — 9 February 1975 (Peter Fitton)
Passing the old goods shed at Chatburn is No. 50050 at the rear of a special train from Carlisle. (J.M.)