The Class 50 Locomotive (joint lecture DRES/IET DerbyNotts)

Derby Railway Engineering Society presentation, jointly supported with IET DerbyNotts.

Geoff Hudson will present insights on the history and operation of Class 50 diesel electric locomotives, the last batch of first-generation diesel locomotives introduced by British Rail under the Modernisation Plan which saw the demise of steam and the transition to diesel traction. Constructed between 1967 and 1968, the Class 50s built on the experience gained with the earlier pioneer diesel locomotives.  The knowledge and learning led to the introduction of a host of new systems including inertia filtration, rheostatic braking, slow speed control and more importantly, the first-generation electronic traction control.

The locomotives were initially ordered as an interim measure, to provide traction for the northern end of the West Coast Mainline. During the mid 1960’s electrification had reached Crewe and a 100mph locomotive capable of tackling the major inclines of Shap and Beattock was needed to take over from electric traction for the onward journey to Glasgow. On completion of the electrification the class was transferred to the Western Region of British Rail to allow the diesel hydraulic Western Class 52 locomotives to be withdrawn.

The engineering and operational story of this fleet remains relevant to professional engineers today where underpinning knowledge and understanding combined with innovation and adaptation continue to be central to the creation of solutions that may in turn promote further possibilities.