About The Fifty Fund

The Fifty Fund was founded in 1989 in an attempt to preserve a British Railways (BR) class 50 (or English Electric type 4) locomotive in working order. At that time it seemed unlikely that many of these complex engines

In less than three years sufficient capital was raised to purchase two 50's and an extensive supply of spares. In addition 50031 was purchased by two shareholders for use by The Fund. All three locomotives were carefully selected to maximise The Fund's chances of long term success. All locomotives are based on The Severn Valley Railway (S.V.R.), which is widely regarded as the premier preserved railway in the UK.

In 2006 The Fifty Fund agreed to merge its ownership and maintenance responsibilities with Project Defiance. The new combined organisation to be called the Class 50 Alliance. At the same time The Fifty Fund became a fund raising organisation, a repository for the history of the class, and a focal point for discussion of all aspects of its history. The Fund will also continue to operate the share purchase by installments scheme. Following the merger shareholders in both Project Defiance and The Fifty Fund are to be issued with new Shares in the Class 50 Alliance Ltd.

All shareholders in the Class 50 Alliance are automatically members of The Fifty Fund. 

Restoration work

Most of the Fifty Fund's early restoration work was been carried out at the ex BR depot at West St. Leonards (near Hastings) where facilities are second to none. All three locomotives are now on S.V.R. and are maintained in the yard at Kidderminster, where plans are in hand to build a shed specifically for the lines increasing diesel fleet.

Project Defiance undertook its early restoration work at ASW in Cardiff, before moving to the West Somerset Railway and then to The Severn Valley Railway. 

The members carry out most of the work themselves supervised by members who have expertise in engineering disciplines. To ensure safe working practices are followed, The Fund has published a health and safety document. The work is dirty but very rewarding. We offer encouragement to any shareholders who wish to become involved, no experience necessary.

Spare Parts

Long before 35 was purchased both The Fifty Fund and Project Defiance  had acquired a large quantity of spare parts, through carrying out component recovery on withdrawn members of the class. Redundant spares held in store by BR were then pursued. Finally a complete power unit (Diesel set and Generator) and a bogie have been secured from a cut up sister locomotives (50 018 and 50045 respectively). The Alliance believes that a sound spares policy is essential to stand any chance of keeping these sophisticated locomotives running.