WEN Geoff Hudson : The Class 50 Story – The British Rail Years

Our second meeting of our 2025/26 welcomes Geoff Hudson former Area Fleet Manager, Laira Depot, Plymouth 1989 – 1996

Class 50’s or D400’s as built were 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 Class 50 built on the experience gained with the earlier pioneer diesel locomotives, and was designed with, for then, 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 ordered, initially as an interim measure, to provide traction for the northern end of the West Coast Mainline. By 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was transferred to the Western Region of British Rail to allow the diesel hydraulic Western Class 52 locomotives to be withdrawn.

Geoff Hudson, former Area Fleet Manager at Laira Depot Plymouth, has had a close association with the class throughout his 50-year railway career and was responsible for the operation and rundown in their final years. In this lecture he explores the origin and development that lead to Class 50, their operation and maintenance, including the reasons for and scope of the extensive refurbishment programme, and the final years and rundown of the class that ultimately lead to preservation of a significant number of the fleet.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a fascinating evening

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE FROM OUR NORMAL EVENING