Celebrating 35 Years of 50035 Ark Royal In Preservation
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
On 18 August 1991, 50035 Ark Royal became the first Class 50 locomotive to enter preservation, formally handed over at the Old Oak Common Open Day by Chris Green, then Managing Director of Network SouthEast.
Photo J Topping
The Fifty Fund had been formed by Dave Keogh and Jonathan Dunster in October 1988, as it became increasingly clear that the Class 50s were heading for the scrapyard.
A massive fundraising appeal followed, with shares sold for £25.
The response from fellow Class 50 enthusiasts was tremendous, with so many people determined to play their part in ensuring that at least one member of this iconic class would survive for future generations.
The successful tender amount paid was £16,535
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this dream possible — from those who bought shares and supported the original campaign, to all the volunteers who have given up their time over the years, and to our shareholders, supporters and volunteers who continue to share our passion and dedication to class 50 preservation today.
She will soon be back with us looking majestic and ready to travel down the beautiful Severn Valley Railway again.
