50971 Class 108 Driving Motor Brake Second

Home Railway

Kent & East Sussex Railway

Location History

Kent & East Sussex Railway Aug 93-Present

Current Location

Kent & East Sussex Railway

 

 

Current Status

Operational

 

 

Current Livery

BR Green (Speed Whiskers)

 

 

TRA Designation

4

    

Partner Vehicle(s)

51571

 

 

Owner

Railway Equipment & Traction Co

 

 

Website

None

    

Record Last Updated

1 March 2025

    

Preservation Modifications
None

Preservation Information
50971 & 51571 were acquired for the Kent & East Sussex Railway in 1993 to represent the direct descendant of their GWR Railcar, No 20. They were selected due to their good condition rather than any other reason.

50971 has remained in the same ownership its entire preservation life and has never left the K&ESR. Whilst their much refurbishment work has been undertaken to ensure the longer term future of the vehicle. After initial work and a repaint into green 50971 debuted in March 1996 embarking on a very long stint of regular service, operating the off-peak services on the line, supplementing the normal steam service on quieter days.

In 2009, the seating was reupholstered with a more period green pattern and the following year 50971 received a repaint, retaining the exising green with speed whiskers colour scheme.

In late 2024, 50971 was withdrawn for bodywork and a repaint. Completed quickly, in February 2025, the vehicle returned to traffic, resplendent once again.

50971 & 51571 continue to operate regularly at the Kent & East Sussex Railway.

Future Plans
To maintain in service.

 

M50971/M51571 stabled at Tenterden Town, 3/9/22. Ken Jones
   

M50971/M51571 waiting to depart Tenterden, 10/8/19. Chris Baines
   

M50971/M51571 standing at Bodiam, waiting to work the 12:48 Bodiam-Tenterden, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon
   

50971/51571 in service at Tenterden, 10/4/16. Michael Hughes
   

A well maintained 50971 & 51571 continue to provide services on the Kent & East Sussex line, 25/9/12. Keith Duke
   

50971/51571 in service, 10/10/10. Clive Barker
   

50971, 23/3/03. Steve Hodgson
   

50971, 23/3/03. Steve Hodgson
   

50971, 23/6/01. Andy Neil
   

50971, 11/3/01. Steve Hodgson
   

50971, 11/3/01. Steve Hodgson

 

Interior

 

The cab (drivers side) of M50971, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon
   

The cab (secondmans side) of M50971, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon
   

Front passenger saloon of M50971, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon
   

Middle passenger saloon of M50971, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon
   

The guards van of M50971, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon
   

The original style of seat covering being faithfully reproduced, 5/10/09. Darren Hayman