51571 Class 108 Driving Motor Composite Lavatory

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)

50971

Owner

Railway Equipment & Traction Co

Website

None

Record Last Updated

1 March 2025

Preservation Modifications
None

Preservation Information
51571 & 50971 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.

51571 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 51571 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.

Around 2012 (exact date unknown), it is thought that 51571 was repainted.

In late 2024, 51571 was withdrawn for bodywork and a repaint. This was completed with the final touches being applied around New Year. In February 2025, the vehicle returned to traffic, resplendent once again.

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

Future Plans
To maintain in service.

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

M51571 during a shunt at Tenterden, 3/8/19. Aaron Browning

M51571/M50971 stand at Tenterden ready to work the 14:20 Tenterden-Bodiam, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon

M51571/M50971 in service at Tenterden, 10/4/16. Michael Hughes

51571 & 50971 stabled in the sunshine, 10/10/10. Clive Barker

51571, 5/10/09. Darren Hayman

51571, 11/3/01. Steve Hodgson

The cab (drivers side) inside M51571, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon

The cab (secondmans side) inside M51571, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon

The first class saloon inside M51571, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon

The middle saloon inside M51571, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon

The rear saloon inside M51571, 26/9/17. Chris Moxon

The midde saloon of M51571, 10/4/16. Michael Hughes