GB Railfreight donates Class 66 nameplate in support of Railway Benefit Fund

In celebration of 60 years of Modern Railways Magazine, GB Railfreight named a Class 66 locomotive ‘Modern Railways – Diamond Jubilee’, marking the retirement of No 66745’s decade long nameplates ‘Modern Railways – the first 50 years’.

 

The new name was unveiled as part of a special HST railtour to the Severn Valley Railway marking the anniversary, and the naming formed part of the event to raise money for the Railway Benefit Fund. To support the cause further, at the end of October Modern Railways auctioned one of the GBRf nameplates that honoured their first 50 years, raising £2,100. This will be added to the funds raised from the railtour, with the final total to be announced next week at Modern Railways’ EXPO show at Milton Keynes by CrossCountry Managing Director Tom Joyner and RBF President Pete Waterman.

Railway Benefit Fund is an industry charity, supporting current and former railway employees through a variety of problems, offering financial assistance, practical help and wide-ranging advice. Those interested in bidding on the plates in support of the work carried out by the charity can find out more here about the auction.

 

Pete Waterman, President of the Railway Benefit Fund said: “We are so grateful for the support of our friends at Modern Railways and GB Railfreight for auctioning this anniversary nameplate. The money raised will allow us to support even more of our railway family and colleagues in need of a helping hand during these tough times. Your support is appreciated more than ever as demand for our services increases.”

 

Philip Sherratt, Editor of Modern Railways Editor said: ‘We had a fantastic outing to the Severn Valley Railway and are hugely grateful to everyone who supported the event. We are particularly grateful to GBRf for marking our anniversary with a new naming and for kindly donating the plates which have been removed from No 66745. The £2,100 this generated is a fantastic addition to the total we have already raised for RBF during the railtour.’

 

John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, said: “It was a pleasure to be a part of Modern Railways’ 60^th anniversary celebrations, and donate this nameplate to be auctioned for a great cause. The Railway Benefit Fund provides much needed support through tough times for the people of our industry, and we are proud to be supporting them as they continue to make a genuine difference to people’s lives.”

 

ENDS

 

 

About GB Railfreight 

 

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, GB Railfreight is the third largest rail freight operator in the United Kingdom, with a turnover expected to exceed £225 million in 2021. GB Railfreight is one of the fastest growing companies in the railway sector and transports goods for a wide range of customers. 

 

For further information, please contact:  

 

Jonathan Dobson, Head of Public Affairs – 07739 035400

 

Visit  www.gbrailfreight.com