Nameplate from GBRf ‘66’ to be auctioned for RBF

One of the nameplates from GB Railfreight’s locomotive No 66745 Modern Railways – the first 50 years will be auctioned later this month in support of the Railway Benefit Fund.

In celebration of 60 years of Modern Railways magazine, GBRf named a Class 66 locomotive Modern Railways – Diamond Jubilee on 27 September, marking the retirement of No 66745’s decade-long nameplates. The new name was unveiled as part of the HST railtour to the Severn Valley Railway organised by Modern Railways and CrossCountry, raising money for the Railway Benefit Fund. To support the cause further, at the end of October Modern Railways will be auctioning one of the GBRf nameplates that honoured the first 50 years.

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.’

Modern Railways Editor Philip Sherratt 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. We hope this unusual opportunity to acquire a nameplate fresh from an active locomotive will raise more money to add to the total we have already raised for RBF.’

John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, said: ‘It was a pleasure to be a part of Modern Railways’ 60th anniversary celebrations, and we are delighted to be donating this nameplate for auction. 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.’