Latest News

A Sizzling Shareholder Train Success

On Saturday 11th July 150 shareholders joined us for the 20th anniversary shareholder train at the Severn Valley Railway. Photo J Summerfield 50049 Defiance at Bridgnorth on the 1st trip. Our private charter completed three round trips to Bridgnorth and despite a slight delay and the extreme heat a fantastic day was enjoyed by all. Our 20th anniversary headboard Photo C Barrett We wish to thank everyone that attended and we plan to run future shareholder trains in the future.

Jul 13

50049 ready for another diesel gala

50049 Defiance has joined a fine line up of visiting locomotives for this weekend’s diesel gala at the Keighley Valley & Worth Railway 18th - 21st June. Timetables & tickets can be found here ⬇️ https://kwvr.co.uk/events/dieselgala/ Have a fantastic time if you are attending the gala. Photo J Allen On route to the gala with 55009

Jun 17

Defiance To The Rescue

An unexpected call for assistance came from the West Somerset Railway on Tuesday, and we were delighted to help. Unfortunately, the booked steam locomotive failed before its 14:30 departure from Minehead. Photo R Hiscox Fortunately, 50049 Defiance had just arrived with C50A Chairman and GBRf driver Tony Middleton. Before you could say "Notch 7", Defiance was heading back towards Bishops Lydeard, ensuring the service arrived only 20 minutes late. 50049 is appearing at the West

Jun 4

We are heading for the West Country next week !

We are delighted to announce that 50049 Defiance will be attending the West Somerset Summer Diesel Festival from 4th–7th June 2026. As the railway celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, what better way to mark the occasion than by reuniting Defiance with its former home railway once again. Information and tickets can be found here ⬇️ www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk The West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway in the UK, running from Bishops Lydeard to Minehea

May 30

Defiance to attend Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

For the first time ever, 50049 Defiance is attending the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Diesel Gala! 🚨 📅 18th – 21st June 2026 The Class 50 Alliance / Fifty Fund are delighted to have been invited back following a fantastic visit in 2019, and we’re really looking forward to returning to this wonderful railway with Defiance. Don’t miss the chance to see 50049 in action on the KWVR for the very first time! Full event details and tickets available here: www.kwvr.co.uk

May 10

The West Midlands Deviator

Saturday 23rd May 2026 UK Railtours presents: The West Midlands Deviator Join one of the Class 50 Alliance’s mainline-registered locomotives, alongside a pair of Class 20s in top & tail formation, for a full-day rail adventure exploring the West Midlands and beyond. Fulll details and tickets:⬇️ https://www.ukrailtours.com/product/the-west-midlands-deviator/ www.fiftyfund-alliance.co.uk www.ukrailtours.com

Apr 11

Defiance visits The East Lancashire Railway

Today saw 50049 Defiance arrive on the metals on the East Lancashire Railway with UK Railtours tour from Watford Junction. Seen here at Beeston on outward leg. Image L Ball Unfortunately on route Hanson & Hall’s 50008 Thunderer developed a unknown fault, which saw her detached from the train at Leicester on the outward journey. Defiance then carried on solo and made up the time lost, arriving only 4 mins late at Bury. The tour has arrived back at Watford junction this eveni

Mar 8

Defiance Heads To London

This friday sees 50049 Defiance heading down to London in readiness for UK Railtours “The East Lancashire Railway tour on Saturday 7th March. Defiance will run light engine as 0H50 11:52 Kidderminster S.V.R - Wembley Receptions 1 -7 https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R31696/2026-03-06/detailed * These movements can run early without warning.

Mar 5

Snow Clearing Duties for 50049

Last night, Network Rail requested the hire of Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance to assist with snow-clearing operations on the West Midlands corridor ahead of the arrival of Storm Goretti. Departing Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway at 23:30, Defiance headed for Birmingham Snow Hill after being prepared by the C50A volunteers — many of whom had endured a challenging journey just to reach Kidderminster in the first place. Fortunately, conditions proved less severe than e

Jan 9

Fuel Tank Woes for Defiance Resolved

On Tuesday 26th August 2025, 50049 had an unplanned shutdown at Bridgnorth whilst working a routine train on the SVR. When attempting to re-prime the fuel, it was confirmed that there was zero fuel pressure. A plan was formed to bring the loco back to Kidderminster whereby further examinations and tests could take place, this took place on Thursday 28th August. A few local tests were performed and the fuel was primed once again and surprisingly 20psi of fuel pressure regis

Dec 13, 2025

2026 Railtour Diary Open

Uk Railtours “The East Lancashire Railway “ 📆 Saturday 7th March 2026 📍Commencing at Watford Junction with various pickup points ⭐️ 2 Class 50’s & a class 56* Hanson & Hall’s 50008 Thunderer along with Class 50 Alliance’s 50049 Defiance escorted on to the ELR metals by The Class 56 Group’s mighty grid ✅ Option to visit the museum and enjoy a trip on the 12 mile scenic route between Heywood and Rawtenstall. For more information and tickets 🎟️ please visit ⬇️ https://www.ukr

Nov 20, 2025