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 Somerst Railway summer diesel festival this weekend 4th -7th June

You can find more information, as well as purchase advanced, discounted tickets here: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/summer-diesel-festival-2026

Please note that ticket sales cut off at 10am the day before to give us time to prepare the wristbands.