For the latest bogie overhaul progress news scroll down the page or click here.

50049 Bogie Overhaul Share Appeal

For 50049 Defiance to continue mainline operation a full bogie overhaul is required. We have already purchased new wheel-sets along with many other parts to allow us undertake the refurbishment. However, to gain the necessary certifications for continued mainline use we will have to use a properly accredited contractor to do the work. This will cost nearly £20,000 in parts, effort, tests and inspections.

Photo Joseph Burr 

Some money has already been allocated, but we need to also keep funding other projects so we can have two mainline certified locos again. With two locomotives available we will be able to haul longer trains over more challenging routes, and consequently be able to undertake a wider range of tours.  

Please can you help? 

As little as £3.00 a month will make a big difference. 

That’s right, for the price of a pint of beer every month you can play a worthwhile part in this project. And to show our appreciation for your valued contribution, shares purchased this way will be issued on a commemorative certificate at the end of 2010.

With your help we can get ’49 back where she belongs. Thank you.

Click here to download the special application form.

50049 Bogie Overhaul Part Sponsorship 

To complete the bogie overhaul of 50049 Defiance and bring the locomotive back to full mainline standard, we are looking for sponsorship for the key component parts. In return for their support, participants will receive a certificate of sponsorship and a copy of an English Electric or BR engineering document relating to the part they are sponsoring.

The sponsorship application form can be downloaded from here>>>>

Please consider giving a part to your friends and relations as Christmas or Birthday presents. 

A very big thank you to all who have sponsored a part to help bring Defiance back into service.  For the full list of current sponsors (the Hall of Fame) please click here.

This photograph shows one of our spare bogies currently under 50049 while the over haul takes place.

Railtours and Open Days 

Tour programme for 2010 is now under discussion with a number of operators:  Updates will be provided on the mainline events page.

Loco Latest

50031: After a winter of fault finding and other works 50031 has been successfully operated under her own power around Cardiff Canton.

50049: Defiance has been lifted at Cardiff Canton and the bogies swapped out to allow them to be overhauled. The unusual lift arrangement required special procedures to be put in place to prevent damage to the centre castings.

Photo Tony Middleton

Since then loco body has been prepared for painting. Click here for more details>>>

50035 has returned from a short stay at the seaside, performing at the Swanage Railway 2010 Diesel Gala. 

Photo of the completed livery following rededication by the captain of HMS Ark Royal at the Eastleigh 100 open days: 

Photo: Joseph Burr

50044: TPWS and OTMR systems have been commissioned. Now available for mainline use.

50049: Bodywork repairs completed and has now been moved to Carlisle for wheel set work and a full bogie overhaul to allow continued mainline running. 

Press Releases

50031's Generator Failure. ATW Arrangements 2006.