Class 50 Alliance

04/06/2026

Some time ago you will have seen that the team undertook the activity of refreshing the piston rings, big end bearings and new cylinder liners of B-Side of the power unit on 50007 Hercules. This year the same activity has been performed on A-Side of the engine on 7 of the 8 cylinders. This working is nearing completion with the running in of the new bearings and bedding in on piston rings taking place over the last few weeks.
We wished to share a video of the decompression plugs having been removed and the engine being spun over using the locos batteries and the fuel racks shut. This allows us to monitor the bearing temperatures whilst removing the main proportion of load on the piston and con rod assembly. The temperatures are then checked via a thermal imaging camera for any abnormalities. This video gives you a brief insight as to what is happening behind the crank case doors of the rotating assembly albeit this is happening a lot faster with the engine in operation.

50007 is in the later stages of testing, and verification and will soon be having a shakedown test at the SVR in due course.

Class 50 Alliance

31/05/2026

Following a much needed bath yesterday, 50049 Defiance is making her way to the West Somerset Railway tomorrow on Monday 1st June. Please find the timings courtesy of RealTimeTrains below:

0V50 09:20 Kidderminster S.V.R - Bishops Lydeard GBRF

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:79328/2026-06-01/detailed

If you take a video or picture of 50049 passing by, please feel free to share them in the comments section of this post as we enjoy seeing the loco out and about.

Class 50 Alliance

#50049

30/05/2026

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 via the below link:

www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

The West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway in the UK, running from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead through stunning countryside and coastal scenery.

We look forward to seeing many of our supporters at one of our favourite heritage railways, and we would like to thank the WSR for their very kind invitation, which is most welcome after recent events.

Class 50 Alliance

27/05/2026

An important update from the Branch Line Society which has been copied below:

“The Lord of the Isles: Important Update”

Posted on: 27 May 2026 at 21:46 by Andrew Cripps

We are extremely disappointed to advise that 'The Lord of the Isles' will not be going ahead. Despite significant efforts across the supply chain, including fantastic support from Severn Valley Railway, GB Railfreight, Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway and Eastern Rail Services, the costs of operating this charter continue to outweigh the revenue by a significant margin. The surge in oil prices has played a major part in the costs faced for this operation. Those who have booked directly with the Branch Line Society will be refunded in the next fourteen days. There is no need to contact the Bookings Officer - the full refund will be processed automatically for you in due course. On behalf of the Class 50 Alliance and Branch Line Society, please accept our apologies for the obvious disappointment this will cause.

This is a very unfortunate as many of you had booked hotels and other linking journeys to meet the tour. We will look at other opportunities along with our colleagues when the economic climate hopefully gains some stability.

Class 50 Alliance

Credit for the AI picture creation to R Holmes, unaware of the original photographer

24/05/2026

50049 Defiance safely back on “base”, at Kidderminster S.V.R earlier today.

Many thanks to all whole who purchased tickets and supported the Railtour yesterday, as without this we wouldn’t have the opportunity for our locomotives to stretch their legs on mainline metals.

Many thanks to all who have supported this weekend, from our working volunteers, technical riders, the fifty fund shop who were onboard the tour yesterday and the many people behind the scenes who are pivotal in making these things happen.

Our next tour of which is under two weeks away now, “The Lord of the Isles” taking 50007 and 50049 deep in to Scotland for an exciting and adventurous 3 day Railtour. Please see below for more information:

https://www.branchline.uk/fixture.php

Class 50 Alliance

24/05/2026

Following on from a successful tour yesterday, 50049 Defiance will be returning to Kidderminster SVR today.
Please find the paths courtesy of RealTimeTrains below:

Sunday 24th May

0F31 07:25 Chaddesden Sdgs - Bridge Jcn

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R46361/2026-05-24/detailed

0C20 10:45 Bridge Jcn - Chaddesden Sdgs

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R46359/2026-05-24/detailed

*There are two paths in currently for the ECS back to Burton, and unsure which one will be used*

5Z24 13:40 Chaddesden Sdgs - Burton Wetmore Sidings

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U83352/2026-05-24/detailed

5D20 13:47 Chaddesden Sdgs - Burton Wetmore Sidings

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K66395/2026-05-24/detailed

Finally on the final leg home

0K49 15:55 Burton Wetmore Sidings - Kidderminster S.V.R

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R46360/2026-05-24/detailed

Class 50 Alliance

22/05/2026

“The West Midlands Deviator” is upon us and will be running tomorrow with UK Railtours and H+H. 50049 Defiance will be top n tailing with 20205 and 31128.
Please find timings below courtesy of RealTimeTrains:

1Z20 0550 Derby to Bedford
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U83345/2026-05-23/detailed

1Z50 0734 Bedford to Burton Ot Wetmore Sidings
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U83346/2026-05-23/detailed

1Z51 1052 Burton Ot Wetmore Sidings to Stratford-upon-Avon
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U83347/2026-05-23/detailed

1Z21 1359 Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham Moor Street
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U83365/2026-05-23/detailed

1Z52 1458 Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U83348/2026-05-23/detailed

1Z22 1600 Stratford-upon-Avon to Codsall
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U83349/2026-05-23/detailed

1Z53 1835 Codsall to Bedford
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U83350/2026-05-23/detailed

1Z23 2307 Bedford to Derby
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U85223/2026-05-23/detailed?fbclid=IwVERDUAR9h1ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEec2k4wv6g755ppFGwBc-HE1swvYuYsEOPO76kR2xbUifMU0oJq7UUkin5aJ0_aem_RCCuGz726mMXkFm5pi84Lg

We look forward to seeing those of you who are travelling on the Railtour as without your custom these simply wouldn’t run.

Class 50 Alliance

09/05/2026

50049 Defiance will be taking part in the Keighley & Worth Valley Railways Diesel Gala. The loco will be taking part on Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June. It’s been a while since we visited the railway which was last with 50007 and 50031 in 2019 so it’ll be great to visit once again of which we are looking forward to. Please come and join us, the Fifty Fund Stand will be in attendance also.

Class 50 Alliance

🚨 50049 “Defiance” inbound! 🚨

We’re delighted to announce that BR Class 50 No. 50049 “Defiance” will be joining us for the 2026 Diesel Gala 🔵⚫

Courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance at the Severn Valley Railway, this powerful machine is expected to make its first-ever visit to the Worth Valley — and what a debut it’ll be! One of three Class 50 Alliance mainline-registered Class 50s, “Defiance” will also be hauling fellow guests 55009 and 31108 to the event.

A huge thank you to the Class 50 Alliance for the use of the locomotive. 50049 is currently expected to operate on Friday, Saturday & Sunday during the gala weekend.

📅 18th – 21st June 2026
📍 Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

Expect:
🚂 Intensive diesel timetable
🚂 Double-headed workings
🚂 Freight demonstrations
🚂 Brake van rides
🚂 Home fleet and visiting locomotives in action all weekend

The countdown to the Gala in the Worth Valley continues…

// Kwvr.co.uk

30/04/2026

Branch Line Society – “Lord of the Isles” Saturday 6th June – Monday 8th June 2026

At last the moment has finally arrived… we’re thrilled (and a little relieved!) to announce that tickets for Oban are now on sale!!

Full details and tickets can be found via the link below:

https://www.branchline.uk/fixture_set_id.php?id=603

Unfortunately, the ticket sales have been somewhat of a wait since the initial “save the date” note, however this has been beyond both our, and the BLS teams control, however we appreciate your patience.

Join us for a 3-day land cruise, starting from our home on the Severn Valley Railway at Kidderminster, to the stunning Scottish Highlands — where our two mainline registered English Electric steeds will proudly make history as the first of their class to arrive in Oban.

With a route rich in breathtaking scenery and iconic landmarks, this certainly promises to be a truly unforgettable trip, and we very much hope you can join us.

A fully stocked buffet will be available throughout the tour, offering hot and cold food, snacks, and a selection of hot and cold drinks.

We truly can’t wait for this adventure to begin, and hope to see you on board!

Class 50 Alliance

23/04/2026

Class 50 Alliance 20th Anniversary Charter
Exclusive Shareholder Invitation

On Saturday 11th July, the Class 50 Alliance warmly invites its valued shareholders to a very special commemorative charter at our home railway, the Severn Valley Railway, celebrating 20 years since the Alliance’s formation in 2006.

As a token of appreciation for the incredible support shown by our shareholders over the years, this exclusive charter train has been arranged solely for shareholders and their guests.

Event Highlights

• Three round trips along the line
• Multiple operational members of the Class 50 fleet in action throughout the day
• Departures from Kidderminster at 09:30,13:30 & 17:00
• Departures from Bridgnorth at 11:35,15:35 & 18:25

Onboard Experience

Guests will enjoy:

• A fully stocked buffet, including hot food to purchase
• A Fifty Fund sales stand offering merchandise and memorabilia
• A Real Ale bar
• A bumper raffle

Ticket Information

• Shareholder fare: £15
• Guest fare (non-shareholder): £25
Each shareholder may bring one non-shareholder guest

How to Book

To secure your tickets, please email [email protected] including:

• Your name
• Address
• Share holder number (if possible)
• Please advise us if you intend to bring a guest

Please use “20th Anniversary” as the subject line.

Last date for booking is 11th June


A Milestone Worth Celebrating

In 2006, the group behind 50049 Defiance (Project Defiance) merged with The Fifty Fund to form the Class 50 Alliance.

Following the merger:

• The Alliance assumed responsibility for the ownership, maintenance, and operation of the fleet
• Locomotives included 50035 Ark Royal, 50044 Exeter, 50049 Defiance, and operation of 50031 Hood
• 50007 Hercules joined the fleet in 2016 with 50033 Glorious entering under the groups care in 2019.
• The Fifty Fund continues as a supporters and fundraising organisation, supporting ongoing co preservation efforts
• Further information on the group history can be found at www.fiftyfund-alliance.co.uk


If you have any questions regarding this event, please do feel free to get in touch contact: [email protected]

Our dedicated volunteers sincerely hope that as many shareholders as possible can join us to celebrate this important milestone in the Alliance’s history.

Best regards,

Class 50 Alliance