50026 Indomitable

50026 Indomitable worked its last train in November 1990 and was withdrawn in December 1990 due to power unit damage, thereby becoming the 25th Class 50 locomotive to be withdrawn after over 22 years of active service. Its engine hours stood at 8,039.

After its withdrawal, 50026 was one of nine locomotives sent to Booths scrap yard in Rotherham in early 1992. These locomotives were part of a bid by Operation Collingwood but since no money was forthcoming, Booths were forced to scrap the four in the worst condition. By the end of 1992, with still no money from Operation Collingwood, Booths made the ultimatum of payment or scrapping the remainder.

It was at this time that the owners approached Booths regarding the purchase of one of the locomotives as a spares donor. This plan suited Operation Collingwood since Booths then agreed to hold on to the other locomotives. After an examination, 50026 was chosen together with the removal of parts from the other locomotives that were missing from 50026.

Initially, 50026 was moved by rail from Rotherham in 1993 to the Mid Hants Railway but was soon moved to a secure site at MOD Bicester. Spare parts, for which it had been originally purchased, were secured from other sources which allowed 50026 to be restored in its own right. In 2007, 50026 Indomitable finally left its secure site at MOD Bicester and was subsequently transported to Old Oak Common depot where it was started-up for the first time in over 18 years. Recently, it has travelled by rail to Eastleigh where it currently resides and has attended a number of diesel galas.

Dates: 2004-2022