Welcome to the Class 58 Locomotive Group Website

The Class 58 Locomotive Group (C58LG) continues to lead the charge in safeguarding the legacy of these unique locomotives. Our mission extends far beyond restoration; it’s about maintaining a living connection to an era of bold design and innovation in Britain’s railway story.

We invite you to explore our website and discover more about the Class 58’s history, the technical and operational milestones we’ve achieved, and our plans for the future. You’ll also find details on how to support our work, whether through volunteering, making a donation, or simply sharing the story of the Class 58s.

Becoming a member is one of the best ways to get involved. For just £12 a year, members receive our in-house magazine, Red Diamond (named after the Class 58’s multiple-working code), which is packed with updates, articles, and insights. Members are also invited to attend group meetings, events, and working parties, gaining hands-on experience with our locomotives and the spare cabs we maintain.

Restoration of 58 016

One of our key ongoing projects remains the restoration of Class 58 016. However, progress on this restoration has been slower than initially anticipated, due to several factors outside the Group’s direct control.

We want to assure our members and supporters that the project continues to receive our full attention and commitment. We are currently working closely with stakeholders and industry partners to identify practical ways to expedite the restoration process and ensure that 58016 can move closer to the day it once again stands as a fully operational example of the Class.

Our Technical Officer conducts regular inspections and hands-on work on the locomotive to monitor its condition and plan the following stages of restoration. This ongoing commitment ensures that when circumstances allow, progress can resume swiftly and effectively.

Although the pace has slowed, our determination has not. We remain dedicated to seeing 58016 restored to working order and will keep our members and the wider railway community updated as soon as further developments can be confirmed.

This project remains a cornerstone of the Class 58 Locomotive Group’s mission to preserve, restore, and celebrate the legacy of this distinctive Class.

The first Class 58 to enter active preservation, 58 023

A significant milestone for the Class 58 story was reached with the successful first run of Class 58 023 in preservation — a moment that marked the return of a Class 58 to operational condition for the first time in over 20 years here in the UK.

While the Class 58 Locomotive Group has been proud to support and celebrate 58023’s return to working order, we wish to make clear that we take no credit for the restoration work or ownership of the locomotive itself.

Ed Stevenson privately owns 58023, and the restoration work was initially undertaken by Simon Powell and Adrian Lock of Heritage Transport Restoration and Supplies Ltd (HTRS). Their team carried out extensive mechanical and cosmetic work to return the locomotive to operational condition. The locomotive was later transferred to UKRL in Leicester, where further work was completed to prepare it for its first successful test runs on the Severn Valley Railway.

The achievement of returning 58023 to working order is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the skill, persistence, and dedication of those directly involved in the project. The Class 58 Locomotive Group fully supports this effort and shares in the pride of seeing a member of the Class once again moving under its own power on British rail.

The return of 58023 has inspired renewed interest in the Class across the heritage railway sector and demonstrated what can be achieved when knowledge, passion, and teamwork come together. We look forward to continuing to support and promote the success of 58023 and all ongoing efforts to keep the Class 58 story alive for future generations.

Our sincere congratulations go to Ed Stevenson, the HTRS team, and UKRL for their outstanding work in bringing 58023 back to life.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the Class 58 Locomotive Group remains firmly focused on progress and preservation. We constantly research, archive, and share knowledge about the Class to assist restoration projects. This includes gathering original design plans, maintenance manuals, and historical records to ensure restoration work is as accurate as possible.

We are also exploring opportunities for public displays, heritage events, and collaborative projects that will allow more people to experience the Class 58 and other Type 5 freight locomotives up close.

One of our most ambitious projects is the possible repatriation of the remaining four Class 58s from Spain. These locomotives, which have been stored in Albacete for many years, represent an essential part of the Class’ story. 

Bringing them back to the UK is no small task. Still, we are actively exploring all possible avenues to make this a reality. We have engaged with various organisations in the UK and Spain to determine the best course of action, and we continue to push for their safe return. Whilst the repatriation of all four locomotives is our ultimate ambition, special attention is paid to 58050, which not only being the last Class 58, but also was the last locomotive designed and built by British Rail, and the last locomotive to be built at Doncaster Works. The locomotive is designated by the Railway Heritage Designation Advisory Board (RHDAB), as item 2002/05. We are continuing to work with the RHDAB on the safe return on 58050 to the UK.

The road ahead is challenging but exciting. With the continued enthusiasm of our members and supporters, the future of the Class 58 looks brighter than ever. Together, we can ensure that these locomotives not only survive but thrive as a proud part of Britain’s railway story.

We are always happy to hear from fellow enthusiasts, supporters, and potential members. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our Contacts page. Our friendly and enthusiastic team is always willing to help.

Thank you for visiting the Class 58 Locomotive Group website. Your interest, encouragement, and support make all the difference. Together, we can ensure that the Class 58 remains an example of British railway engineering.