50621 was built at Horwich in February 1889 at a cost of £2,182 as L&YR number 1008. It was the first engine to be built at Horwich works. It remained in the form in which it was built for all of its working life. After the formation of the LMS it was renumbered 10621 before becoming 50621 following the nationalisation of the railways and the establishment of BR.
1008 was the prototype of 330 Aspinall 2-4-3T engines that were built at Horwich up until 1911. These locomotives were allocated to virtually all of the L&YR sheds. In 1913, it was estimated that Aspinall designed 2-4-2T locomotives were responsible for 59% of the L&YR passenger train mileage.
In 1926 it was tried out on the London suburban services whilst based at Kentish Town but soon returned to its home territory.
During its BR ownership 50621 was based at Manningham, Bradford from May 1948 until it was withdrawn from service in September 1954. Prior to this it had spent some time based at Normanton depot. By the time it was withdrawn from service it had covered 1,506,294 miles.
It was restored to L&YR livery in 1958. After being restored at Horwich it is reputed to have been steamed and run to Chorley and back.
The first of the class, 1008 is preserved as a static exhibit in the National Railway Museum at York. It is the only 2-4-2T preserved in Great Britain.
As of September 2020 negotiation were being held between the National Railway Museum and Bolton Council and Bolton Museum Services. The aim is to display Wren and 50621 at Horwich.
| Home Base | Current Status | Owner |
| National Railway Museum – York | Static display | National Railway Museum
NRM Object Number{1976-7003} |
Preserved British Steam Locomotives 