LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 44767

London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) Stanier Black Five, LMS number 4767, BR number 44767 is a preserved steam locomotive. In preservation it has carried the name "George Stephenson" though it never bore this in service.

Service

4767 was completed on the last day of the LMS, 31 December 1947 at Crewe Works. It was unique amongst the 842-strong class in that it featured outside Stephenson link motion in addition to other experimental features; a double chimney, Timken roller bearings throughout and electric lighting.

These modifications were part of a series of experiments by George Ivatt to improve the already excellent William Stanier-designed black five.

4767 was renumbered 44767 by British Railways after nationalisation in 1948. Its double chimney was removed in 1953. It was withdrawn in December 1967 after a working life of only 20 years.

Preservation

44767 was privately bought and was stored at Carnforth until 1974 when it was taken to Thornaby for restoration by North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group. She was bought by Ian Storey. Restoration work was complete for the 50th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1975. At Shildon, the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, William Whitelaw named 44767 after famous railway engineer George Stephenson. A plaque below its nameplates reads:

This locomotive was named by the Right Hon. William Whitelaw C.H. M.C. M.R. at Shildon on August 25th1975 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

The locomotive saw regular use along the mainline, including services in Scotland. The loco was based on NYMR before being taken out of service for a full overhaul.

As of 2008, the locomotive is currently undergoing the overhaul in Morpeth and will return to NYMR when it has been completed.

External links

* [http://www.railuk.co.uk/steam/getsteam.php?number=44767 Railuk database]
* [http://www.nymr.demon.co.uk/steam/steam_1.htm#No_44767 NYMR page]
* [http://ukhrail.uel.ac.uk/cgi-bin/rlylocos?NO=44767&NA=&CL=5MT&CO=ANY&BL=&WN=&LO= Preserved locomotive database]