LMS Stanier 5MT 44871
| LMS Stanier 5MT 44871 | |
|---|---|
 44871 at Highley, 5 January 2013 | |
| Built By | LMS, Crewe |
| Configuration | 4-6-0 |
| BR rating | 5MT |
| Loco Number | 44871 |
| History | |
| Built | 1945 |
| Designed By | William Stanier |
| Type | Black Five |
| 1968 | Preserved |
| 2011 | Appeared at SVR Gala |
| 2012 | Hired by the SVR |
| Technical | |
| Length | 63ft 7¾" |
| Weight | 72t 4cwt |
| Tractive effort | 25,455 lb |
| Pressure | 225 lb/sq in |
LMS Stanier 5MT 44871 spent several weeks on hire to the SVR during winter 2012. A brief description of the ‘Black 5’ Class is included in 45110.
Service[edit | edit source]
LMS 4871 was built at Crewe in 1945, and renumbered 44871 by BR in 1949 following nationalisation. It was allocated to various depots in the north-west, including Longsight (Manchester), Crewe, Holyhead, Stoke and Stockport. The final allocation to Carnforth took place on 6 July 1968. From there 44871 was one of four locomotives to take part in the ‘Fifteen Guinea Special’ on 11 August 1968 along with 44781, 70013 Oliver Cromwell and 45110[1][2].
Preservation[edit | edit source]
44871 was purchased direct from BR following withdrawal in August 1968. The locomotive remained at Carnforth, which later became the Steamtown museum. After BR lifted the ban on operating steam locomotives over the national network in 1972, 44871 operated many rail tours during the 1970s and 1980s. For some time during that period the locomotive carried the name ‘Sovereign’.
Following a period in storage, 44871 was purchased by present owner Ian Riley in 2006 and based at Bury on the East Lancashire Railway. The locomotive has continued to operate on the main line under his ownership.
44871 at the SVR[edit | edit source]
44871 first visited the SVR in May 2011, arriving by rail from London on Saturday 14 May with classmate 45407 and a support coach. Both locomotives featured in the 'Sounds of the 60s’ event the following weekend.[3]
44871 crossing Victoria Bridge, May 2011
During the first week of the 2012 Santa Special services, 2857 was withdrawn with a failed copper smokebox steam pipe. Owner Ian Riley was able to offer 44871 as a replacement at short notice, and the locomotive travelled light engine from Bury. While on hire to the SVR, 44871 worked two weekends of Santa operations and took part in the New Year festive services before leaving by rail on Monday 7 January 2013[4].
On 28 September 2024 it hauled Railway Touring Company's 'The Mancunian' railtour between Manchester and Kidderminster SVR, with LMS Stanier Jubilee 6P class 4-6-0 45596 Bahamas hauling it to Bridgnorth and return.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 44871 on Wikipedia
- ↑ BR Database
- ↑ SVR News 174
- ↑ SVR News 181