LMS Stanier 5MT 44871
Service
LMSLondon Midland & Scottish Railway 4871 was built at Crewe in 1945, and renumbered 44871 by BRBritish Rail or British Railways 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
44871 was purchased direct from BRBritish Rail or British Railways following withdrawal in August 1968. The locomotive remained at Carnforth, which later became the Steamtown museum. After BRBritish Rail or British Railways 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 SVRSevern Valley Railway
44871 first visited the SVRSevern Valley Railway 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During the first week of the 2012 Santa Special services, 2857 was withdrawn with a failed copper smokebox steam pipe.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 SVRSevern Valley Railway, 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 SVRSevern Valley Railway, with LMSLondon Midland & Scottish Railway StanierWilliam Stanier, Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway 1932-1944 Jubilee 6PThe British Railways system of classifying steam locomotives by power using a number from 0, least powerful, to 9, most powerful, followed by either F for freight, P for Passenger or MT for Mixed Traffic. class 4-6-0 45596 Bahamas hauling it to Bridgnorth and return.
See also
References
- ↑ 44871 on Wikipedia
- ↑ BR Database
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway News 174
- ↑ SVRSevern Valley Railway News 181