LMS Stanier Class 5 45000
45000 (LMS 5000) was resident on the SVR between 1977 and 1991.
LMS No 5000 was the first ‘Black 5’ built by Crewe, although it was preceded into service by No 5020 built by the Vulcan Foundry who also built the SVR’s 45110. 5000 entered service in March 1935, being renumbered as 45000 by BR in 1949. Its working life was mostly based around Crewe, until withdrawn from service by BR in October 1967.
Black 5s, like most locomotives, were frequently modified during their working life. On withdrawal, 45000 was chosen to be included in the National Collection as the only surviving example with its original short firebox and domeless boiler.
45000 arrived at the SVR on loan from the NRM during 1977, with the intention of being restored for main line working. Restoration was completed in 1979 and the locomotive entered service in LMS livery as No 5000.
45000 took part in the grand parade at the Rocket 150 celebrations at Rainhill in May 1980. Other main line working was carried out from Steam Centres around the country, including the Bulmers Railway Centre at Hereford. Between 1979 and 1988 the locomotive accumulated 21,185 miles on the SVR and in the course of some 20+ rail tours on the main line.
The locomotive failed a steam test at the start of the 1989 season, and was returned to the NRM in the spring of 1991. It can normally be seen on display at Locomotion (the NRM museum at Shildon) or the NRM at York.[1]