‘BLACK FIVE’ 45025 TO RUN IN TEMPORARY 1968 GUISE
‘Black Five’ No. 5025 – the oldest example left running at the end of BR steam – is to briefly regain its 1968 guise when it returns to service next year.
Although the Stanier 4-6-0 – also now the oldest survivor of the class – is being restored to as-built 1934 LMS condition following its extensive overhaul at the Strathspey Railway, it is first planned to temporarily run it in BR plain black with the late crest as No. 45025 next March, replicating its 1968 appearance.
The one-off makeover, for just five days, is for a series of private photographic charters organised by Andrew Fowler and Jonny Gourlay of In Search of Steam. The event sold out within days of being advertised, but anyone wishing to join the waiting list can contact Mr Fowler at insearchofsteam@outlook.com It is hoped to adorn the engine with a ‘Belfast Boat Express’ headboard, paying homage to its starring role on May 5 1968, when it was the last steam locomotive to haul the Manchester VictoriaHeysham Harbour boat train.
The ‘BBE’ was the last named train on BR to be steam-hauled, following a rare instance of steam replacing diesel traction. The Metro-Vick Class 28 Co-Bos had proved so unreliable on the prestigious express that steam regularly substituted, and in 1966, ‘Black Fives’ took back the duty altogether for the final two years.
Carnforth-based No. 45025 was a regular performer during 1968, and the late Ted Watkinson acquired it upon its withdrawal, initially housing it at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway until the Strathspey Railway was ready to begin operations.
Now owned by the WEC Watkinson Trust, No. 5025 has undergone a major rebuild at the Strathspey’s Aviemore workshops, including new front-end frames and cylinders. Its boiler was returned to the frames in February (SR503).