A blackbird takes control of ‘Black Five’

THEY make their presence clear, their vocal calls recognisable in an instant.

Thankfully, blackbirds are a familiar sight in gardens throughout the country, tending to prefer to nest in shrubbery – but as is so often the case, there are exceptions to the rules.

The Great Central Railway’s First Hurrah Gala scheduled for the weekend of June 5/6 had to make some late alterations to the planned locomotive roster after – you’ve guessed it – a blackbird took up residence on ‘Black Five’ No. 45305 Alderman A E Draper. The LMS 4-6-0 is home, pending the hatching of the little ones on top of the manifold in the cab.

Loughborough shed staff are keeping a close eye on the nest to ensure mum is not disturbed.

As this issue went to press, it was expected that Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46521 would replace No. 45305 in the gala line-up.

While LMS aficionados may be disappointed about No. 45305's absence from the gala, they will surely recognise that the blackbird appears to have good taste in locomotives. GCR