Best ‘Black Five’ on course for 2023

THE overhaul of Peter Best’s LMS ‘Black Five’ No. 44806 is now well advanced, with work on the boiler all but complete at Ian Riley’s Heywood works and an initial hydraulic test expected in late August.

At Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the frames have been rewheeled, following inspection and attention to the axleboxes, and the valve gear is being refitted. The cab has been rebuilt and has been refitted to the frames, which are reaching the point of being able to accept the overhauled boiler.

If all goes to plan, the locomotive should be ready to enter traffic in 2023, replacing BR Standard 4MT 2-6-0 No. 76079, which will be withdrawn for its 10year overhaul. No. 44806 will be equipped for running on the Esk Valley line and take No. 76079’s place in the pool of locomotives used to run to Whitby.