Black 5 No. 44767 “George Stephenson” could be changing ownership if potential buyers acquire the locomotive.

Ian Storey is 44767’s owner and has been since the 1960s.

Currently located at West Shed on the Midland Railway – Butterley, in a dismantled state.

Despite this, the boiler is in good condition and in ticket for mainline use. 44767 had several faults on arrival to West Shed, where the loco was later taken apart.

Black 5 44767 History

Built at Crewe as No. 4767 on the last day before the LMS became under BR ownership. 44767 is a unique member of the Black 5 class, as it was built with many experimental features. These being double chimney and blastpipe, Timken roller bearings, electric lighting and, most notably, fitting of outside Stephenson link motion.

44767 only served 20 years with BR, being withdrawn in December 1967. Ian bought 44767 and had it moved to Carnforth for storage.

Later transferred to Thornaby for the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group to carry out restoration. They finished 44767 in time for the Stockton and Darlington Railway 150th anniversary in 1975. It was at this event 44767 gained its fitting name “George Stephenson”.

December 2009 is when 44767’s recent overhaul was complete. After visiting several heritage lines and some firebox work, 44767 was moved to West Shed to undergo work required to run on the National Network.

We look forward to hopefully seeing 44767 back in steam soon!

• Visit the Midland Railway Website
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