LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 44767
London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) Stanier Black Five, LMS number 4767, BR number 44767 is a preserved steam locomotive. In preservation it has carried the name George Stephenson though it never bore this in service.
Service
4767 was built in the last month of the LMS, December 1947 at Crewe Works. It was unique amongst the 842-strong class in that it featured outside Stephenson link motion in addition to other experimental features; a double chimney, Timken roller bearings throughout and electric lighting.
These modifications were part of a series of experiments by George Ivatt to improved the already excellent William Stanier-designed black five.
4767 was renumbered 44767 by British Railways after nationalisation in 1948. Its double chimney was removed in 1953. It was withdrawn in December 1967 after a working life of only 20 years.
Preservation
44767 was privately bought and was stored at Carnforth until 1974 when it was taken to Thornaby for restoration by North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group. She was bought by Ian Storey. Restoration work was complete for the 50th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1975. At Shildon, the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, William Whitelaw named 44767 after famous railway engineer George Stephenson. A plaque below its nameplates reads:
This locomotive was named by the Right Hon. William Whitelaw C.H. M.C. M.R. at Shildon on August 25th 1975 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
