After an absence of over 15 years, a full retube, new half side sheets, a new throat plate, new backhead, new tender tank, new smokebox, new cab over 1200 new stays, countless new rivets, fitment of AWS, TPWS and OTMR equipment, new boiler cladding, tyre turning, all new lubrication pipework, conversion of horn guides to grease lubrication, new injectors, almost all new cab brass work, cylinders bored, new piston and valve rings, new superheaters as well as countless other smaller jobs,

London, Midland and Scottish Railway 'Black Five' 4-6-0 No 44871 is now officially back.

At 1PM on Friday the 13th November 2009, the boiler successfully passed its hydraulic exam.

Sunday 15th November saw her fist fire in over 15 years being lit, and steam (albeit 11psi) being raised.

Wednesday 18th November saw her pass a VAB (Vehicle Acceptance Body) exam, with the AWS and TPWS being given a thorough going over and the speedometer officially calibrated.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY

Wednesday 18th November also saw the boiler pass it's 'out of frames' steam test

So the legend has stirred from her long slumber, work is now focussing on ironing out any creases and getting on with final assembly of the loco, ready for running in, mainline trails and of course, her first railtour with stable mate 45407.

44871, IS BACK




44871 - The Return Of A Legend.