New owners for 44767?

http://www.railadvent.co.uk/2017/11...l&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Just spotted this on Facebook, not sure what to make of it.

 

I wonder if Ian Riley might be interested in increasing his stable of 5s. Become the King of the Black 5s or something

 

Some mistakes in that report - 44767 was originally bought from BR by Brian Hollingsworth, Ian Storey didn't acquire it till 1974 leaving a year or so to get it restored for S & D 150 at Shildon.

 

I suppose the thing is she would be non-standard in the Riley fleet and thus the wider economies of scale for having a number would be less?

I must admit I read the piece and thought 'I didn't know she had a double chimney' looked at the photograph and she hasn't. Looking at it, it does appear to be the source material https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LMS_Stanier_Class_5_4-6-0_4767

 

It was reported in Heritage Railway that it was up for sale.

 

That is interesting,
i always liked that one above the others to be honest,
how much do you all think thats worth?
or is money a taboo subject

The Melter

 

Hmmm. The last two caprotti Black 5's had double chimneys and i believe 44767 was built at about the same time so its plausible she might have had one
If that was the case why would BR bother to remove it ?, the caprotti's kept theirs, unless they wanted to stick it on a jubilee or something

 

I'm sure I had a book (some sort of encyclopedia of British steam) which had a pic of 44767 in modified post war LMS black, with extra 4 added with the engine carrying a double chimney, so modified to single during service life.

Sawdust.

 

Hopefully the new owners will be able to get it back in steam sooner rather than later.

 

Was built with a double chimney. I can't remember when or why the single chimney was fitted but possibly the 1950s.

 

According to the Wiki entry linked above the double chimney was removed in 1953?

 

Sorry, that should have said 'removed'.

 

Yep ,altered in 1953 . I'M attaching a photo I took at Crewe South MPD on 27/08/1967 of 44766 with double chimney, it was withdrawn a few weeks later .4755/6/7 and 4765/6/7 built with double chimney. Also a rare photo of 43006 ,Workington MPD 24/07/1955 ,the double chimneys were being removed from this class at the time,3000 to 43049 being fitted from new. I wish I had photted the 2P behind now.

 

Returning to 44767, it will be interesting to see where it ends up. Either the NNR or the NYMR would be good homes that could make use of its main line fittings, but the NNR has bought the 9F and seemingly bought into 76084 recently, so adding a third loco would be a big cash burden, and the NYMR is 100% focused on raising the matched funding for its HLF project. The ELR would perhaps have been a possibility but has its hands full with raising the money for Wells. I can't see another first division railway needing it, most already have commitments in excess of their needs and I doubt whether any of the second division lines has the resources to acquire it. Nor can I see West Coast or Jeremy Hoskins either wanting or needing it, so the front runners are likely to be Ian Riley or an individual. Hopefully, we may find out before too long.

 

If the engine had come on the market a few years ago maybe the NNR would have been interested, but with 76084 and the N2 seemingly staying on the line for the foreseeable future, and with all the NNR/M&GN Society owned locos in service, would there be a need for 44767?

Would like to see it at the ELR. They seem to have a number of class 5s based there that spend a lot of time away on mainline. Would be nice for them to have their own. But as already stated they are probably focussing on Wells.

What about the GCR? Do they have a policy of owning locomotives? Didn’t they used to own 45231?

 

The GCR already has two black 5, a standard 5 and a Hall there - could they really justify buying another class 5? The wild card might be the Torbay & Dartmouth.

 

Not sure I would agree with you here. Ian Riley has shown what a fine show a pair of Black Fives are capable of putting on. I wouldn't rule out either West Coast or Jeremy Hosking having noticed this and deciding to do likewise. Of one thing I am sure, thee won't be a lack of buyers for such a useful engine.

 

Do I recall reading somewhere that she is considered to be a bit stronger than a standard valve geared black 5

 

I had the pleasure of being on a charter from Stockport to St Pancras organised by Mel Chamberlain in the early 90s, steam into a London terminus was pretty rare then. 44767 romped up the difficult climb from Macclesfield with ease, wonderful engine.

Dave

 

Anecdotally that has been reported, reputedly a strong climber at longer cut offs. Also has roller bearings which supposedly gives better running at speed. It might be possible to get 75mph approval perhaps if the new owner seeks mainline work.
A change of owner can only be for the Best if it means the loco works again sooner rather than later.