70000 Britannia, BR Standard Class 7

A preserved BR Standard Class 7 Britannia 4-6-2 Pacific, built at Crewe Works in January 1951 as the class prototype — the first of R. A. Riddles's Britannia class and the public debut of the BR Standard locomotive programme. Withdrawn from British Railways service in May 1966. Preserved privately.

70000 Britannia was the most significant new express Pacific for British railways since the LMS Princess Coronation class of 1937. She hauled the funeral train of King George VI from King's Lynn to London in February 1952 following the King's death at Sandringham, with her cab roof painted white as was royal locomotive custom. Originally earmarked for the National Collection, she was passed over in favour of the better-conditioned 70013 Oliver Cromwell. Transferred to the Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust, she returned to main-line working order and hauled the Royal Train carrying Prince Charles to Wakefield in January 2012. Based at the Crewe Heritage Centre.

Last recorded as based at the Crewe Heritage Centre, owned by Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust. Operating status: Main-line certified. Current livery: BR Brunswick green.

Location, livery and operating status last confirmed pre-2024 and subject to change. Check with the owning organisation or heritage railway for current information.

Notable history

The class prototype, completed at Crewe in January 1951, the public unveiling of the BR Standard programme.