44767 George Stephenson, LMS Stanier Black Five

A preserved LMS Stanier Black Five 4-6-0, built at Crewe Works in May 1947 — though numbered 44767 indicating an earlier position in the series, she was actually the last Black Five completed, construction having been interrupted. Withdrawn from British Railways service in 1967 and preserved directly without passing through Barry scrapyard.

44767 George Stephenson is the only member of the LMS Stanier Black Five class fitted with Stephenson valve gear rather than the standard Walschaerts gear — an experimental installation applied to a small number of Black Fives in the 1940s to compare valve gear performance, giving her a distinctive exhaust note and operational character. Named George Stephenson in preservation. Currently at Carnforth under overhaul with a planned return to main-line service.

Last recorded as based at West Coast Railways, Carnforth, owned by West Coast Railways. Operating status: Main-line certified (under overhaul). 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.