44871, LMS Stanier Black Five

A preserved LMS Stanier Black Five 4-6-0, built at Crewe Works in 1945 to Sir William Stanier's classic mixed-traffic design. Withdrawn from British Railways service in August 1968 — among the very last steam locomotives in BR service. Preserved directly from BR without passing through Barry scrapyard.

44871 worked the outward leg of the Fifteen Guinea Special on 11 August 1968 — the last BR steam-hauled mainline passenger train, running from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Victoria via a circuitous route through the Pennines. The locomotive's involvement in the final day of BR steam gives it a significance shared with only a handful of survivors. Now owned and operated by Riley and Son Engineering and based at the East Lancashire Railway, it is main-line certified and hauls regular excursion trains.

Last recorded as based at the East Lancashire Railway, owned by Riley and Son (E) Ltd. 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.