Hornby R3805 BR Class 5MT 4-6-0 45379 Limited Edition

 

The ‘Black Fives’ were mixed traffic class locomotives, a ‘do-anything-go-anywhere’ type, designed by Sir William Stanier. In their early days the locomotives were known as the ‘Black Staniers’ from their black livery but later on they became known as ‘Black Fives’; the number referring to the power classification. ‘Black Fives’ occasionally worked as far south as Bournemouth and even ran over the Mid Hants Railway, 'the 'Watercress Line'. This locomotive class was large enough for the steep gradients but small enough to be economical. Eighteen of the Class have been preserved. In 1974, ‘45379’ was bought for restoration and taken to the Avon Valley Railway, then later to The Great Central Railway. It was bought from there by MHRPS, coming to Alresford on 1 March, 2002.

The restoration of ‘45379’ was completed in time for the Somerset & Dorset Steam Spectacular that ran between 10-12 September appearing alongside the visiting S&DJR Class 7F No. 88, the five year restoration effort visible for all to see. ‘45379’ is currently a welcome guest of The 1:1 Collection, awaiting overhaul for its return to steam.