The London Midland and Scottish Railway LMS Stanier Class Black 5 5 4-6-0 is an example of the class of steam locomotives available in the 4-6-0 range. William Stanier was the first to introduce it to the generals under the moniker “Black Five.” When it comes to this stunning work of art, you’ll find yourself engrossed in a never-ending debate about it. And this article is intended to serve as a starting point for learning about its origins.
The History of the LMS Stanier Class Black 5
The LMS Stainer Class Black 5 had started its building journey between the year of 1934 and 1951. Within this bracket, 842 of them were built, and they were given the number 4658-5499, which was later altered to 44658-45499 by the BR.
This training model was designed by William Stanier to fulfill the “do-anything go-anywhere” requirements. He was one of the members who was previously involved with the GWR, and he has designed various train models. In his earlier career, he designed his Stainer Mogul 2-6-0 engine, which he followed with the GWR “School” Class of locomotive design.
However, he had decided to forgo the concept of adding details because the GWR does not value supremacy. By this time, he’d come up with the brilliant concept of creating much larger locomotive models. He considered the LMS’s version of the GWR Halls with large but opted against plagiarizing the model. He came to this conclusion by remembering that the Hall is too large in scope to run throughout the entire British Isles.
With that in mind, he created a model with a comparable cylinder configuration (two outside), interior boiler dimensions, and 6-foot driving wheel diameters.
Because of its black livery, the LMS Stanier was formerly known as the “Black Stairs.” When compared to its peer class 4-6-0, the LMS Stanier Jubilee Class, which was crimson, it’s easy to get confused about its name. Until April 1935, the LMS Stanier Jubilee Class was known as the “Red Stanier’s” due to its colour.
They were better known as the “Black Five” at the end of their dominance, which brings satisfaction to the power classification.
What is the Current Status of LMS Stanier Class Black 5?
The LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 locomotive was one of the last locomotives to be retired, surviving until 1968. This year was also the final year that steam locomotives were used by the British Railways. This lovely train was also one of the very few locomotives chosen to participate in the renowned Fifteen Guinea Special on August 11, 1968.
It was responsible for the excursion from Carlisle Citadel to Manchester Victoria, which followed the Settle and Carlisle Line south. She was then twinned with 44781, which served as the train engine, and 44871, which served as the pilot. The 44871 is one of the few trains from that era that has survived.
What Engine is in an LMS Stanier Class Black 5?
The LMS Stanier Class Black 5 is a steam-powered locomotive, thus it doesn’t have an engine.
How long is an LMS Stanier Class Black 5?
The LMS Stanier Class Black 5 measures between 19.40 and 19.50 meters in length.
How many LMS Stanier Class Black 5 are there?
LMS Stanier Class Black 5 locomotives were built in a total of 842 units. Some of them have been maintained in tourist attractions and museums.
How much Horsepower does an LMS Stanier Black 5 have?
It doesn’t create horsepower because it’s a steam locomotive. However, depending on the model, this steam locomotive can attain top speeds of 25-60 mph.
What does an LMS Stanier Black 5 weigh?
Depending on the model variants, the LMS Stanier Black 5 weighs between 72.1 and 75 tons.
How much does LMS Stanier Black 5 cost?
LMS Stanier Black 5 is expected to cost more than $400,000.
Are there other versions of LMS Stanier Black 5?
Despite the lack of variants, few locomotives with various numbers are retained for preservation and a few for operation.
Conclusion
Learning about the history of earlier locomotives brings us absolute joy since it teaches us how they used to work. The LMS Stanier Class Black 5 is one of the best examples of this. They were such a hit that some members of the class made it to the end of the British Railways’ steam career, with 18 of them being preserved to this day.
Peter has been building model trains for longer than he can remember. An avid fan of HO and O scale this blog is a creative outlet to allow him to dive further into other scales and aspects of the model train community and hobby.