CHRISTMAS WHITE ROSE -- SATURDAY 14th DECEMBER 2019

London Kings Cross - York 
A Christmas rail-tour along the East Coast Main Line to York, the former operating lines of the famous LNER Express Passenger Pacifics in the heyday of steam hauled expresses to and from London. Making our way northwards steam hauled from London King’s Cross as far as York by A1 class steam locomotive No.60163 Tornado. There will be convenient pickup calls at Stevenage and Peterborough, before heading up the famous Stoke Bank, the scene where in 1938 Mallard achieved the world speed record for a steam locomotive at 126 mph.

We will follow the ECML through Grantham, Newark and Retford before we reach Doncaster, famous in railway history as the location of the LNER’s works where such iconic locomotives as Mallard and Flying Scotsman were built. Continuing northwards from Doncaster, Tornado will be able to show its strength by achieving maximum speed as we race along towards York, our destination for the afternoon.

York is world famous as a tourist destination with its many sights, including the Minster, Castle, Yorvic centre and the quaint medieval alleyways and riverside walks. Railway enthusiasts are not forgotten, as York is the location of the National Railway Museum, reflecting the history of railways in this country. The York Christmas Market will also be in full swing adding a pre festive atmosphere to the city with its many market stalls and food outlets.

Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served to the first and standard class passengers on board.

Train Timings

Updated approximate timings shown

Station	Outward	Return
London King’s Cross	07:23	22:10
Stevenage	08:12	21:24
Peterborough	09:36	19:30
York	12:26	16:35

LUDLOW MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE RAILTOUR -- SATURDAY 23rd NOVEMBER 2019

This tour will leave Slough early in the morning, steam hauled by LNER A4 Class Pacific locomotive No.60009 Union of South Africa. We will follow the Great Western main line to Reading, where we will stop to pick up passengers. We continue to pick up via Didcot and Swindon to Bristol Parkway, where we will then pass through the Severn Tunnel and enter Wales, and continuing onwards to the outskirts of Newport. Here we turn northwards, crossing the River Usk, and join the Welsh Marches route to Shrewsbury. There will be time in either Ludlow or Shrewsbury to visit the Christmas festivities.

There is some truly beautiful scenery as we travel through Herefordshire and into Shropshire, passing through Leominster before we reach Ludlow, where passengers can chose to alight for the Medieval Christmas Fayre. The Fayre is set in the grounds of the Medieval Castle at Ludlow, and offers craft stalls, food and drink halls and festive entertainment. Mingle with medieval jesters and enjoy live music as you browse over 100 stalls selling quality wares, handmade gifts and seasonal products. You’re bound to find the perfect presents – and unique treats for yourself too! When you’ve worked up an appetite, why not tickle your taste buds with the tempting food and drink stalls? With a full timetable of entertainment including music, comedy, fighting knights, theatre and puppets, the Fayre is fantastic fun for all ages! We continue via Craven Arms and Church Stretton to Shrewsbury where the ‘listed’ Severn Bridge Junction Signal Box is the largest remaining mechanical signal box in the world. There will be time to explore this interesting city with its old quarter of over 660 listed buildings, famed by Charles Darwen, who was born here in 1809. Attractions in the town include pleasant walks along the river Severn, the Castle, its Tudor buildings and many shops and restaurants.

Whilst we have been exploring the city, our steam locomotive will have been serviced and turned ready for the return journey. Our train leaves Shrewsbury late afternoon, returning by the same route to Ludlow and stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers. Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. Please let us know your child’s age when booking.

Mulled wine and mince pies will be served to the first and standard class passengers on board.

Train Timings

Updated approximate timings shown

Station	Outward	Return
Slough	06:32	22:01
Reading	07:01	21:34
Didcot	07:21	21:09
Swindon	08:18	20:06
Bristol Parkway	09:15	19:25
Ludlow	12:00	16:49
Shrewsbury	12:42	15:55

FLYING SCOTSMAN LONDON TO SALISBURY AND HAMPSHIRE TOUR 1st JUNE 2019

London to Salisbury with Flying Scotsman. 
This rail tour in two parts will depart from London Victoria on Saturday 1st June 2019, scheduled timing from London is 08:45 for this journey through the southern rails network and taking us in the famous town of Salisbury before a tour of Hampshire later. Arrival time into Salisbury is scheduled for 11:36. The return journey back to London is expected to depart around 18:24 with an arrival in London Victoria for 21:31. 

Salisbury was recently in the news for the Russian spy and poison scandal but there's plenty to enjoy here not only the home of the tallest Cathedral spire in England and known as "The city in the countryside", the magnificent medieval city of Salisbury has it all, historic streets and alleyways alongside a range of attractions. If you are not on the additional Countryside Tour then you have about five hours to enjoy Salisbury and have a spot of lunch before coming home. So what better way to arrive in style than behind one of the most famous and iconic steam locomotives in the world. 

HAMPSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE TOUR
While Flying Scotsman waits in Salisbury there is an additional tour which can be booked around the Hampshire countryside. Scotsman will depart about 3pm and spin you around a wonderful summertime journey through Hampshire's countryside towards the coast. Should arrive back into Salisbury by 5:23pm ready for the return run to London.

Flying Scotsman info;
60103 Flying Scotsman has been described as the most famous steam locomotive in the world. Built in 1923 for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) at Doncaster Works to a design of H.N. Gresley, it was employed on long-distance express trains on the LNER and its successors, British Railways Eastern and North-Eastern Regions, notably on the London to Edinburgh Flying Scotsman train service after which it was named.

The locomotive set two world records for steam traction, becoming the first steam locomotive to be officially authenticated at reaching 100 miles per hour on 30 November 1934, and then setting a record for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive when it ran 422 miles on 8 August 1989 while in Australia. 

Retired from regular service in 1963 after covering 2,076,000 miles, Flying Scotsman gained considerable fame in preservation under the ownership of Alan Pegler, William McAlpine (seen below), Tony Marchington and finally the National Railway Museum (NRM). As well as hauling enthusiast specials in the United Kingdom, the locomotive toured extensively in the United States and Canada (from 1969 to 1973) and Australia (from 1988 to 1989).

UK RAILTOUR -- THE ABERDONIAN – 14th MARCH 2019

Thursday 14th March
THE ABERDONIAN RAILTOUR
Featuring A1 Class - 60163 "TORNADO" 

Here's a fantastic tour with views to savour behind the A1 Tornado. Crossing both the Forth Bridge and the Tay Bridge, the train runs along the coast for much of its route making it an unrivalled way to experience Scotland. In Aberdeen there is a chance to explore this historic city, or take one of our off train excursions that include a castle or distillery visit. On board the train you can sit back in comfortable seats with large windows through which to admire the scenery. Our friendly team will look after you, and if you choose to dine with us you will be treated to fine Scottish fare. Come and be one of the first to travel with us as Tornado begins another chapter running regularly over this historic route.

THE JOURNEY
Our journey begins in Scotland’s capital and its imposing Waverley station, right in the heart of the city, in the shadow of the Castle. Tornado steams through Princes Street Gardens and pauses to pick up further passengers at Haymarket station in the west of the city. From there we leave the city surroundings and pass open countryside before our train will start to slow.

The Forth Bridge (page top) is one of the wonders of the modern world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crossing over 350ft above the water and stretching over one and a half miles in length. First opened in 1890, Tornado will lead our train across this magnificent structure giving amazing views of the Firth of Forth and we cross into the Kingdom of Fife. The railway follows the coast line through Inverkeithing and Burntisland where the city of Edinburgh can be seen across the Forth. Approaching Kirkcaldy the route turns north whilst remaining alongside the coast, but once we leave the town behind we move into the rich countryside of Fife with its farming communities and many golf courses. We cross the beautiful countryside before pausing at Leuchars station where Tornado takes on water.

Once underway again it is not long before the train slows as we approach the River Tay and its long elegant bridge across to Dundee. The Tay Bridge (above) is two miles in length, with 85 spans, and links Fife to the City of Dundee and the County of Angus. This is the second Tay Bridge, opening in 1887, after the first was destroyed in a storm in 1879.

Our departure from Dundee is through tunnels under the city, and we exit the city and head alongside the River Tay out as far as the world-famous golf course of Carnoustie. We make our way eastwards passing the coastal town of Arbroath, famous for its Smokie’s which are still produced in the town. Our route takes switches from running along the coast to diving inland and back again before crossing the Montrose Basin with the railway sandwiched between the water and Montrose itself. As we leave Montrose behind we are running through the stunning Scottish countryside as we leave the coast behind for a while. Passing through Laurencekirk and Fordoun and Drumlithie it is a chance to see the lush and unspoilt country for which Scotland is rightly proud.

Bittern using the refurbished turntable at Ferryhill Depot.

As our journey progresses we pass Stonehaven and then exit the town on the cliffs above the North Sea. We run high above the water below all the way to Aberdeen now on what is a wonderful finish to a unique railway journey. Tornado will run at speed alongside the water and on the approach to our destination we will slow and take a winding course through the Granite City before crossing the River Dee on a beautiful curving bridge. Once across the river on our left is the recently refurbished turntable at the former Ferryhill depot (above left). This is where Tornado will be turned for our return journey and is something that is important facility to make this magnificent journey possible. We continue on a little further and we then arrive into Aberdeen’s light and airy station ready for onwards excursions.

EXPLORING ABERDEEN
There is plenty to see and do in the centre of the bustling city of Aberdeen, and a lot of attractions are within easy walking distance of the station. For those attractions a little further out, there are local taxis and regular bus services: a hopper ticket to explore the city by bus costs less than £5.

Whisky Tasting –  CASC are avatars of hedonism, demanding excellence and rejecting anything less. CASC (Cigars, Ale, Scotch & Coffee) – are relentless in the pursuit of great products and overwhelming choice. Doing things their way and never compromising. Focussing on quality cigars, craft beer, scotch whisky and artisan coffee, they aim to compound the senses and deliver a truly unique bar experience. Just three minutes’ walk from the station.

Maritime Museum – Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s long relationship with the Sea. This award-winning museum is located on the historic Shiprow, just five minutes from the station, and parts of the building date back to 1593. The Maritime Museum houses a unique collection and is the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry. Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers visitors a spectacular viewpoint over the busy working harbour.

EXPLORE FURTHER
Old Aberdeen – 2.5m from the station, number 20 bus route. Monks and scholars, traders and travellers settled round Old Aberdeen in the  area where 14th century St Machars Cathedral still stands and where Kings College, the forerunner to Aberdeen University, was founded by Bishop Elphinstone in 1495. Step back in time as you tour the late-medieval cobbled streets and make some time to appreciate the old perfectly blended with the new as you admire the architecturally distinctive Sir Duncan Rice Library.

The Gordon Highlanders Museum [above] – 2.5 miles from the station, number 11 bus route. The Gordon Highlanders Museum is a ‘5-star Visit Scotland’ Tourist Attraction based in the west end of Aberdeen. It is committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of the world-famous Gordon Highlanders Regiment for future generations to enjoy, providing a wide range of unique experiences for all visitors, young and old.

RSPB Dolphin Watch – Intelligence, acrobatic ability and good looks, bottle-nose dolphins have it all. Jump in a taxi and travel 2 miles to Torry Battery, where from the high vantage point you can watch the dolphins and discover panoramic views of the harbour mouth and North Sea. The mouth of Aberdeen Harbour is one of the best places in Europe to spot bottle-nose dolphins and Scotland is home to the largest in the world! The team of volunteers are on site April – August and provide telescopes and binoculars. The 2018 dolphin spotting season saw 100% success rate!

Fyvie Castle 
Travel through the beautiful wilderness of the Grampian Highlands to reach Fyvie Castle. This magnificent fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire is a sterling example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Inside, the rooms are filled with antiquities, armour and lavish oil paintings. Out in the grounds the grandeur continues, with a picturesque loch and an unusual glass-roofed racquets court. The cafe will be open for your refreshment. Ghosts, legends and folklore are all woven into the tapestry of Fyvie’s 800-year-old history. Book this option to enjoy a short tour and time at your leisure to explore the glory of Fyvie’s landscape and the richness of its past.

Glen Garioch Distillery (above)
It’s true what they say – you can never fully enjoy a dram of Glen Garioch until you have seen how and where it’s made. One of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland – and its most easterly – Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery in the ancient Doric dialect still spoken in these parts) has been making its mighty malt in the quaint and historic market town of Oldmeldrum, ever since 1797. Book this tour to discover the personality and character, both of the whisky and those who create it. The in-depth experience explores the secrets passed on by generations in the pursuit of quality. The tour would not be complete without tasting some of their small-batch whiskies and includes three drams.

All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide.

Station	Depart	Arrive
Edinburgh Waverley	09.30	20.30
Haymarket	09.35	20.20

FLYING SCOTSMAN RAILTOUR -- THE SCOTSMAN SALUTE FRIDAY 11th JANUARY 2019

Sir William McAlpine, 1936 – 2018

This Friday 11th January 2019 a very special train service will be run to celebrate the life of a truly great railway enthusiast and preservationist. A hugely popular and well-known public figure, Sir William McAlpine was a lifelong supporter of railway heritage and preservation in the UK and he led many campaigns to preserve and restore historic railway buildings, locomotives and objects.

He began his career working in Hayes Depot in Middlesex which housed the McAlpine railway locomotive and wagon fleet and he maintained a significant railway collection at his private estate which included the mile long Fawley Hill Railway.

FLYING SCOTSMAN IN 4472 LIVERY

He established and chaired the influential Railway Heritage Trust, was Patron of the Swanage Railway Trust, President of the Transport Trust, Chairman of the Dart Valley Railway, Chairman of the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway and either Chairman, Patron or President of a vast number of other preserved railways. He was also President of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society. William McAlpine will be best remembered for saving 4472 ‘Flying Scotsman’ for the nation preventing the famous locomotive from sale to an American consortium or possibly being sold for scrap. Sir William paid for the locomotive to be restored and brought back into main line operation and for this alone, the enthusiast fraternity owes him an enormous debt of gratitude.

FLYING SCOTSMAN AT YORK STATION
BR LIVERY 60103

Memorial Excursion to York with Flying Scotsman in charge.

Sir William McAlpine was instrumental in introducing new generations to this magnificent icon of the steam age which included organising the locomotive’s record-breaking trip to Australia in 1988. Sadly, he passed away earlier this year, and on the eve of his 83rd birthday, DB Cargo, Network Rail, LNER and the National Railway Museum will run a very special train from London King’s Cross to York hauled by Flying Scotsman. On arrival into York at 12.30, guests will be escorted to the adjacent National Railway Museum where a Class 90 electric locomotive will be named on the turntable of the Great Hall. 

Visitors will then have time to explore the museum and the rest of this fine city at leisure before departure from York at around 17.00. With the newly named Sir William McAlpine in charge as we return to London King’s Cross.

Station	Depart	Arrive
London King's Cross	08.00	20.00

The charter is a collaboration between DB Cargo UK Ltd, the locomotive’s owners the National Railway Museum, Network Rail, LNER, Riley & Sons (E) and the Scottish Railway Preservation Society (SRPS).

Sir William was instrumental in preserving steam on the main line for future generations to enjoy. Profits from this train will be used to create a one-year engineering trainee position to ensure Sir William’s legacy continues to live on.

LONDON TO CARDIFF CHRISTMAS MARKET - THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER

THE CATHEDRALS EXPRESS

Thursday 22 November 2018
LNER A4 Class 4-6-2 no 60009 Union of South Africa

LONDON TO CARDIFF CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Cardiff Christmas Market will return to the pedestrian streets of Cardiff City Centre in St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes in 2018 with an exciting and eclectic mix of both new and returning exhibitors their original, hand made products the essence of what makes this market so different and special.

Visit Cardiff Castle with its Roman walls, Norman keep and stunning medieval halls. Cardiff's city centre provides an vibrant mix of old and new, with beautiful Llandaff Cathedral and the lovely National History Museum alongside the harbour. You can also take in the beauty of Bute Park, Cardiff Castle and many other sights all just a stroll away from the market

LOCOMOTIVE

Originally numbered 4488, 60009 Union of South Africa was built for the LNER in 1937.

It was named after the then newly-formed Union of South Africa, although it had previously been allocated the name "Osprey" on 17 April 1937, when it came out of the paint shop on 29 June. "Osprey" name plates were fitted to the locomotive during the 1980s and early 1990s due to the politics of the time. Its name has since reverted to Union of South Africa. The works number of Union of South Africa was 1853; the plaques are located in the cab itself and not on the exterior cab sides as is the usual practice.

[This trip will be diesel hauled between Newport and Cardiff on the outward journey.]

Train should depart London Paddington approx 09.22 and arrive in Cardiff 13:58. 

The return from Cardiff leaves around 16:40 and gets back into the capital 21:38. 

Should allow for onward connections back home, there are additional stops on route at Reading, Slough and Swindon. 

RAILTOUR 50 YEARS SINCE "THE END OF STEAM" SETTLE AND CARLISLE

Saturday 11th August, 2018

THE MAGNIFICENT SETTLE & CARLISLE LINE AND SHAP AS WELL - HAULED BY STEAM, 50 YEARS AFTER ‘THE END OF STEAM’.

It was fifty years ago - to the very day - that a glorious chapter of Britain's history ended with the (in)famous 'Fifteen Guinea Special', bringing down the curtain on steam on the main line network. From then on soulless diesels and electrics would rule the rails, with the living, breathing giants confined to short and low speed preserved lines.

Fortunately there were those who had other ideas, and steam returned to the main line in 1971, since which time there have been few corners of this 'sceptred isle' that have not witnessed the majesty of steam.

A feature of that fateful day half a century ago was a run over the Settle & Carlisle line, a route whose popularity continues to grow year on year, and no wonder, for anyone who joins this excursion will sit back and wonder at the magnificent vistas that open up at every turn. And yes, you will be steam hauled as well. We had arranged for no. 60163 'Tornado' to haul the train, but due to ongoing maintenance, we are waiting for a replacement loco to be confirmed, which may well be ex-LNER A4 Pacific no. 60009 'Union of South Africa'.

Our day begins with a diesel hauling the train from Bristol to Preston, where our steam locomotive will take command, northwards to Lancaster, past Morecambe Bay and climbing through Oxenholme to Grayrigg Summit. An easing through the Lune Gorge is followed by an assault on the famed climb to Shap, then descent through Penrith to Carlisle, where we avoid the station and make for the Settle & Carlisle line, following the verdant Eden Valley to market town Appleby for a two hour or so break. A complimentary bus shuttle will link the station with the town.

On the restart our magnificent locomotive will hasten into speed for the climb ahead, through Kirkby Stephen and into the mountains that close in as the line runs on the flanks of Wild Boar Fell, with Mallerstang Common towering across the infant River Eden. A final fling sees our loco breast the summit at lonely Ais Gill to run then across the 'roof of England', high above Dentdale to Blea Moor Tunnel and to the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct, looked down on by the Three Peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Penyghent. Down Ribblesdale we race to Settle then Hellifield, where we take the cross country line to Clitheroe and the hardest climb of the day, to Wilpshire Tunnel.

Down then to Blackburn and soon to the West Coast Main Line for what will hopefully be a fast romp through Lancashire to a crossing of the River Mersey and to the end of our steam journey today at Crewe, followed by the diesel hauled run back to Bristol to conclude our historic day.

Estimated Timings
Joining Stations	Depart	Return
Bristol Temple Meads	0530	2320
Bristol Parkway	0545	2305
Cam & Dursley	0610	2240
Cheltenham Spa	0635	2215
Bromsgrove	0710	2140
Birmingham New St.	0740	2105
Stafford	0830	2015
Crewe	0900	1915

Fares	Adult	Junior	Party of 4
Standard Class	£125.00	£65.00	£480.00	FULLY BOOKED
First Class	£180.00	£140.00	£700.00	FULLY BOOKED
First Class Plus	£199.00	£159.00	£776.00	FULLY BOOKED
Premier Dining	£289.00	£249.00	£1136.00	FULLY BOOKED

O GAUGE MODEL -- BR (ex - LNER) CLASS N5 0-6-2 [No. 69307]

Gladiator Model Kits sell a 7mm scale (O gauge) kit that builds the N5 or N4 0-6-2T. And I have to presume that it must be one of those as my father made a number of different models using Gladiator kits and I have seen at least 2 or 3 different styles of N2, N5, N7 models that he created all having slightly different unqiue fittings included with them. 

Have found some information about this class;
Built 1898, Withdrawn December 1960

Parker introduced the 0-6-2T arrangement to the Manchester Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway (MS&LR, later GCR) in 1889 as the N4. The basic design proved successful, and in 1891 he revised the design to produce the LNER N5. The MS&LR would classify the N5s as 9F, and used class 9C and 9O for two variants (see below). The revision replaced the original Joy valve gear with Stephenson link motion. He also replaced the round-topped firebox with a Belpaire firebox. In fact, the N5 prototype MS&LR No. 7 was the first locomotive built for a British railway to use the Belpaire design. The neighbouring Beyer Peacock & Co had been using them for a few years, but all of these locomotives were built for export.

Due to the experimental nature of No. 7's firebox, eleven months elapsed before the second locomotive (No. 47) was built. This was followed shortly afterwards by a third, No. 171. This experimental batch of three became class 9C. This length trial period appears to have proved useful because a weakness in the valve gear layout was identified. The valve rods were supported by tubular slide bars fixed to the motion bracket, with the motion bracket positioned in-front of the rocking shaft. All of the production locomotives had a slightly different arrangement and were classified 9F. These had suspension links fixed in-front of the motion plate, supporting the valve rods. The rocking shaft was also behind, and this gave an indirect drive to the valve via a spindle link. This arrangement proved highly successful and was used on virtually all subsequent MS&LR/GCR locomotives and Gresley's J38s and J39s.

The design was also ordered by Parker's successors, Pollitt and Robinson, resulting in a total of 131 N5s being built between 1891 and 1901. A total of twelve batches including the experimental batch were built.

Four of these locomotives worked with other railways. Nos. 754-5 were sold by the MS&LR to the West Lancashire Railway in 1894 and painted purple. The Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway took over the West Lancashire Railway in 1897 and retired the two 9Fs in 1914. The other two were ordered by the Wrexham Mold & Connah's Quay Railway (WM&CQR) in 1896, and were numbered 17 & 18. The Great Central Railway (GCR) absorbed the WM&CQR in 1905 and renumbered these two engines 409 &. 410 respectively. This brought the GCR's total roster to 129, all of which entered LNER ownership in 1923. It should also be noted that the WM&CQR hired three further 9Fs from the MS&LR/GCR between 1896 and 1901.

Class N5/3 No. 9311 at Lincoln in 1948; Larger side tanks, Ross pop safety valves, and footsteps at front
With construction occurring over eleven years and twelve batches, they were built with a number of boiler of variations. 

The main trend was a general reduction in the heating surfaces of the boilers. The last six locomotives were built with what would become LNER Diagram 21. This boiler design was eventually fitted to all of the N5s. This boiler was one of the first that Robinson experimented with superheating, and a total of ten N5s had superheaters fitted between 1915 and 1923. All of the superheaters would eventually be removed. The last was removed in 1943, although No. 5410 was withdrawn in 1936 before its superheater was removed.

The first N5 to be superheated was No. 771 (LNER No. 9311) in November 1915. This was also rebuilt to increase the coal and water capacity. The smokebox was extended to take the new superheater, but the side-tanks were also extended to be inline with the front of the new smokebox. The tanks had openings to allow maintenance of the valve motion. The sides of the coal bunker were raised, and the back was curved at the top. The radial trailing axle was replaced by a pony truck, allowing tighter curves to be negotiated. When the superheater was removed in 1930, the extended bunker, tanks, and smokebox were retained. The GCR classified No. 771 as 9O, and the LNER gave it the sub-class of N5/3 in 1938. It is thought that the modifications were to allow No.771 to haul a shuttle service between Chester and Connah's Quay. However, it only worked this service for fourteen months before being re-allocated and never hauled another passenger service.

In common with most of the GCR locomotives, the original chimneys were replaced with shorter chimneys and domes to fit within the LNER Composite Loading Gauge. Unmodified locomotives were given the sub-class of N5/1, whilst the modified locomotives became N5/2. These modifications occurred between 1925 and were completed in 1938. The N5/2 designation was eventually dropped.

The N4s and N5s became the GCR's standard shunting and trip working locomotives. After finishing the last N5, the GCR only built specialised shunting locomotives, e.g. for dock and hump shunting. At Grouping, the N5s were distributed amongst twelve sheds, with large allocations at Gorton and Mexborough. Shortly after Grouping (1923), the LNER purchased large numbers of ROD O4 2-8-0s which displaced older J11 0-6-0s onto the Mexborough trip working duties. This dispersed Mexborough's N5 allocation throughout the GC system. The displaced N5s tended to take over J58 and J59 saddletanks which were being withdrawn at the same time.

In the late 1930s, the J11s also displaced many of Gorton's N5s to other duties. Some moved to Trafford Park where they hauled passenger services, and replaced J10s on their shunting duties.

During the 1940s, a number of N5s were allocated to the GN Section. N5s allocated to Bradford hauled passenger trains to Halifax via Queensbury. Copley Hill had an allocation that acted as the Leeds Central station pilot, but also hauled a number of local services during World War 2. Retford and Newark also had allocations for shunting work.

Withdrawal

The first withdrawal occurred in 1936, but only eight had been withdrawn by 1945. The remaining 121 locomotives all survived into British Railways ownership (1948). The rapid introduction of diesel shunting locomotives during the 1950s took their toll and withdrawals of the surviving N5s in the late 1950s was rapid. Many were stored during this time. Two of these stored locomotives were moved to Tyne Dock for banking duties, but this appears to have been unsuccessful as they were moved to New England after a few months.

Sheffield (Darnall) had the last large allocation, and these were replaced in 1959 by diesel shunters. Nineteen N5s survived at the beginning of 1960, and all were withdrawn before the end of the year. The last N5 was withdrawn from Gorton in December.

Preservation

The last N5 was withdrawn at the end of 1960, and none of these pioneers of the Belpaire firebox survived into preservation.