It was unique amongst the 842-strong class in that it featured outside Stephenson link motion in addition to other experimental features; a double chimney, Timken roller bearings throughout and electric lighting.
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These modifications included outside Caprotti valve gear, roller bearings (both Timken and Skefco types) on the coupled and tender axles in varying combinations, and an experimental steel firebox.
The last two of the 842 LMS Stanier Black Fives, numbers 44686 and 44687 were constructed by British Railways at Horwich Works in 1951.
Some years were spent based in Accrington, with working excursions to a planned preserved line at Helmshore.
After withdrawal from Lostock Hall shed, near Preston in 1967, 5000 was selected to represent its 842-strong class as part of the National Railway Collection.
She then moved to the Nene Valley Railway from 1989 until 1993, when she returned to the GCR for the filming of Shadowlands.
In 1984, 5305 was named Alderman A E Draper by the Mayor of Hedon, Bill Tong.
The locomotive made an appearance at the beginning of the 2005 black comedy movie Keeping Mum, and during the 1991 episode of 'The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge' by Agatha Christie starring David Suchet.
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Dr Peter Beet, the co-founder of Steamtown, Carnforth with Sir Bill McAlpine, and business partner David Davis, visited Lostock Hall MPD to choose a locomotive to save, selecting No.45407.