IT’S back to Black at the Swanage Railway this week as an historic steam locomotive that headed the last British Rail steam train 50 years ago rolls in to haul passenger services.

The 74-ton London Midland and Scottish Railway Stanier ‘Black 5’ class No. 44871 is operating on the line for half term week.

The loco, built at Crewe in 1945 and now based on the East Lancashire Railway, took part in the Swanage Railway’s recent three-day, Autumn Steam Gala which attracted visitors from across the country.

It made history 50 years ago when it helped to haul the famous ‘Fifteen Guinea Special’ end of steam train between Liverpool, Manchester and Carlisle in August, 1968 – the last steam-hauled passenger train run by British Rail.

This week, until Saturday, it is employed on the Purbeck heritage line hauling six trains a day in each direction between Norden and Swanage.

Then on Sunday it will be in charge of the popular ‘Dorsetman’ Sunday lunch train.

Swanage Railway Company executive chairman Trevor Parsons said: “It is very exciting to have such a special piece of national railway history from half a century ago haul passenger trains on the Swanage Railway.

“We are very grateful indeed to the locomotive’s owner – Riley and Son (E) Limited – for allowing us to continue to use the ‘Black 5’ after its popular appearance at our Autumn Steam Gala. It is a lovely locomotive and it is a real privilege for our footplate crews to work on her.”

Appearing courtesy of Riley and Son (E) Limited, the ‘Black 5’ was moved by rail to the Swanage Railway courtesy of West Coast Railways.

n The Autumn Steam Gala saw eight steam locomotives in action including three visiting locomotives – the Black 5, London Midland and Scottish Railway No. 6233 ‘Duchess of Sutherland’ and British Railways Class 4 Tank No. 80078.