Overview
5690 was built at Crewe in March 1936 and named Leander after HMS Leander, which in turn was named after the Greek hero Leander. After nationalisation in 1948, she was renumbered 45690 by British Railways, and based at the former LMS engine shed at Bristol (Barrow Road).
After being withdrawn in 1964, Leander was sold to Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry, South Wales. Rescued by Brian Oliver in May 1972, she was restored by the Leander Locomotive Society at the Dinting Railway Museum, Glossop. After later purchase by and running on the Severn Valley Railway, she was sold to Dr Peter Beet, and restored to running condition on the East Lancashire Railway. She is still owned today by the Beet family, and operated by the West Coast Railway Company from their Carnforth base.
In 2008 Leander provided motive power for the Scarborough Spa Express heritage service. She also spent October at the Great Central Railway "Steam Railway" gala, alongside BR Standard 7 "Britannia" Class, No.70013 "Oliver Cromwell" and LNER Peppercorn A1 No.60163 "Tornado".
On Monday 20 September 5690 Left Carnforth for the Severn Valley Railway under her own power. She was put into Action at the SVR'S Autumn steam gala Friday 24th/Sunday 26 September with Fellow Visitors GWR 3205, GWR 3717/3440 City of Truro, GWR 5542, SR 34070 Manston. Footage of the gala can be found on YouTube. She left the SVR on 2 October hauling the Severn Valley Limited to Blackpool North one way only en route to the East Lancashire Railway for a few weeks stay. She participated in their Autumn Steam gala, appearing alongside BR Standard Class 8 71000 Duke of Gloucester, 60163 Tornado, 73129 and 45337. Soon afterwards, she returned to Carnforth and mainline operation.
Today she is out of action undergoing her regular 10 year overhaul.
Read more about this topic: LMS Jubilee Class 5690 Leander