A Detailed History of the Stanier Class Five 4-6-0s: Volume 2

This volume continues on with the story of these locomotives known to enthusiasts as 'Black Fives'. The author picks up the story of the class after Volume 1 dealt with the 472 Class 5s built before the Second World War. He continues with the development of the class under George Ivatt and the 370 engines that were introduced between 1943 and 1951. The book therefore introduces us to Caprotti valve gear, Stephenson motion and roller bearing axleboxes together with the tests and modifications required. The 1948Interchange Trials are also featured with details of the test runs involving Class 5s. The volume includes many facts and figures on the class and as such is a required read for those with a lean towards LMS locomotives.