BR standard class 7 70000 Britannia
| Power type | Steam |
|---|---|
| Builder | British Railways Crewe works |
| Build date | 2 January 1951 |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in) |
| Career | British Railways |
| Class | standard class 7 |
| Number in class | 55 |
| Number | 70000 |
| Official name | Britannia |
| Retired | 1966 |
| Current owner | Jeremy Hoskins under restoration at The Railway Age, Crewe |
British Railways (BR) standard class 7 (also known as Britannia class), number 70000 "Britannia" is a preserved steam locomotive. Britannia was built at Crewe and was completed on 2 January 1951.
Britannia was the first standard express locomotive to be built after the formation of British Railways in 1948 and the first of 55 locomotives of the Britannia class. The locomotive was named at a ceremony at Marylebone station by the then Minister for Transport Alfred Barnes on 30 January 1951.
For many years, Britannia had her cab roof painted white. This was to commemorate her pulling the funeral train of King George VI from Norfolk to London following his death in February 1952 at Sandringham House, Norfolk.
Britannia was retired in 1966, after 15 years of service. Initially destined for the National Railway Museum because of her cultural significance, Britannia was eventually bought by the Britannia Locomotive Company Limited.
Britannia made her return to the main line on 27 July 1991, successfully working enthusiast trips until 1997, particularly on the Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough. It was here that the locomotive was featured in an episode of London's Burning. Due to the high cost of refurbishment, the locomotive was sold to Pete Waterman in 2000.
As of 2005, Britannia is in storage at the The Railway Age in Crewe. However, the other survivor of the class, 70013 Oliver Cromwell, is under restoration with a view to having it up and running in 2008.
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