A rare photograph of K5 2-6-0 No 61863, leaving Boston with a southbound freight on 9th August 1951. This was the unique Thompson rebuild of Gresley K3 No 206 into a 2-cylinder locomotive, in June 1945. It was an expensive rebuilding as the only retained parts were the cab and tender. Because the two cylinders had to share the work previously done by three, the boiler pressure was increased to 225lb sq in from 180 lb which required a new (diagram 96A) boiler. (Ten such boilers were constructed anticipating further rebuilds. The same 96A boiler was subsequently fitted to K3s but always working at 180lb sq in pressure). The cylinders were not K3 but of the new B1 type. It was to be the fore-runner of other such conversions but remained a one-off, possibly due to the expense involved.

The fitters were apparently happy with the outcome and the crews reported good riding probably due to the heavier driving axle springing. (A big advantage over the K3s which were notoriously bad riders)
The locomotive became BR No 61863 and spent almost all of its 15 year existence either at New England or Stratford -two sheds in stiff competition with Gateshead for claiming the Filthy Engine Gold Star Award. Consequently the K5 received very little attention by the cleaners -ever. This is borne out by the photographic record.

© David P Williams Archive / Rail-Online Original photograph by Les Perrin