47324 was built at the North british locomotive Company in Hyde Park works in June 1926 as LMS 16407. She entered service at the former Caledonian Shed at Dawsholm (to the west of Glasgow). Here she was used extensively on shunting duties in the many private industrial yards and sidings in the area. In 1931 she was transferred to Ayr where she was used as a station pilot as well as working other passenger and shunting duties. In August 1933, 16407 was moved to Liverpool edge Hill and then on to Liverpool Speke junction (8C) where she was renumbered 7324 under the new scheme introduced by the LMS in early 1934. By 1939, she had moved across the Mersey to Birkenhead, joining several other members of the class working on the busy docks. Here she remained for the next 27 years. Near the end of her career, 47324 could be found working away from Birkenhead shed at places like Chester as the station pilot.In December 1966, the final call was made and 47324 was withdrawn as scrap. She made her last trip to Barry scrapyard with 4 other locomotives including 42765, 42859, 47406 .
In 1978 she was bought by the Fowler 3F society and moved to the Mid Hants Railway for overhaul. However in May 1986, she was moved to the Avon Valley Railway.
Finally finding a home at the ELR where much of the restoration costs have been met from the ELRPS funds.
Many thanks to Phil Jones who supplied the history.
NOTE: In these photos. you'll notice that the Jinty is carrying temporary chalked number 47388. These photos were taken on 2nd April 2005 - the first day back in service on the ELR.
Photos by kind permission of Simon Cross. The originals and many more can be viewed HERE
