G5 the story of an NER 0 4 4 tank
Wednesday 5th Nov 2025
Our meeting welcomed one of our members Roger Womersley to talk about the class G5 loco which G5 Locomotive Company are designing and constructing from complete scratch at premises in Shildon. This loco is a NER 0 4 4 tank which was originally used on branch lines but the new loco will be used on heritage railways where it will be ideal.
The class G5 Locomotive Company was founded in 2007 and its progress is continuing with the aim of completion in about 5 years’ time. Obviously technical drawings were required and copies of over 130 of the original drawings have been sourced.
Currently there is a shortage of 1st class working steam locomotives of this size which can be used on heritage railways. This engine will be economical reliable and a benefit is when transported to railways being smaller will be cheaper to carry. The G5 will be capable of hauling 4/5 coaches so ideal for short limited speed journeys.
Our presenter outlined the funding as each element of the project has been the subject of separate fund-raising efforts. He outlined all the various stages completed to date, the amount of detail and expertise required is extraordinary e.g. the trailing wheel assembly had to be sent to South Devon railway for tyre fitting as they are the only business with the right kit.
He spent some time explaining how the boiler was being built followed by a flurry of other elements such as castings, cylinder blocks, buffer beam bars sand boxes amongst many others.
A real headache has been getting skilled staff to undertake these tricky tasks; they are also extremely time consuming as one job alone took 2000 hours.
Detailed accounts and illustrations of all the next stages of construction were explained with great energy and patience.
Covid was another big problem as production was halted and the archives the plans were only recently reopened.
In recent years there have been several locomotives built or in the process such as Tornado, Lady of Legend, Beachy Head, Hengist etc.
To finalise an excellent session, he showed several rare pictures of G5s in action covering a wide range of locations such as North Cave, Sunderland, Whitby, South Shields, Durham and one that had escaped to Saffron Walden well outside its normal habitatat.
It was gratifying to see an increased attendance with some members of other railway societies coming.
A technical subject was covered in a very interesting style attracting a wide range of questions. I wish our presenter the best of wishes in progressing the G5 project to completion.
Alan Sattenstall
6th November 2025