LMS Ivatt Class 2 46443

46443 is one of a class of 128 Class 2 2-6-0 tender locos built by the LMS and BR between 1947 and 1953 at Crewe, Darlington and Swindon.

It was constructed at Crewe, and entered traffic in1950, based at Derby. In November 1961, the engine was reallocated to Saltley, Birmingham, and in October 1966 to Newton Heath, Manchester.

46443 was withdrawn at the end of March 1967, and purchased by Mr. Richard Willcox; it arrived at Bridgnorth as the second loco in SVR preservation on 22nd April 1967, and was active at the inauguration of SVR. services in 1970.

The SVR Holdings Company purchased the locomotive when the opportunity arose in 1972, and in 1984 ownership was vested in a fund organised by S.V.R. members, after which 46443 became known as ‘The People’s Engine’.

In 1975 it ran in red livery for the film ‘The Seven Per Cent Solution’, and was retained in that livery for a short time. It was repainted as L.M.S. 6443 in June 1977, but returned to B.R. lined livery in 1985, after which It ran several railtours on BR, including from Machynlleth to Barmouth and Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford.

It last worked in 2011, and moved to the Engine House for display.

Being very economical, and at home on the SVR on up to 6 coaches, its large cab makes it an ideal loco for Footplate Experience Courses.