No. 68072

68072 is another example of the Austerity saddle tank design, it was built by Vulcan Foundry Ltd. of Newton-Le-Willows in 1945. It was ordered by the Ministry of Defence and went into service with the Army bearing the number WD 75319. In 1948 the locomotive was sold to the National Coal Board for use at collieries in the Northumberland and Durham areas where it was numbered 72. It was withdrawn from service at South Hetton Colliery in 1974 and was immediately purchased for preservation on the Colne Valley Railway. However, No. 72 was in a very poor condition and a complete overhaul was required. This was started in 1988 by the Railways Engineering Department and has involved the replacement or refurbishment of most of the locomotives moving parts. This is the most extensive restoration project undertaken at the Railway to date and completion is imminent. When completed, the locomotive will be finished in BR black livery and will bear the number 68072 which was once carried by one of the ex-LNER J94 Class Austerities.