The BR Class 8 pacific was always unique. It came about from a need for a more powerful machine than the Class 7 pacifics (the Britannia class - see No 70000 'Britannia' and No 70013 'Oliver Cromwell'). Robert Riddles had a lot of success with the Britannias which were a 2 cylinder Pacific - the UK's first. The drive for simplicity needed 2 cylinder types and the 'Brits' were very efficient, but for the west coast route something more powerful was needed.

The LMS Princess and Duchess classes fitted the bill, but one was lost in the Harrow and Whealdstone disaster in the early 1950's. This loco, 'Princess Anne' was interesting and unique in itself, but its loss spurred the design team on to 71000. To get the power needed within the restrictions of the UK loading gauge a 2 cylinder loco came out with cylinders that were too big - they would foul the platform edges.

The solution was a 3 cylinder design, but in the interests of simplicity  British Caprotti poppet valve gear was fitted. The result was the most efficient simple expansion design ever. The boiler was effectively an LMS 'Duchess' type, but the draughting was not well worked out and the engine had a reputation for throwing sparks - hence its nickname, 'the Firey Duke'.

When withdrawn, the outside cylinders were removed, one for display in the Science Museum in London, and the other to keep the remains balanced. The carcase was sold for scrap. Phil Horton's black and white album photo shows the loco rotting away in Barry scrapyard at this time.

However, the remains were rescued from Barry scrapyard and restored. Talk about ambition! New cylinders were cast, machined and fitted, new valve gear manufactured, and the draughting revised - Kylchap exhaust and a better ashpan. the result is magnificent, back on the main line after a protracted overhaul at Bury. No wonder it often carries a Phoenix emblem on the front.