‘V2S’ – SEEING DOUBLE
Gresley designed and authorised the construction at Doncaster of the first five ‘V2’ locomotives in 1935, with the unusual 2-6-2 wheel arrangement, at least unusual for this country.
The first engine appeared in 1936, painted black and un-named. But before leaving the works, it was suggested to Gresley that it should be named ‘Green Arrow’ after the LNER's fast freight overnight delivery service. After some initial tinkering with the number and position of the nameplate, No. 4771 Green Arrow entered service in LNER green passenger livery, the condition in which it is preserved today at Danum Gallery Library and Museum in Doncaster.
No 4771 was allocated to King's Cross and spent much of its life working the afternoon express goods trains from King's Cross Goods to the
