What was the name of British Railways' last steam locomotive, completed in 1960?

British Railways’ last steam locomotive, completed in 1960, was named Evening Star.

Number 92220 was the final locomotive built by British Railways and the last member of the BR Standard Class 9F. Swindon Works completed it in March 1960 as a heavy freight engine, although it was unusually finished in Brunswick green, a color more commonly associated with express passenger locomotives than with the class’s usual unlined freight black.

The name was selected through a competition in the Western Region staff magazine. Several entrants independently suggested “Evening Star,” an apt title for the closing chapter of British Railways’ steam-building era. It was the only 9F to receive a name while operating for British Railways.

Evening Star was withdrawn in 1965 but preserved, making it one of the most important surviving British steam locomotives. “Last steam locomotive” here means the last built by British Railways—not necessarily the last steam locomotive to run anywhere in Britain, since steam continued on heritage lines and some industrial systems after its withdrawal.