No. 2800 (pre-1946: No. 3251) was withdrawn in July 1947 and was restored to an external GNR condition complete with its original number of 251. This included the replacement of the superheater, piston valve cylinders, Ross pop safety valves, and mechanical lubricators. The replacement slide valve cylinders were taken from No. 2868, and the saturated boiler was taken from No. 3278. A new frame was fitted, probably from No. 2868. After this restoration, it was exhibited at Kings Cross in October 1952 as a part of the station's centenary. In 1953 it was steamed for a series of specials celebrating the centenary of Doncaster Works. The restored No. 251 exhibited poor steaming due to its saturated boiler that still retained the flues from a previous superheater. Hence, these specials were piloted by C2 No. 990 Henry Oakley. In 1954, No. 251 hauled more specials, this time it was often helped by D11 No. 62663 Prince Albert"After a visit to the Doncaster Paint Shop, No. 251 entered the York Museum in March 1957. It was then transferred to the new National Railway Museum in 1975. No. 251 continues to be preserved in a static condition as a part of the National Collection.