The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust is building an LNER Class B17 4-6-0 express passenger locomotive in compliance with Railway Group Standards for operation on both the mainline network and heritage railways.
Improvements in performance, reliability, and maintenance are planned via the careful introduction of design changes to the original technical baseline.
WHY?
To bring back to life a much-loved locomotive class that did not survive into preservation.
HOW?
As a charitable trust, using UK-based manufacturing wherever possible to ensure the continuity of traditional engineering skills.
WHEN?
In keeping with a realistic project plan commensurate with the rate of incoming finance.
The engine will be capable of operating with either the GE tender or the larger LNER Group Standard tender normally used by B17s—both of which are owned by the Trust. Appropriate certification will be progressively obtained in conjunction with all relevant Railway Authorities.
Project Overview
History
The B17 was originally a co-operative design between The London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) and The North British Locomotive Company, Glasgow, in 1928. The initial batch of 10 locomotives was constructed and delivered to the LNER from Hyde Park Works, Springburn. Darlington Works continued construction of a further 52 engines (including design modifications) from 1930, while the final batch of 11 was produced by Robert Stephenson’s in Darlington.
Finance
The prime source of funding is an ever-increasing number of contributors making affordable donations on a regular basis. Charitable status enables the Trust to reclaim Gift Aid from HMRC for every donation received from a UK taxpayer, providing a considerable enhancement (currently 25%) to the value of every gift.
Sponsorship
The Trust actively seeks sponsorship and support from the best of British business and professional individuals. We welcome matched funding arrangements, interest-free loans, donations of benefits-in-kind, and work at concessionary rates.
Work Opportunities & Education
The Trust creates training and job opportunities for young people and adults to preserve scarce skills. By combining modern materials with effective traditional techniques, we aim to preserve this sphere of railway heritage. From this combination of old and new technology, an improved locomotive will emerge—delivering enhanced safety, strength, and performance to meet the stringent requirements of 21st-century railway operations.
Technical Strategy
- The technical baseline will generally accord with the 1935 build standard (equivalent to the 'Footballer' batch constructed at Darlington).
- Design changes will be adopted where clear improvements in performance, reliability, maintenance, and safety are identified.
- CAD/CAM technology forms the basis of the design, using 3D models alongside traditional drawings.
- The majority of original drawings have been identified and are being sourced from the National Railway Museum, York.
- Design, Construction, Inspection, and Testing must comply with relevant Railway Authority standards.
Operation and Maintenance
- Following running-in, the operating base is planned to be a heritage railway site with a mainline connection.
- The locomotive will be maintained to mainline operating standards, intended for regular service hauling special charter trains on the national network.
- The Class B17 has excellent route availability, high-speed capacity, and range, making it a popular choice for the modern railway.
- In between mainline duties, the locomotive will operate at heritage sites, allowing the public to enjoy a nostalgic day out.