Articles
The University of Sheffield's Faculty of Engineering Railway Department
As readers will know from previous articles, part of the Trust’s charitable focus on Education involves working with the University of Sheffield’s Railway department, specifically with their 3rd-year students and their ’RCAS’ group – the Railway Challenge at Sheffield. The latter is open to not only students of the railway department, but to all engineering students as part of an extra-curricular activity.
The IMechE 2025 Challenge
In 2025, the University of Sheffield again entered the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Railway Challenge for the 11th time. For 10 years the teams had developed their entries, gaining experience year on year, as well as having to adapt to rule changes, culminating in last year winning 6 (out of the 14) individual challenges and the overall competition. So no pressure for this year’s team!
This year, three members of the Trust were present on both the Saturday and the Sunday to not only publicise the Trust with our stand, but to support the team from Sheffield. Sheffield’s competition this year included teams from FH Aachen (winners in 2022 and third this year), Network Rail and Colas Rail (2025 grand champions), Poznan University (2023 winners), TN Nurnberg (second in 2025), Newcastle University, Transport for London and the University of Derby with Alstom. First time entrants were Anglia Ruskin University, University of Cambridge, ESTACA and the Monash University from Australia.
The overall RCAS team has up 42 students back on the campus but not all were present at the weekend. They arrived on the Thursday evening and camped out all weekend. The Sheffield locomotive was a brand new design. With the team’s decision to keep the 2024 winning locomotive intact, it could be displayed (and was to great effect at not only this year’s Open Day at CTL Seal but giving rides at the Greatest Gathering). The Trust was again one of their sponsors, with the loco proudly carrying a vinyl nameplate ‘Spirit of Sandringham’.
Arriving on Saturday, John Barnes and John Pearson set up our publicity stand in the marquee. Over the two days, we had many interesting chats with visitors, particularly those coming on the Sunday, which is a public day, answering their (sometimes) very technical questions about our project. We also saw their preparations for the main run over the 2-mile 10.25” gauge line on the Saturday, successfully completing the circuit with two coaches containing some of the judges.
Of interest this year was the new turntable, allowing all the teams to be located conveniently together, and in the future allowing a significant increase in the number of teams the site can accommodate. We were very impressed with the dedication shown by team members as they solved gremlins with some of the new components, which included downloading new software to solve tuning issues with the new direct drive motors and working late into the night to get the loco ready. However, because every component was new, time beat them on a couple of challenges such as the autocoupler and the auto stop. In the end, they won three challenges – the Ride Comfort, Innovation and the Technical and Aesthetic Poster challenges. The team was superbly organised and led by Team Principal, Jacob Kunz.
Special thanks go to the third member there at the weekend, Roy Horrocks; he again worked with the team this year mentoring them, attending several online meetings, reviewing and finally signing off necessary documents prior to the competition start.
Railway Challenge at Sheffield (RCAS) 2024
This year’s Railway Challenge took place on 28-30th June at Stapleford Park. Sheffield’s competition included teams from FH Aachen and Reuschling, Heriot-Watt University, IIT Kharagpur (from India), Network Rail and Colas Rail, Newcastle University, Poznan University, Siemens Mobility, Transport for London, University of Birmingham, University of Derby / Alstom, University of Huddersfield and the University of Warwick.
The Sheffield locomotive was heavily modified from last year’s brand-new design. The only parts from previous entries were the wheels. The Trust was again one of their sponsors and the loco proudly carried the vinyl nameplate ‘Spirit of Sandringham’. This year, they surpassed themselves, winning six of the individual challenges (Innovation, Auto-Coupler, Location Announcement, Remote Data Recording and Monitoring, Auto-Stop, and joints in Reliability) and the overall competition. The team, led by Team Principal Charlotte Currie, was crowned as Grand Champions for the first time, posting a team and competition record points score.
Ongoing Relationship and Design Briefs (MEC 307)
We have continued to build a working relationship with colleagues in Sheffield in two forms:
1. IMechE Annual Railway Challenge: We sit in on their Design Evaluation Meetings and assist them by making constructive suggestions via several Zoom meetings throughout the year.
2. Group Design Briefs: As an integral part of their 3rd Year Engineering Course, undergraduates take part in a Group Design Brief supplied by Industry. For the past 4 years, we have provided briefs (MEC 307) dealing with the Tender, the smokebox, and the firebox. Students are mentored via Zoom, and grants have been obtained to realize some of the design solutions.
Railway Challenge 2021-2023
In 2023, the team designed and built an entirely new single-body locomotive in just one year. RCAS was able to compete in all challenges and achieved their highest overall competition score to date by a significant margin, finishing in 4th place overall and winning the Technical Poster and Innovation Challenges.
In 2021, despite the pandemic restricting attendance, the team achieved its first podium finish, taking 2nd place overall and gaining a special award for 'Illuminating Design'.
University Visits to CTL Seal
In March 2023, Chairman Brian Hall welcomed 12 students and their Tutor to CTL Seal for a briefing. Formed into two groups, each viewed the assembled B17 and Clan frame structures. Engineering Director Geoff Turner participated, describing the documentary control measures required for mainline operation, including design, manufacture, inspection, and test activities.
In June 2021, students were shown the mainframe structure of Spirit of Sandringham and the recently cast Hornblock castings. The visit concluded with a presentation about the service life of the class B17s and outlined design improvements embodied in the new build version.
Technical Development (2020)
Since October 2020, we have provided briefs based on the design of an LNER Tender for use on the mainline in the 21st Century. This exercise assists the Trust in designing our new tender while improving student experience.
The 6th Joint Open Day Report 11th April 2026
April 11th saw both locomotive groups located at Diamond Engineering (formerly CTL Seal Ltd.) ready to welcome visitors. Each of the previous Open Days had broken the previous year's attendance record and this event proved to be now exception with 758 passing through door, a mix of paying visitors (659) with the rest members of either organisation.
In the days leading up to the event, you would obviously suspect a lot of preparation went into it. For this year, we were intent on getting the Smokebox door back up on the frames, as in 2025, we had the Wrapper on the frames on a temporary wooden wrapper and many of the Smokebox Door parts on display around the buffer beam, whilst at the Greatest Gathering at Derby in August, the entire door assembly was displayed. In the time following, CTL Seal’s Fabrication Shop ordered two extra rings, a rear reinforcing ring and a front reinforcing ring. The latter was welded to the main ring and that assembly welded into the Wrapper. Next, the hinge blocks were bolded on and the hinges themselves riveted to the door. Next, the door retaining bar blocks were welded inside the Wrapper and finally the Smokebox Door was able to be mounted onto the hinges, the retaining bar fitted and the door locked for the first time using the newly added Dart and Dart Handles.
In the meantime, Daniela (DWL) finished machining the chimney casting, again, an exhibit the previous year and shipped it back down to Sheffield, along with the fully finish machined Cannonboxes and the Crank Sweep Webs, only recently finish machined after being forged by Somers Forge.
On arrival at Sheffield, the chimney was temporarily mounted on the Wrapper and the whole hoisted back onto the frames. Exhibit one ready!
Nicely on time, Somers Forge delivered the two Plain Axles, items that had been eagerly awaited. These, along with the Sweep Webs were displayed on palettes on front and slightly under the buffer beam.
Then the Cab. Not even started last year, much progress had been made in the intervening months, with the LNER drawings scanned in, converted to CAD, which were then used to create modern engineering drawings. Elvar Engineering in Buckinghamshire have worked miracles in getting the basics of the cab ready, on a jig representing the rear of 61673’s chassis. Although not finished, the cab had reached a stage where it could be transported safely for display, so shipping was arranged. Once at Sheffield and already in grey primer, our painter Phil Anderson, who had previously painted the buffer beam in 2024 and the entire chassis last year, painted the number 61673 on both sides, lined and added the Route Availability number.
Adding a painted Driving Wheel (the others staying in the stores) and a 5” working model of a B17 Arsenal, loaned by the Chelmsford Model Engineers, completed the display. Added to our normal shop selling out branded goods and a display from the University of Sheffield’s RCAS team of their winning 2024 locomotive (in the iMechE Railway Challenge) and the scene was set for a truly important Open Day. Little remains left to get the various items ready to ship to South Devon Engineering. With the Tyres and the Timken Tapered Roller Bearings already there, it remains just to get the final components of the crank axle to be machined (the Inner Crank Pin and Stub Axles along with the Coupled Axleboxes), the balance weight containers (these have been designed) and the six crank pins (currently in design).
The collection of OO B17 locomotives left to the Trust as part of a legacy.
January 2022: A New Way of Working
On 26th January 2022, The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust met with Ricardo Rail and five other new-build projects (A1 Trust, Patriot, Clan, G5, and General Steam Navigation) to establish a common format for Main Line Certification Risk Assessments.
This collaboration will establish a shared pathway for new-build mainline projects, helping secure the long-term future of mainline steam in the UK by sharing collective knowledge, technical solutions, and third-party costs.
December 2021: Tender Donation (61662 Appeal)
Following the winding down of the 61662 Manchester United project, their ex-B1 tender (No. 4166) has been generously donated to the Trust. While requiring a thorough strip-down and a new tank, the frame structure is in excellent condition and will serve as the preferred choice for Spirit of Sandringham’s mainline running.
October 2020: MP Miriam Cates Visits Sheffield
Two days after our arrival at CTL Seal, Miriam Cates MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge) visited the project. Chairman Brian Hall outlined the construction phases and our successful STEM education programme conducted with schools in Essex.
The Big Move: Llangollen to Sheffield
In October 2020, we successfully navigated Covid-19 restrictions to relocate the static chassis and tender assets to CTL Seal Ltd in Sheffield. The facilities at Sheffield, including heavy overhead craneage, provide a professional environment for the next phase of the build.
Tender Logistics & Track Panels
To accommodate our growing fleet of three tenders, a volunteer team (including friends from the Clan Project) constructed 75ft of track panels using flat-bottomed rail and concrete sleepers.
Sir Rod Stewart CBE becomes Patron
We are delighted to announce that legendary entertainer Sir Rod Stewart CBE has accepted an invitation to become our Patron. A lifelong railway enthusiast and modeler, Sir Rod’s support is a fantastic boost for the project.
His connection to the class is particularly apt given the 'Footballer' names; Sir Rod is a passionate Glasgow Celtic fan, whose ground is just four miles from the works where the first B17s were built in 1928.
Visit Rod Stewart Fan Club NewsMembers' Memories, News, and Obituaries
Brian Hall - An appreciation by new Chairman, Nick Illingworth
Our Chairman, Brian Hall, who passed away on March 22nd 2026 at the age of 78, was a central figure not only to the B17 Steam Locomotive Trust but also in the wider new-build movement, whose interests he did so much to advance. His courteous and affable demeanour belied the strength of character, resolve and sheer ability which drove the creation and development of the B17 Trust to the point reached today, where its achievements and potential are at last becoming clear and unmistakeable to the world at large. His passing marks the end of an era whose legacy is set to endure for decades and even generations to come. Brian Edward Hall was born on November 7th 1947 in the mid-Bedfordshire village of Stondon. His life was marked early on by tragedy when, at the age of eight, he lost first his father and then his only sister, experiences which he would remember to the end of his days and which he would recall on occasion with a certain, admirable, stoicism and acceptance. He was able nonetheless to rise above these circumstances, pursuing varied interests, for instance in football, engineering – and railways. On leaving school, he trained as an apprentice at the engineering firm of George Kent, from where he progressed in due course to work as a mechanical engineer for British Aerospace at Stevenage, rising to become the head of one of the engineering support departments there. Testimonials from BAe tell a vivid story of the respect in which he was held. Brian founded the B17 Steam Locomotive Trust in 2011 with the objective of recreating Sir Nigel Gresley’s only 4 6 0 design. His involvement in the steam railway preservation movement dated back much earlier, to the 1970s when he was one of those who, in 1976, moved SR Bulleid unrebuilt ‘Pacific’ no. 34081 92 Squadron from Woodham’s yard at Barry in South Wales to the British Sugar Corporation premises at Peterborough. Brian’s interest in LNER locomotives dated back to the 1950s. Although he grew up in LMS territory, in the villages of Stondon and Shillington in mid-Bedfordshire, he was a regular visitor to his aunt and uncle’s home in Peterborough, where he spent many a happy hour trainspotting at Peterborough North. In those days, it was possible to see more of the railway by travelling cheaply – for 1s 6d – the short distance from the ex-Great Northern station at Peterborough North to the former Great Eastern station at Peterborough East. On one occasion, on arriving at the East station, he was surprised to find B17/6 no. 61657 Doncaster Rovers awaiting its next duty. The B17’s crew allowed him onto its footplate for the afternoon, and this experience contributed strongly to his becoming, many years later, the founder and driving force of the B17 Steam Locomotive Trust. The first moves to recreate Gresley’s B17 came in the wake of the successful launch of A1 no. 60163 Tornado in mid-2008. This started with an initiative by David Buck of ‘Steam Dreams’ fame to create a B17 via a commercial company, financed by the purchase of shares. Brian participated in this initial venture in an advisory capacity, bringing a sense of realism to temper the sometimes unrealistic expectations then prevailing of the timescales needed to recreate Gresley’s B17. The B17 SLT as a charitable foundation was set up under Brian’s chairmanship in 2011, around the time of his retirement. As B17 SLT Chairman, Brian’s influence was pervasive. His very stringent engineering standards were instrumental in ensuring that quality is a prime focus of the B17 build, including regulatory design approval for main line running. He was also an indefatigable fundraiser and ambassador for the B17 initiative. By common consent, he was an inspirational leader, whose charisma will linger long in the memory of all those who knew him or came into contact with him. An appreciation of Brian would not be complete without mentioning the personal qualities which informed all his actions. One comment heard frequently is that Brian was a true gentleman. He behaved with unfailing courtesy based on genuine appreciation of other people. For instance, he personally signed Christmas cards for all members and sent them at his own expense out of a real sense of gratitude and personal obligation to each Trust supporter. Although he could be unflinchingly clear in his judgements, including about people who failed to measure up to his exacting standards, this was out of professionalism, never out of malice. He had integrity, humility and insight, suitably complemented by a wry sense of humour. Brian sadly passed away just at the moment when the B17 build was poised to make a very visible advance towards completion, with the cab and smokebox ready for unveiling at the Open Day at Diamond Engineering Services Ltd’s premises on April 11th. His untimely passing has hardened the resolve of the B17 SLT to complete ‘his’ B17, no. 61673, as a lasting memorial to this remarkable man.
David Elliott – Rest In Peace
It is with a great sense of sadness that we share the news of the death of David Elliott on Wednesday 20th December 2023, following his long battle with cancer during the last three years. On behalf of all B17 Members and Friends, I offer our sincere condolences to his wife Dominique and family for their loss.
David Elliott is well renowned for his engineering achievements and was the driving force, together with members of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, in the design and creation of the first brand new Steam Locomotive Class A1 No. 60163 'Tornado' to enter service on the mainline during 2008. David continued to similarly create LNER Class P2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales, now progressing towards completion in Darlington.
My discussions about a new build LNER Class B17 with David Elliot began during 2010, to assess the opportunity and viability of updating the original 1928 design to that of the late 1940s, being similar to Class A1s. David’s initial design work proved the engineering viability and thereafter the B17 project was born. Progress has been continually supported by David and the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust up to the present time.
We will be eternally grateful for David’s interest, professional advice, and work for the B17 Project. He was an inspiration to work toward an in-service date for Spirit of Sandringham.
Brian Hall (Chairman)
In Memory of Eddie Savage (1939 - 2023)
Edward (sometimes known as Eddie to his mates) became a member of the B17 project from its earliest days. A lorry driver by trade who possessed a sound knowledge of the road network, Eddie was a keen and reliable volunteer willing to travel to distant railway venues to represent the Trust.
Eddie was always keen to play his part to promote the B17 project, organise local events and participate in both the publicity and fund raising activities. He would usually prompt each individual to ensure that accommodation arrangements had been made well in advance. Edward’s enthusiasm, friendship and generous contribution of his time will remain an inspiration to us all.
In Memory of Dennis Saville – A Lifelong Railwayman
Sadly, news of the passing of our eldest member, Dennis Saville aged 95 years, was received during early January 2023. Dennis joined the B17 project in 2009, having retired from a lengthy career on the footplate out of Stratford Depot. With a vivid and active memory, he enthralled us with stories of his favoured class N7 engines and the B17 locomotives he encountered daily.
In September 2017, Dennis particularly enjoyed the 80th anniversary of the East Anglian express service, traveling from Liverpool Street to Norwich. He was in his element visiting our promotional stands at each station to "keep us on our toes." Dennis was a career railwayman who carried out his work with pride. Rest in Peace.
Obituary - Geoff Eldridge
A keen member since 2014, Geoff passed away on 24th May 2022. An accomplished photographer skilled with Photoshop, Geoff produced the prints given to those who join the 61673 Constructors Club. He also worked closely with Tony B on the Trust's collection of historic B17 photos. We record our grateful thanks for Geoff's contributions and help to B17 during his membership.
Memories of a Member - Derek Dorling
I've spent all my 72 years living in and near Bury St Edmunds. Between 1957 and 1960, as a lad, I discovered train spotting. By this time, many 'Sandys' had been displaced from mainline duties and were sent to Cambridge, Ipswich and March Depots to end their days.
I was enthralled by the names of these locos. My favorites included Raynham Hall, the only Sandy I traveled behind, and Woodbastwick Hall, a regular on the Cambridge-Ipswich run. I also remember Sunderland appearing on a totally unexpected parcel train, and dear old Blickling, which clanked into Bury until 1960 when she was scrapped as the last B2 Sandy.
Diesels soon ruled OK, leaving me firmly in the Steam Age where I continue to be today. Happy Days.
A Tale of Yorkshire Tea Bags
Last autumn, a member's family took a supply of 'Yorkshire' tea bags on a holiday to northern India. This story was communicated to Taylor's of Harrogate, who generously sent a box of 480 tea bags to support our fundraising. Due to the pandemic, we moved the raffle to an online auction.
The bidding began at £2.50 and rose dramatically to £70, before a final winning bid of £130 was made by Graham Smith of Market Deeping. This was a magnificent result through the generosity of our members.
Sandy's Holidays in India
Sandy traveled the Kangra Valley Railway, built by the British to transport hydro-electric materials. At Kangra Station, he met an 85-year-old lady who has sold refreshments from her porch for 70 years. He even asked the Station Master if he could try his hand as a signalman!
Sandy also visited the Kalka Shimla Railway, a narrow gauge mountain line. He was shown to the only remaining steam engine on the line—No 520—and spent the day cleaning the cab in hopes of a trip up the line.
Models and Nameplate Displays
Member Roy Mears shared his working OO gauge model of 2870 City of London, created from a resin casting and modified for a motorized chassis. Meanwhile, Mangapps Railway Museum has acquired another B17 nameplate—Somerleyton Hall—adding to what is now the best display of B17 plates in the country.
Originally a co-operative design between The London & North Eastern Railway and The North British Locomotive Company Glasgow in 1928. The initial batch of 10 locomotives were constructed and delivered to the LNER from Hyde Park Works, Springburn. LNER – Darlington Works continued construction (52) including design modifications and improvements from 1930 although the final batch (11) were produced by the local works of Robert Stephenson’s in Darlington.
Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, the B17s were prevalent across the Great Eastern section of the former LNER network and later British Railways Eastern Region for over 30 years up to 1960. Mainline passenger operations saw them working London expresses associated with Liverpool Street, King’s Cross and Marylebone, whereas Boat Train duties linked the North with the port of Harwich.
Seventy three locomotives were constructed over a 9 year period from 1928 and all were named after stately homes and football clubs to be found anywhere within the boundaries of the former LNER network including parts of London. Design and initial construction was sub contracted to The North British Locomotive Company, by the LNER.
The first of class was named SANDRINGHAM after the Royal Family’s residence in Norfolk and thereafter established the group name of the class as ‘Sandringhams’. All B17’s were withdrawn from service and scrapped by the middle of 1960, therefore none were preserved. For life information on each individual locomotive refer to the table at the bottom of “SUMMARY OF CLASSES” page.
From new, the first 48 locomotives in the class were introduced with the small GE pattern tender to help meet certain stringent size and weight limitations, to comply with operating restrictions over the railway network of East Anglia. Names assigned to them represented the Stately Home theme except one which was named after a local County Regiment. As time passed more name changes occurred. During their service life many were modified with an improved boiler and tenders were exchanged.
61618 WYNYARD PARK with GE pattern 3700 gallon tender
Photo colour-rail.com
The final B17s to be built were the B17/4s intended for routes with few restrictions and were fitted with LNER 4200 gallon tenders. Many of these were named after football clubs and always held a special interest particularly amongst local communities associated with a football club of the same name. On many occasions local supporters were conveyed to the ‘away’ match by their namesake engine, which usually looked in pristine condition for the day’s outing. THE FOOTBALLERS’ nameplates are almost certainly unique in that many of them can still be observed on display at club grounds, either over the player’s tunnel to the pitch or the reception area or boardroom.
61666 NOTTINGHAM FOREST with LNER pattern 4200 gallon tender
Photo colour-rail.com
The following section shows technical details of the B17 class and a typical allocation:
The following section shows details of a typical B17:
Gifts and Legacies
Writing a Will is one of the most important decisions you will make and we appreciate that it is very personal. However, should you wish to leave a legacy to The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust, please be assured that any gift, irrespective of size, is vitally important to the Trust and it will be used wisely to ensure the long term future of the project. This is our commitment to you.
As The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust is a registered charity, legacy gifts and donations will also be free of inheritance tax.
What sort of legacy could I leave?
There are three main ways to leave a gift in your Will:
- A Residual Legacy: A percentage of what remains after your expenses and other legacies have been paid. This is often the best way to benefit the Trust because it is unlikely to be affected by inflation.
- A Pecuniary Legacy: A gift of a specific sum of money.
- A Specific Legacy: A gift of a specific item, such as a house, shares, railway artefacts, books, or photographs.
You may wish to relate any of these to funding a specific component or task. However, choosing to make an unrestricted gift will enable the Trust to direct funding to areas of greatest need, which will change as the project progresses.
Income sources generated by donations and legacies are vitally important to our future financial well-being. These will permit us to continue with locomotive development and construction activities that would otherwise be difficult to achieve.
More Information
Download our guide for more details on how to leave a gift.
In Memoriam
Making a donation to The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust in memory of someone special is a wonderful way to ensure that their memory lives on, whilst supporting interests that were important to them.
At your request, the Trust can set up a ‘Living Memory Fund’ in your loved one’s name, which friends and family can make contributions to. A great comfort at a time of loss, a living memory fund celebrates a life, whilst helping to ensure the future of the project.