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At this time, it is even more important to help the work of the Trust by volunteering.
We are involved in building a new locomotive for mainline use as a means of preserving our Engineering Heritage. As such, the locomotive must be built by qualified labour using materials with a known specification.
Please Note: We cannot use volunteer labour on the locomotive construction itself (although we may be able to use help dismantling tenders in the future).
We Need Your Skills
We are in desperate need of volunteer help to run the Trust itself. As we succeed in building the loco, the workload to maintain this progress increases.
We are looking for volunteers with skills in:
- Web Design & Website Maintenance
- Graphic Design
- Marketing, Sales & Publicity
- Finance & Administration
- Working on our Sales Stand or Online Shop
- Leaflet Distribution
Remember: You do NOT need to be a Member of the Trust to volunteer – it is open to everyone!
READY TO HELP?
If you have any spare time (even just 30 mins a week), the Trust could make use of it.
Donating Items
Donations of unwanted items such as railway books, themed transport books, or artefacts are also very helpful. Please get in touch if you have items you would like to donate, or simply bring them to one of our sales stand venues.
Support The Trust
If you would like to support The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust, you can make a single donation online or download our membership form.
(Note: Select 'One-off' when asked how often you want to give)
Alternatively: Download Regular membership donation form 2026
Completion of this form enables you to gain the full benefits of membership.
🚂 Current Appeal: The Brian Hall Memorial Fund
Launched May 2026
It was Brian Hall who set the project in motion to build a B17 back in 2011, and from that date it was Brian who drove the project forward. The Trust has decided to suspend all current fundraising appeals for six months. and set up a fund for a component of the locomotive that will drive 'Spirit of Sandringham' forward.
We are therefore setting a target of £50,000 to cover the cost of fabricating the middle cylinder and smokebox saddle where it will be placed between the frames and support the smokebox. The two outside cylinders will follow at a later date and be the subject of a separate Cylinder Club appeal.
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We believe this will a fitting memorial to Brian. You can use the Donation button above, transfer your documentation electronically to our bank account or post a cheques to our new registered address: Dunstal House, 27 Histon Road, Cottenham, Cambridge CB24 8UF
Other Funds and Successes
Completed Appeals:
- Put A Spring In Our Step: Target £30,000. COMPLETED (£31,440 raised)
- The Smokebox Appeal: Target £50,000. COMPLETED (£52,000 raised)
- The Cab appeal: COMPLETED (£30,000 raised)
How to Donate
Contributions to the Brian hall memorial Fund Appeal or Boiler Fund can be made via:
1. Direct Bank Transfer:
Account: The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust
Sort Code: 20-41-12 | Account No: 53357821
Reference: Please use "BRIAN" for the Brian Hall Memorial Fund or "BOILER" for the boiler deposit appeal.
2. Cheque:
Payable to: The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust
Address: c/o Dunstal House, 27 Histon Road, Cottenham, Cambridgeshire CB24 8UF
Please mark the envelope with the specific appeal name.
"There was a dream..."
Thanks to the generous help from our members, sponsors, and supporters, the static mainframe structure (with frame stays fitted) for 61673 Spirit of Sandringham is complete at our engineering base, CTL Seal Ltd in Sheffield. All manufactured parts were produced by the best of British Industry.
Significant funds will now be required to maintain the next phases of the project, involving larger and more complex components to be made in Great Britain.
JOIN THE 61673 CONSTRUCTORS CLUB
The Club has been created to consolidate our fundraising efforts into a single appeal to see 61673 complete and operating on the mainline.
Contribution: £616.73 per unit
(Payable as a single sum or over 3 years via monthly installments)
Download Sign Up Form
Project Roadmap
Contributions are invited in accordance with the project programme:
- Rolling Chassis: The immediate next step.
- Motion: Cylinders, pistons, and motion assembly.
- Running Gear: Bogie, followed by boiler and firebox.
- Superstructure: Cab and smokebox.
Manufacturing drawings for horn block castings and horn stays are complete for the leading, driving, and trailing positions. These parts will be manufactured first. Also required (as funds permit) will be cannon axle boxes, roller bearings, crank axle assembly, and plain axles for the driving and trailing locations.
Technical Strategy
The technical baseline is based upon the 1935 LNER Darlington build standard. However, modern design changes will be adopted where improvements in performance, reliability, maintenance, and safety can be realized.
Proven CAD/CAM technology forms the basis of the design, using 3D models compatible with modern manufacturing processes. To satisfy Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) certification requirements, an independent assessment authority has been appointed to verify design, manufacture, and safety compliance.
Planned Build Details:
- Cylinders: Fabricated cylinders are planned (design work to commence), including pistons and motion parts.
- Bogie: Will conform to the original LNER side spring design but with side bearers to evenly distribute load. It will use roller bearings and cannon axle boxes (as proven on the A1 Tornado).
- Boiler: The diagram 100A boiler and firebox is planned. We are currently evaluating materials and assembly techniques to maximize operating efficiency and reliability. Sourcing this major item in Great Britain remains our priority.
Member Benefits
On full payment of the first unit (£616.73), contributors receive:
- Transferable invitation to purchase a seat on one of the inaugural runs.
- 61673 Constructors Club badge.
- Personalised Club certificate.
- Name on the ’Roll of Honour’ (subject to consent).
- Regular updates on manufacturing progress.
- Photograph of chosen B17 locomotive.
Achievements & The Next Phase
NOW: Static Mainframe
Relocated to CTL Seal's site at Sheffield (Oct 2020). Frame stays fitted and passed.
NEXT: Rolling Chassis
Construction now in progress.
THEN: Boiler & Firebox
The final major engineering hurdle.
Charity Registration No. 1144738 | Company Registration No. 07598363
These pages define the Mission Statement for the project with the subsequent Objectives to achieve it. The Management of Project page identifies the Trustees/Directors of the Trust with a brief biography of each.