The mission of The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust is to build and operate an LNER Class B17 4-6-0 express passenger steam locomotive, to be known as 61673 Spirit of Sandringham, for mainline and heritage railway use.
The project is managed by both a Strategy and an Engineering plan. The rate of progress depends on incoming funds and variables such as raw material costs and supplier availability, which ultimately govern the pace of achievement.
Project Aims
The Trust is constructing 61673 'Spirit of Sandringham' in full compliance with Railway Group Standards, ensuring it can operate on both the mainline network and heritage railways across the UK. We are introducing careful design improvements to the original technical baseline to enhance performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
Beyond engineering, the project aims to capture an era of world-class British manufacturing and national pride. We are dedicated to providing educational and skills training opportunities, supporting apprenticeships in engineering, science, and manufacturing.
The engine will be capable of operating with either the GE tender or the larger LNER Group Standard tender normally used by B17s—examples of which are already owned by the Trust. Appropriate certification is being progressively obtained in conjunction with the relevant Railway Authorities.
Detailed views of the Sandringham Class cab controls and layout.
Upper Cab Views
Lower Cab Views
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.
PHONE: 07749 317373
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 Membership & Donation Form (PDF)
Completion of this form enables you to gain the full benefits of membership.
🏆 2025 Grand Prize Draw Results
The winners of the 2025 Grand Prize Draw, held at Quorn and Woodhouse station (Great Central Railway) on Saturday 15th November are:
- 1st Prize (£250): Peter Cooper, London (Ticket no. 3963)
- 2nd Prize (£150): Graham Percival, Leicestershire (Ticket no. 6134)
- 3rd Prize (£100): Anna Hallas, Cambs (Ticket no. 0513)
- Footplate Ride: Sam Brewerton, Norfolk (Ticket no. 6393)
- Nameplate: Kathryn Broughton, Cambs (Ticket no. 0694)
Congratulations to the winners and grateful thanks to all those who bought tickets!
🚂 Current Appeal: The CAB
Launched May 2024
We are raising approximately £55,000 for the construction of Spirit of Sandringham’s cab. This includes CAD drawings, fabrication, assembly, and painting.
The appeal is split into 4 phases:
- Phase 1 (£20,000): Left Hand Side (40 segments @ £500 each).
- Phase 2 (£5,000): Front Elevation (10 segments @ £500 each).
- Phase 3: Right Hand Side (Same as Phase 1).
- Phase 4 (£10,000): Cab Roof (20 segments @ £500 each).
Other Funds & Successes
Completed Appeals:
- Put A Spring In Our Step: COMPLETED (£31,440 raised)
- The Smokebox Appeal: COMPLETED (£52,000 raised)
How to Donate
Contributions to the Cab 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 "CAB Appeal" or "Boiler Deposit"
2. Cheque:
Payable to: The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust
Address: c/o 171 Clifton Road, Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5AG
Please mark the envelope with the specific appeal name.
