Members' Memories, News, and Obituaries
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.
