Members Area | B17 Steam Locomotive Trust

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)