News Archive: 2019 and Before
Grimsby Town Football Club Visit – 6th August 2019
Grimsby Town FC holds the unique distinction of being the only football club in the Football League to play all their home games "away" from home, as Blundell Park is situated in Cleethorpes.
The historical connection between the club and the B17 class dates back to the 1935-36 season. Following a successful FA Cup run that saw the club reach the semi-finals, the LNER out-shopped the first four "Footballer" B17s from Darlington, naming them after the semi-finalists and finalists:
- 2848 Arsenal (FA Cup Winners)
- 2849 Sheffield United (Losing Finalists)
- 2850 Grimsby Town (Losing Semi-Finalists)
- 2851 Derby County (Losing Quarter-Finalists)
The original nameplate of 61650 Grimsby Town is preserved in the club’s boardroom. To honor this heritage, Brian Hall and Tony Brzosko visited Blundell Park to present a framed service history of the locomotive to major shareholder John Fenty and Director Stephen Marley.
Special thanks to Geoff Eldridge for the framed photography, Peter Wright for the research, and Tony Brzosko for the photo record.
'Helmingham Hall' Nameplate Donation – February 2019
The Trust is honored to announce the donation of an original nameplate from B17 61647 Helmingham Hall by its long-term owner, Berwyn Stevens. Purchased from Doncaster Works shortly after the locomotive's disposal for just £7 10s (the scrap value of 75lb of brass), the plate has been entrusted to the Trust for permanent ownership.
Directors Visit P2 Project – 15th October 2018
Directors of the Trust visited the P2 Steam Locomotive Trust in Darlington for a guided tour of Prince of Wales by chief designer David Elliott. The visit provided valuable insights into design learnings that are being applied to Spirit of Sandringham, as our engineering drawings are also produced by David.
Engineering & Cultural Updates
Spring Hook Collaboration: The Trust has joined a multi-project order for new LNER spring hooks alongside Network Rail and the A1 SLT. By combining orders for the P2, V4, and B17 projects, the Trust has achieved a considerable cost saving on these vital components.
Malcolm Root Rail Art: The pioneer B17 61600 Sandringham was featured in the 2018 Rail Art Calendar in the illustration "Sandringham at Home," depicting the engine at Wolferton station. Full-size art prints of this scene remain available through the Trust.