The University of Sheffield's Faculty of Engineering Railway Department
As readers will know from previous articles, part of the Trust’s charitable focus on Education involves working with the University of Sheffield’s Railway department, specifically with their 3rd-year students and their ’RCAS’ group – the Railway Challenge at Sheffield. The latter is open to not only students of the railway department, but to all engineering students as part of an extra-curricular activity.
The IMechE 2025 Challenge
In 2025, the University of Sheffield again entered the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Railway Challenge for the 11th time. For 10 years the teams had developed their entries, gaining experience year on year, as well as having to adapt to rule changes, culminating in last year winning 6 (out of the 14) individual challenges and the overall competition. So no pressure for this year’s team!
This year, three members of the Trust were present on both the Saturday and the Sunday to not only publicise the Trust with our stand, but to support the team from Sheffield. Sheffield’s competition this year included teams from FH Aachen (winners in 2022 and third this year), Network Rail and Colas Rail (2025 grand champions), Poznan University (2023 winners), TN Nurnberg (second in 2025), Newcastle University, Transport for London and the University of Derby with Alstom. First time entrants were Anglia Ruskin University, University of Cambridge, ESTACA and the Monash University from Australia.
The overall RCAS team has up 42 students back on the campus but not all were present at the weekend. They arrived on the Thursday evening and camped out all weekend. The Sheffield locomotive was a brand new design. With the team’s decision to keep the 2024 winning locomotive intact, it could be displayed (and was to great effect at not only this year’s Open Day at CTL Seal but giving rides at the Greatest Gathering). The Trust was again one of their sponsors, with the loco proudly carrying a vinyl nameplate ‘Spirit of Sandringham’.
Arriving on Saturday, John Barnes and John Pearson set up our publicity stand in the marquee. Over the two days, we had many interesting chats with visitors, particularly those coming on the Sunday, which is a public day, answering their (sometimes) very technical questions about our project. We also saw their preparations for the main run over the 2-mile 10.25” gauge line on the Saturday, successfully completing the circuit with two coaches containing some of the judges.
Of interest this year was the new turntable, allowing all the teams to be located conveniently together, and in the future allowing a significant increase in the number of teams the site can accommodate. We were very impressed with the dedication shown by team members as they solved gremlins with some of the new components, which included downloading new software to solve tuning issues with the new direct drive motors and working late into the night to get the loco ready. However, because every component was new, time beat them on a couple of challenges such as the autocoupler and the auto stop. In the end, they won three challenges – the Ride Comfort, Innovation and the Technical and Aesthetic Poster challenges. The team was superbly organised and led by Team Principal, Jacob Kunz.
Special thanks go to the third member there at the weekend, Roy Horrocks; he again worked with the team this year mentoring them, attending several online meetings, reviewing and finally signing off necessary documents prior to the competition start.
Railway Challenge at Sheffield (RCAS) 2024
This year’s Railway Challenge took place on 28-30th June at Stapleford Park. Sheffield’s competition included teams from FH Aachen and Reuschling, Heriot-Watt University, IIT Kharagpur (from India), Network Rail and Colas Rail, Newcastle University, Poznan University, Siemens Mobility, Transport for London, University of Birmingham, University of Derby / Alstom, University of Huddersfield and the University of Warwick.
The Sheffield locomotive was heavily modified from last year’s brand-new design. The only parts from previous entries were the wheels. The Trust was again one of their sponsors and the loco proudly carried the vinyl nameplate ‘Spirit of Sandringham’. This year, they surpassed themselves, winning six of the individual challenges (Innovation, Auto-Coupler, Location Announcement, Remote Data Recording and Monitoring, Auto-Stop, and joints in Reliability) and the overall competition. The team, led by Team Principal Charlotte Currie, was crowned as Grand Champions for the first time, posting a team and competition record points score.
Ongoing Relationship and Design Briefs (MEC 307)
We have continued to build a working relationship with colleagues in Sheffield in two forms:
1. IMechE Annual Railway Challenge: We sit in on their Design Evaluation Meetings and assist them by making constructive suggestions via several Zoom meetings throughout the year.
2. Group Design Briefs: As an integral part of their 3rd Year Engineering Course, undergraduates take part in a Group Design Brief supplied by Industry. For the past 4 years, we have provided briefs (MEC 307) dealing with the Tender, the smokebox, and the firebox. Students are mentored via Zoom, and grants have been obtained to realize some of the design solutions.
Railway Challenge 2021-2023
In 2023, the team designed and built an entirely new single-body locomotive in just one year. RCAS was able to compete in all challenges and achieved their highest overall competition score to date by a significant margin, finishing in 4th place overall and winning the Technical Poster and Innovation Challenges.
In 2021, despite the pandemic restricting attendance, the team achieved its first podium finish, taking 2nd place overall and gaining a special award for 'Illuminating Design'.
University Visits to CTL Seal
In March 2023, Chairman Brian Hall welcomed 12 students and their Tutor to CTL Seal for a briefing. Formed into two groups, each viewed the assembled B17 and Clan frame structures. Engineering Director Geoff Turner participated, describing the documentary control measures required for mainline operation, including design, manufacture, inspection, and test activities.
In June 2021, students were shown the mainframe structure of Spirit of Sandringham and the recently cast Hornblock castings. The visit concluded with a presentation about the service life of the class B17s and outlined design improvements embodied in the new build version.
Technical Development (2020)
Since October 2020, we have provided briefs based on the design of an LNER Tender for use on the mainline in the 21st Century. This exercise assists the Trust in designing our new tender while improving student experience.
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.
April 2022: A Legacy of B17 Models
The Trust has received a generous legacy consisting of a superb collection of 61 B17 model locomotives. Each model has been professionally repainted with accurate splasher nameplates and numbers, representing the vast majority of the class that were not converted to B2s.
The collection, featuring Bachmann and Hornby models in "out of the box" condition, is for sale complete. Expressions of interest are welcomed via
January 2022: A New Way of Working
On 26th January 2022, The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust met with Ricardo Rail and five other new-build projects (A1 Trust, Patriot, Clan, G5, and General Steam Navigation) to establish a common format for Main Line Certification Risk Assessments.
This collaboration will establish a shared pathway for new-build mainline projects, helping secure the long-term future of mainline steam in the UK by sharing collective knowledge, technical solutions, and third-party costs.
December 2021: Tender Donation (61662 Appeal)
Following the winding down of the 61662 Manchester United project, their ex-B1 tender (No. 4166) has been generously donated to the Trust. While requiring a thorough strip-down and a new tank, the frame structure is in excellent condition and will serve as the preferred choice for Spirit of Sandringham’s mainline running.
October 2020: MP Miriam Cates Visits Sheffield
Two days after our arrival at CTL Seal, Miriam Cates MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge) visited the project. Chairman Brian Hall outlined the construction phases and our successful STEM education programme conducted with schools in Essex.
The Big Move: Llangollen to Sheffield
In October 2020, we successfully navigated Covid-19 restrictions to relocate the static chassis and tender assets to CTL Seal Ltd in Sheffield. The facilities at Sheffield, including heavy overhead craneage, provide a professional environment for the next phase of the build.
Tender Logistics & Track Panels
To accommodate our growing fleet of three tenders, a volunteer team (including friends from the Clan Project) constructed 75ft of track panels using flat-bottomed rail and concrete sleepers.
Sir Rod Stewart CBE becomes Patron
We are delighted to announce that legendary entertainer Sir Rod Stewart CBE has accepted an invitation to become our Patron. A lifelong railway enthusiast and modeler, Sir Rod’s support is a fantastic boost for the project.
His connection to the class is particularly apt given the 'Footballer' names; Sir Rod is a passionate Glasgow Celtic fan, whose ground is just four miles from the works where the first B17s were built in 1928.
Visit Rod Stewart Fan Club NewsMembers' 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.
Originally a co-operative design between The London & North Eastern Railway and The North British Locomotive Company Glasgow in 1928. The initial batch of 10 locomotives were constructed and delivered to the LNER from Hyde Park Works, Springburn. LNER – Darlington Works continued construction (52) including design modifications and improvements from 1930 although the final batch (11) were produced by the local works of Robert Stephenson’s in Darlington.
Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, the B17s were prevalent across the Great Eastern section of the former LNER network and later British Railways Eastern Region for over 30 years up to 1960. Mainline passenger operations saw them working London expresses associated with Liverpool Street, King’s Cross and Marylebone, whereas Boat Train duties linked the North with the port of Harwich.
Seventy three locomotives were constructed over a 9 year period from 1928 and all were named after stately homes and football clubs to be found anywhere within the boundaries of the former LNER network including parts of London. Design and initial construction was sub contracted to The North British Locomotive Company, by the LNER.
The first of class was named SANDRINGHAM after the Royal Family’s residence in Norfolk and thereafter established the group name of the class as ‘Sandringhams’. All B17’s were withdrawn from service and scrapped by the middle of 1960, therefore none were preserved. For life information on each individual locomotive refer to the table at the bottom of “SUMMARY OF CLASSES” page.
From new, the first 48 locomotives in the class were introduced with the small GE pattern tender to help meet certain stringent size and weight limitations, to comply with operating restrictions over the railway network of East Anglia. Names assigned to them represented the Stately Home theme except one which was named after a local County Regiment. As time passed more name changes occurred. During their service life many were modified with an improved boiler and tenders were exchanged.
61618 WYNYARD PARK with GE pattern 3700 gallon tender
Photo colour-rail.com
The final B17s to be built were the B17/4s intended for routes with few restrictions and were fitted with LNER 4200 gallon tenders. Many of these were named after football clubs and always held a special interest particularly amongst local communities associated with a football club of the same name. On many occasions local supporters were conveyed to the ‘away’ match by their namesake engine, which usually looked in pristine condition for the day’s outing. THE FOOTBALLERS’ nameplates are almost certainly unique in that many of them can still be observed on display at club grounds, either over the player’s tunnel to the pitch or the reception area or boardroom.
61666 NOTTINGHAM FOREST with LNER pattern 4200 gallon tender
Photo colour-rail.com
For additional history, Click Here.
The following section shows technical details of the B17 class and a typical allocation:
The following section shows details of a typical B17: