Building new steam locomotives in Sheffield
MEETING REPORT 11th FEBRUARY 2025
The Sheffield branch was treated not just to one but to two presentations at our February meeting. Both were on Sheffield-based new-build projects and both had very positive messages to convey. First-off was Chris Jones who took us through the development of the project to build a British Railways Standard “Clan” Class Steam locomotive (72010 “Hengist”) using 21st century engineering. This will be a locomotive with good route availability like the original Riddles members of the class but designed and built with all the advantages of 21st Century engineering by CTL Seal in Sheffield. Chris explained how the original drawings had been used as a starting point for the present-day design and what modifications and improvements had been incorporated. The frame assembly is well-advanced and good progress has been made on the main cylinders. Chris devoted some time in his talk to the complexities of the CAD work on the front bogie which has also started construction. Current appeals are to fund the driving wheel set and motion and the pony truck. More details can be found at: https://www.72010-hengist.co.uk/ . Our second talk was by Brian Hall from the B17 Steam Locomotive Trust which is building 61673 “Spirit of Sandringham” ( https://www.b17steamloco.co.uk/news-and-events/construction-progress ). Again CAD word on the bogie assembly and smokebox were prominent achievements. And for those who will be attending the April 2025 Open Day in Ecclesfield the frames, buffer beam and smokebox wrapper will be there to inspect as well as the work on the driving wheels. Target dates for both projects are around the beginning of the 2030s and our members are well-placed to keep track of developments. This was a fascinating meeting with strong local connections.