The project is progressing well building 61673 ‘Spirit of Sandringham’ which is a missing link in the evolution of the UK.
4-6-0-wheel arrangement, and Gresley’s only 4-6-0 design. The B17 was required for greater power and efficiency in the use of energy and that is just as important today as it is for the future.
The B17 SLT is incorporating design improvements to demonstrate compliance towards a more environmentally conscious future and will form part of the learning experience for young engineers.
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61673 is being constructed to mainline standards using UK companies and suppliers and is now based in Sheffield, The City of Steel, and home of several major contractors to the project
“This is why we do it – help us grow this project and develop the engineers of tomorrow with a real feel for the subject.“
As a charitable trust The B17 SLT must deliver public benefit and is at the forefront of new build projects by choosing the field of education and training.
From GCSE and A level, to engineering degree courses and apprenticeships, students are being encouraged to take more interest in our railway heritage so the lessons of the past can be learned by tomorrow’s engineers. Through practical tasks, traditional engineering skills are being maintained and developed within UK manufacturing.
Collaboration with the University of Sheffield has resulted in Mechanical Engineering students providing potential solutions on improving the water capacity of the tender and improving the flow of exhaust gasses through the smokebox.
This work is an invaluable part of our design process for the modern railway and in return, we mentor them, in their entry for the annual I.Mech.Eng. Railway Challenge.
