61673 Constructors Club
THERE WAS A DREAM...
Thanks to the generous help from our members, sponsors and supporters the static mainframe structure with frame stays fitted for 61673 Spirit of Sandringham is complete at the premises of our engineering base - CTL Seal Ltd in Sheffield.
All manufactured parts were produced by the best of British Industry and their help toward the project is acknowledged.
Significant funds will be required to maintain the next phases of the project programme involving larger and more complex components to be made in Great Britain.
The 61673 Constructors Club has been created to consolidate our fundraising efforts into a single appeal to see 61673 complete and operating on the mainline network and at heritage railway centres. Please help continue construction of this locomotive and provide an opportunity to see an elegant class B17 in action again.
Charity Registration No. 1144738
Company Registration No. 07598363
Contributions are invited in accordance with the project programme starting with the rolling chassis. Next will be the cylinders, pistons and motion followed by the bogie and then the boiler and firebox. Superstructure represented by the cab and smoke box will also form part of this schedule.
Manufacturing drawings for horn block castings and horn stays are complete for the leading, driving and trailing positions. These parts will be manufactured first. Also required as funds permit will be cannon axle boxes, roller bearings, the crank axle assembly and plain axles for the driving and trailing locations with wheels and tyres to follow.
PLANNED BUILD
Fabricated cylinders are planned for the B17 where design work is yet to commence which will also include pistons and motion parts. The bogie will conform to the original LNER side spring design but with side bearers to evenly distribute the load on to each pair of LH & RH wheels fitted with roller bearings and cannon axle boxes as proven on the five A1’s and Tornado. The diagram 100A boiler and firebox is planned where technical advice relating to materials, assembly techniques and applicable advantages/disadvantages affecting operating efficiency, reliability, maintenance and cost will be considered. Sourcing this expensive item in GB remains consistent with our policy.
TECHNICAL AND 61673 CONSTRUCTORS CLUB
TECHNICAL
The technical baseline for the locomotive is based upon the 1935 build standard built by the LNER at Darlington. Design changes will be adopted where improvements in performance, reliability, maintenance and safety can be realised. Proven use of CAD/CAM technology forms the basis of locomotive design and manufacture using 3D models, drawings and electronic data compatible with modern manufacturing processes and techniques used by British Industry. To satisfy certification requirements by the Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB,) an accredited assessment authority at national level has been appointed to provide independent assessment to verify design, manufacture and construction and additionally verify that safety risks have been identified and appropriate mitigation applied.
61673 CONSTRUCTORS CLUB
The total joining contribution to the 61673 Constructors Club will be £616.73 per unit. Each unit can be payable as a single sum or over a maximum of 3 years with monthly installments. On full payment of the first unit, contributors to the Club will receive certain recognition and privileges as follows:-
- Transferable invitation to purchase seat on one of the inaugural runs
- 61673 Constructors Club badge
- Personalised 61673 Constructors Club certificate
- Name on the ’Roll of Honour’ subject to consent
- Regular update on manufacturing progress
- Photograph of chosen B17 locomotive
Sponsorship of specific items will always be available for anyone wishing to contribute and support Spirit of Sandringham in this way as a further option. Items available will change to reflect progress with funding streams and achievement in manufacture. Further details can be obtained from our website or speak to a member of the B17 Management Team.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND THE NEXT PHASE
NOW - STATIC MAINFRAME
Frame stays fitted at Llangollen - Jun 2018, passed for Main line February 2019.
Relocated to CTL Seal's site at Sheffield - 20th October 2020
NEXT - ROLLING CHASSIS
Construction now in progress
AND THEN - BOILER AND FIREBOX
