Sheffield steam locomotive works to open doors this April

Next Saturday, 15th April, the Standard Steam Locomotive Company (SSLC) is holding an open day when members of the public can view the progress in building two new steam locomotives.

Visitors will be able to view how far construction has progressed with building a new Clan Class Pacific steam locomotive No. 72010 Hengist and the new London and North Eastern Railway B17 Class No. 61673 Spirit of Sandringham. The Clan's number and name were chosen as ten Clans were initially built between 1951 and 1952, and a further 15 were planned.

The open day is being held from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday 15th April at the Locomotive Works, which is at the premises of CTL Seal in Butterthwaite Lane in Sheffield. Drivers travelling from the south should use the postcode S35 9WA, or if travelling from the north they use S35 9WY. If guides are available there will be tours of the works in the afternoon.

CTL Seal Ltd and both new build projects are proud holders of the “Made in Sheffield” Award.

SSLC is using the original British Railways engineering designs to build Hengist, with construction being carried out by CTL Seal Ltd. To ensure the locomotive can operate safely and reliably on the main line network, the locomotives' components have been ordered against the exacting standards needed.

Teams building both locomotives are founder members of the Main Line Steam Builders Group and will have representatives on-site at the open day to answer any questions on their projects. Members of both projects will receive free admission to the works on the production of a membership card, and school parties and university students will also receive free entry. The admission fee for non-members of these groups is £3.00 and refreshments will be available.

Other organisations will be in attendance, including:

• Narrow gauge new build – Gowrie Group
• Boiler and Engineering Skills Training Trust (BESTT) – Gordon Newton
• Trackside Magazine – Mel Holley
• Diamond Rail Services – Jenny Dempsey
• Live steam models – Ray Walker
• Bridge the Gap G.C.R – Barry Lycett
• 0-gauge model loco building – Mike Roffe and Vernon Harrod
• Woodhouse Farm (catering) – Andrew Wincott