Rail Heritage Projects
Building the Iconic BR Standard Class 6 Steam Locomotive - 72010 Hengist
The Standard Steam Loco Charity are raising £5.5m to build a piece of untold rail history in our assembly shop.
Originally proposed for manufacture in 1952, the The Standard class 6, otherwise known as the Clan Class, was a class of 4-6-2 Pacific tender steam locomotive designed by Robert Riddles for use by British Railways. Ten locomotives were constructed between 1951 and 1952, The Clan Class 6 Pacific was to be a smaller version of the Class 7 Britannias. They were capable of reaching speeds of 90mph, but unfortunately were cancelled 1954/55 due to a national steel shortage, then with modernisation and the introduction of Diesel locomotives, the project was never resumed.
So far, the charity has raised over £1,250,000. Diamond Group has assisted with the creation of modern engineering drawings and manufacturing solutions, helping to bring the Hengist to life, piece-by-piece.
The charity hosts an open day every year in April to allow the public to learn about it's storied history and view their progress. With the Duke of Gloucester now patron of the charity and donations flooding in, they are hopeful of remaining on-track for completion in 2035.
How Diamond Group is Supporting Heritage Rail Charities
LNER B17 Class 'Spirit of Sandringham'
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. 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. All B17’s were withdrawn from service and scrapped by the middle of 1960, therefore none were preserved.
After almost 65 years without a working B17 on the Rails, the B17 Steam Locomotive Trust is working tirelessly to bring one back to life. The project is progressing well, having recently reached their 'Cab Appeal' donation target, and the charity is hopeful of completing the project in the next ten years.
