The Standard Steam Locomotive Company, a heritage charity project in Sheffield, is looking to raise £4 million to re-build an iconic ‘lost’ Class 6 Steam Locomotive called 72010 Hengist. The Loco is being built in Sheffield by CTL Seal, using a combination of volunteer expert engineers and CTL Seals’ experienced design and manufacturing team known as Sheffield Steel Team.

Originally built in 1952, only 10 of this Iconic British Rail (BR) Locomotive were ever built out of a planned 118. This is due to a steel shortage and the modernisation of the rail network with the introduction of Diesel locomotives. Today, none of the originals exist. SSLC are re-creating what would have been the 11th ‘Clan’ Class 6 Locomotive and the 1000th brand new BR locomotive.

So, why is it being rebuilt?

A spokesperson for Hengist explained: “This project enables a future for steam in Sheffield, preserving this locomotive for future generations to enjoy, and demonstrating Sheffield’s engineering talent at its best in a high profile project. Sheffield Chamber of Commerce will promote this as a showcase project as well as BBC Look North’s Tom Ingall who has just run a 5 minute video on the locomotive.

“Using 21st century design and technology, Hengist is future-proof and sustainable; being greener than its predecessors as it will be able to operate on biomass fuel. Increasing the boiler pressure from 225 psi to 250 bsi extracts more energy from the fuel which improves efficiency. The design of the exhaust system improves combustion and reduces backpressure on the cylinders. Computer simulations suggest that these two improvements will help Hengist to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10.5%. It also means that the locomotive is 22% more powerful, pulling more coaches and running faster uphill.

“And finally, steam locomotives are a part of our national heritage. Everyone enjoys seeing and hearing a steam train racing through the countryside, whether a distant memory or a reminder of a past age.”

Completion date for the locomotive is 2029, and after that you will see it running on heritage and eventually mainline rail networks. The SSLC have currently raised £741 000 and are looking for donations from Yorkshire businesses to get to £4 million.

To find out more and donate, head to www.72010-hengist.co.uk.