Current and Proposed New-Builds

They might get more funding if they do a footballer. Bit partison for clubs, but England FC would keep most happy, as they never ran in the other Home countries anyway

 

But that is what the "Other" B17 group has been trying to do.....without a great deal of success it would appear.
Given the huge support for the 6 remaining A4's.....and the sadly declining number on the Main Line, I'm sure there would be a high level of publicity and finance for the near identical (To the general public) baby brother new build.

 

Clubs (including the English FA) are very protective of their brands; I suspect you might have lawyers sniffing round if you tried to imply an association when none was there; and would be asked to pay quite dearly to use any such name officially.

Tom

 

I was wondering about the footballer ,( loco, not players) and a thought hit me, why not ask the FA for sponsorship, and in return the engine carries the name of the club that wins the FA cup each year, possibly as part of the sponsorship deal the engine is used to haul a supporters special from their home town, to Wembley , for one team, and back for the other , and at other times, maybe the name of a famous footballer ? and of course the clubs could use it as part of their merchandising, high class dining , scenic land cruises, etc . it possibly could be an additional market for some tour operators who would operate such trains on behalf of the clubs.

 

The FA sponsor others? Heaven forfend that they give money outside rather football rather than recycle it within football.

I also note the comment from @Jamessquared about football clubs’ view of their brands. I actually think there would be some who might be willing to authorise use of their name charitably. However, I’m not sure the cost would be worthwhile - I suspect the support gained from (say) Norwich fans would be offset by opposition from (say) Ipswich fans*, with little gain from neutrals. The requirement to adhere to branding guidelines could also be challenging.

* Other long established footballing rivalries also exist...


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61306 is being renamed Ipswich Town temporarily with no problem it seems. I can’t see how this or calling it Norwich City would be a brand infringement, they are just places. Add the letters FC and there might be a problem

 

Probably right, though I’m sure a persistent lawyer could make things awkward! But the issue is not just the name but also any imagery - the “Footballer” nameplates all carried the club badges, if I recall.

And, for those wishing to claim this is just a modern affectation, I give the example of Schools 30931. The version I heard as a pupil from people who done the research is that KCS Wimbledon refused permission for the school name to be used as part of the first batch, before asking to be included in the final batch. That is with a name that was also reasonably generic.


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Plus the club colours too.

 

As "Footballers" could be so sensitive, all the more reason for this.....

 

Doesn't 92214 carry Leicester City nameplates?

 

92214's carried a few names!

 

Following the need to find new premises, this is the latest news from the B17 Steam Locomotive Trust -

THE BIG MOVE – relocating Spirit of Sandringham

We are delighted to announce that Spirit of Sandringham is to be relocated to the Sheffield based engineering company, CTL Seal Limited, where construction of 61673 will continue in their Works. CTL Seal was first identified and recommended by our member Alan Warren who lives in British Columbia, Canada and a second recommendation, albeit separately from Martyn Ashworth of Loughborough. Alternative locations were also recommended by Mark Allatt (member) who suggested Shildon in the North East where rented workshop accommodation was known to be available. The North Norfolk Railway and the Nene Valley Railway were also considered. It was known that the ‘Clan’ project (Hengist,) sponsored by The Standard Steam Locomotive Co. Ltd, and who are also a registered charity, was based at CTL Seal’s premises. Our further enquiries to
CTL Seal and the ‘Clan’ project team received a speedy response from the engineering company, indicating both a positive interest and an invitation to visit them. Arrangements were quickly made for Brian Hall and John Pearson to visit and meet Mr. Andrew England MD at the Sheffield site with Mr. Geoff Turner Engineering Director of the ‘Clan’ project also attending. Brian and John explained the current Strategy and Business Plan for Spirit of Sandringham and the previous working status and achievements with Llangollen Engineering and Ricardo Rail. The rolling chassis plan including 3D illustrations of related assemblies and components were reviewed to demonstrate requirements for the next phase of manufacture and construction. The RFQ, purchase order and audit processes involving the appraisal/selection of preferred suppliers to the B17 project was outlined. The primary sources of funding for the project were also described including the magnificent support by our members, volunteers and the general public. Next, Andy England MD, conducted a works tour visiting each manufacturing cell and explained the heavy engineering products and associated people skills, machining facilities and handling/lifting equipment observed in the Works. The build status and future work plans associated with the ‘Clan’ project were described by Geoff Turner when observing the mainframe structure for Hengist in part of the Assembly Shop. Access to and from, and within the Works site for heavy haulage vehicles appeared clear. However to be sure, a representative of our nominated heavy haulage contractor has visited the site recently and confirmed this to be achievable.

The visit demonstrated that CTL Seal possessed the capability and the willingness to take on the B17 project and there was clear enthusiasm and interest shown by Andy England MD. A similar view was expressed by Geoff Turner on behalf of the ‘Clan’ project. There were benefits for all parties involving the ‘flex’ of skilled resources between each project corresponding with either available funding or work programme demands, capable of being supported from ‘A ONE STOP SHOP’ working environment. From the exchange of business plans, objectives and observations between B17 and CTL Seal Ltd, and the separate deliberations that followed, each party then agreed to a mutual arrangement whereby the B17 project would relocate to CTL Seal Ltd. where construction was to continue at their address - Butterthwaite Lane, Ecclesfield, Sheffield, South
Yorkshire. S35 9WA. A formal agreement between the parties is in hand.

Arrangements for the move are in hand, to be completed this year and will also include both tenders. Actual move dates for the tenders and the mainframe structure will be notified. Thanks to everyone who has donated to Sandy’s Fighting Fund in aid of the relocation costs to date, currently amounting to £2,000.

 

At this rate CTL seal will need to get a siding laid...
Security is pretty good ... just as well if Rodders is going to pop his head in sometime

 

The facilities at CTL Seal are, I venture, the finest currently engaged in our line of work. It can only be good news for the Sandringham project.

 

Between this and the Hengist (‘Clan’) project, CTL Seal seem to be becoming something of a minor steam loco production works! Good for them!

And of course in doing Hengist, they will learn a tremendous amount which will be of value in future builds, such as Sandringham (just as the A1's experience on Tornado seems to have been a real benefit in doing PoW).

Great news; congratulations to the B17 project and CTL Seal!

Noel

 

On the subject of the Footballers, didn't the group hoping to build a replica of 61662 Manchester United, get hold of the club and were able to get the project in one of their matchday programmes as well as on the clubs official website?

 

https://www.facebook.com/Engine61662ManchesterUnited

http://www.engine61662appeal.co.uk/index1.html

More of a static collection of bits now. I think reality might just be starting to creep in that the group has neither the funds, fund raising skills, engineering facilities or engineering skills to build the loco.

Keith

 

I know which B17 I’m betting on to be finished first...

 

Unfortunately it looks that way. Wasn't there originally one group who were going to build a Sandringham and Footballer with interchangeable parts so one would be in steam and one would be static?

 

I think that group split in to the two groups we have today.