ENGINEERING THE FUTURE OF STEAM.
The Standard Steam Locomotive Company.
Raising £5.5M to build the iconic BR Standard Class 6 Steam Locomotive - 72010 Hengist
1952
£5.5m
2030
Originally Built
Build cost
Completion
Engineering the future of steam in Yorkshire
Precision engineered by Diamond Engineering (formerly CTL Seal) in Sheffield, we're re-creating a BR Standard Class 6 Steam locomotive using 21st century engineering. Our aim is to re-create the engine using the original 1952 drawings from the National Railway Museum, but make significant improvements to it's overall performance, making it suitable to run on a modern day rail network.
Our new locomotive will be:
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> Cleaner & Greener
> More Powerful
> With Greater efficiency
We're also committed to using British made components wherever possible, showcasing British engineering at its best. Sustainability is at the forefront of what we are doing, including looking into alternative fuels that will help power the locomotive long into the future.
Find out how we're achieving this...
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What a fantastic Open Day! Thanks to all 758 of you, for all your support!
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Open Day Raffle…. For everyone that bought a raffle ticket, the winning numbers are as follows:
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1st Prize: Yellow 127
2nd Prize: Pink 244
3rd Prize: Pink 70
4th Prize: Yellow 95
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Winners have until 30th April to claim their prize.
Please email: steven.cooper@72010-hengist.org with your details and a photo of the raffle ticket. Any prizes won must be collected in person. Thanks!
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** Latest Project Update**
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Following on from William Cook donating 6 driving wheels to the value of £140,000, the next phase of work is underway for the coupled wheels. Roller bearings and tyres have been delivered and the axles are expected in the next few weeks. Design work on the castings for the roller bearing cannon axleboxes is nearing completion and order is about to be placed. The hind covers for the cylinders have been cast and machined - these feature the support for the front of the slidebars recently installed on 71000 'Duke of Gloucester'. The front cylinder covers have been cast and the machining is in progress.
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We've also started work on the design of our new steel boiler. This is being done by Yorkshire based Charles Thompson Ltd, (a leading worldwide supplier of pressure vessels) and will be manufactured in conjunction with Diamond Engineering - meaning that our new boiler will be made in the UK!
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Another Milestone reached - we have Tyres!
A big day for Hengist, 6 tyres for the 6' 2" coupled wheels were delivered, just 16 weeks after the order. Each tyre weighs 656 kg. The tyres are made to British Standard BS 5892 Pt 4, which is for the specification for rolled railway tyres.
They were made by Schmiedewerke Groditz in Germany and were ordered through their Sheffield based agent Railway Wheelset and Brake Ltd.
Axles are next on the list!
Geoff Turner
Engineering Director
1956 - 2026
It is with great sadness that the Standard Steam Locomotive Company have to announce the death of Geoff Turner, our Engineering Director. Geoff passed away on Saturday 28 March 2026. Geoff was a key member of the team that reorganised the company in 2011 and created the foundations for our organisation. Geoff was instrumental in forming the successful relationship between SSLC and CTL Seal/Diamond Group. Geoff will be sorely missed by his family and colleagues.
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The Hengist Team is proud to recognise the extraordinary contribution of Geoff Turner, whose involvement with the project spans more than 20 years and is driven by a lifelong passion for steam locomotives. As Engineering Director of the Hengist Project, Geoff has played a pivotal role in shaping the technical direction and progress of the build.
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In a remarkable act of generosity and commitment, Geoff has donated £150,000 to the project. This substantial contribution will fund the completion of the locomotive’s driving wheel set, including the casting of the cannon axle boxes, machining of all associated components and final assembly. This milestone will ultimately enable the Hengist team to assemble a fully rolling chassis by 2027.
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Geoff has expressed his hope that this donation will inspire others to support the project, demonstrating both the scale of commitment required and the belief that this long-lost BR Standard Class 6 locomotive can be successfully completed in the years ahead.
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In recognition of his dedication and lasting impact, the Hengist team has unanimously agreed to name the locomotive’s boiler after him—an honour befitting a passionate and devoted railwayman whose contribution will live on through Hengist for generations to come.