One modern Sheffield factory - building two brand new steam engines. A short film by Tom Ingall

[@adrianrouse5148]

That man who said young engineers today are learning from the old engineers was spot on. Many lost or dying crafts. To learn these and carry them forward is a great opportunity. I remember many years ago driving up to Tyseley in Birmingham with a car full of frost damaged cast iron parts and this man repaired them. Stitched them back to gather. They are still working thirty years later. Nobody in my area would look at them .told me they are scrap.

[@spacecadet35]

@Will Rose - One of the major efficiency problems with steam was the tolerances that could be achieved. With modern metallurgy, it would be able to build steam locomotives that are once again competitive with diesels. The down side is watering the train every so often, but the up side is that the trains are not that fussy on fuel.

[@wideyxyz2271]

@Will Rose It also depends on the grade of the diesel oil being used as not all diesel oil is the same just like coal. Varying sulphur amounts in the crude oil affects the quality of the diesel produced.

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

Frost damage?

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

@@wideyxyz2271 There is a particular type of Scotish coal that is world renown for its super low sulfur content and efecent, clean burning.

[@douglasclark7940]

😅🎉😅😅😅😅

[@russellnixon9981]

Great to see locomotives being manufactured in the UK again.

[@LD-Orbs]

An honourable start. There's a long way to go... but a good start in the right direction!

[@_wheeler8601]

As an American, I'm glad to see them build steam engines in the UK again.

[@rogerphelps9939]

Why? It is old inefficient outdated technology. Would you swap your modern home for some draughty medieval hovel? The only thing this is any good for is hobbyists and nostalgia.

[@_wheeler8601]

@@rogerphelps9939 Your right, BURN THE BOOKS! They're an old medium, why use em when we got tv. Nostalgia and memories stop us from reaching our true potential! Worm food for the worm god! How could I be so blind!

[@rogerphelps9939]

@@_wheeler8601 As I said, steam locomotives belong in the same category as medieval battle re-enactments. A bit of fun, nostalgia but little else. Books are extremely useful and versatile, steam locomotives, not so much. That is why we have much better means of traction.

[@trainiacvideos3832]

What a fantastic project and as the Chairman said younger employees are learning on how things are put together and built, just like back in the day when the greats like Crewe, Derby, Swindon, Eastleigh and Doncaster were building and making wonderful engines. These will be fantastic engines keeping steam alive 😊

[@tonysheerness2427]

What I would like to know, will they convert all the old drawings to metric or will they use imperial measurements?

[@JohnSmith-ei2pz]

@@tonysheerness2427 Stick to English not that euro trash!

[@billmoore1936]

I which I was a bit nearer but if any body needs help in way by taking about it by all means get in touch Bill

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

@@tonysheerness2427 HOW DARE YOU SIR!!!!!!!!! WHITWORTH ALL THE WAY!!!!!

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

It's very important, because in one generation, many skills and much knowledge can be lost forever.

[@dermotmcglinchey282]

I used to live next door to a guy who had an engineering business in Ireland he had built a huge works on his land , however after the crash in 2008 the work slumped but he didn’t want to lose his younger guys so a lot of the older men retired but would be called in as trainers and advisors when the slump was over…In the meantime Gerry was into old traction engines so he bought a few that were barely recognisable and he rebuilt these using modern equipment and tooling, plus he rebuilt many of the old caravan /wagon type trailers these guys used to tow around…This kept the business turning over nicely until the slump eased, the finished products were fabulous and as Gerry was a traction engine fanatic it was a very rewarding hobby…

[@herbiemitchell9156]

What part of Ireland, please?

[@dermotmcglinchey282]

@@herbiemitchell9156 It was Balinalee county Longford , I’m not sure he’s still at it because that was about 12 years ago, so possibly retired like myself, I moved away then as I had a holiday home in the Canary Islands and I wanted to live there more permanently..

[@herbiemitchell9156]

@@dermotmcglinchey282 Thank you for the reply. I am a steam enthusiast too and built a 4" scale Foster some years ago.

[@julianmorris9560]

I can't believe I'm seeing this, what a brilliant project.... Britain hasn't lost its skills!

[@melodymonger]

I hope both projects can survive financially in the current climate with costs spiralling 🤞. A great story, good luck to all involved 😊.

[@vincentl.9469]

Steam ..that means burning coal. I can just see the enviro people jumping up & down

[@christophergarland7936]

@@vincentl.9469 Coal that a fair few railways got from Russian mines. Costs are far from the only concern, unfortunately.

[@MeiinUK]

@@vincentl.9469 : Not necessarily, it could be using hydrogen.... or a blend of.... cos then it will generate steam as well... There are knowledge out there.. and if they also outsource some missing bits to local universities as well.. on a research base this way. There can be a lot of funding.... I mean.. how did the previous generation of things kick started to begin with? It was money donated to form a university... and then the findings became commercialised etc. All under the British soveign's money pot. Same can happen again, in all honesty.... without patents.. or commercial (global or local) money. So....

[@cecilecorpuz5735]

@@vincentl.9469 They can jump up and down on their pogo sticks, which equates to ZERO Co2 emissions.

[@wideyxyz2271]

@@christophergarland7936 nowt wrong with getting it from Russia what pees me off is we could get of from here still billions of tons of it in the ground! Oh and man made climate change is a LIE!

[@mikeatcora]

My late dad would have cried at the sight of these, he was a steam lover and the thought of new loco's would have turned him back into a boy. I can't imagine the quality that's going into these builds, a 21st century trip into the past.

[@trespire]

A marriage of two worlds. best of the old, best of the new.

[@Anmeteor9663]

The heritage rail industry is huge in the UK. Many railways such as the Severn Valley offer engineer apprenticeship for young people who can look forward to long and rewarding careers in the business. The boss man has his business head on as well as the rose tinted spex for the locos 😊

[@roblonsdale8927]

And what a nice bloke he is too

[@shadegate6660]

Anything that gets young engineers and apprentices learning this aspect of engineering can only be a good thing. Older craftsman passing down their skills and knowledge is how it has been done for years. I work in Devonport Dockyard and whether they are instructors or not, most of the 'old boys' continually pass down skills. They can't help themselves, the urge to train and share skills seems ingrained in the psyche of their generation. Great to see it carrying on in Sheffield.

[@brendonnz1964]

Devonport Dockyard in New-Zealand? This is the RNZN Base in NZ.

[@shadegate6660]

@brendonnz1964 Plymouth UK. Awesome to know you have one too. 😀

[@H4rleyBoy]

This needs to be a TV series IMHO.

[@mj897]

There was a great programme about a1 tornado, called absolutely chuffed. Great programme, mostly built in uk but boilers in Germany.

[@ncs8730]

@@mj897 I think every Build A New Steam Loco project needs the widest publicity. 60163 Tornado would not have been built without it.

[@ceciasa3376]

This is amazing!! The fact that Steam is surviving and making a comeback in this day and age is astounding! I can't wait to see the finished results for the Clan Class and the B17! Best of luck to you and everyone working on these projects from America!

[@ianhomerpura8937]

Japan has been doing the same recently.

[@rogerphelps9939]

Steam is not making a comeback. It is just a niche hobby.

[@rogerphelps9939]

is not making a comeback in any meaningful way. It id just a hobby and nostalgia rather akin to battle reenactment.

[@Pentium100MHz]

It would be interesting to see what steam engine could be made using the technology of today, but still keeping the traditional arrangement (coal as fuel, direct drive and not steam-electric etc). Probably a stronger boiler could be made to use with higher pressure, modern types of bearings that do not need oiling every 100km, maybe some better valve gear. It would be interesting what speed and power could be achieved and how much the maintenance costs could be reduced.

[@pitsnipe5559]

As an old Navy Boiler Tech and former boiler inspector, thanks for bringing these back to life. Steam Power!

[@phiksit]

Bet you never had to inspect a coal fired boiler... talk about DIRTY 😷

[@pitsnipe5559]

@@phiksit As a matter of fact, I worked in a coal fired utility plant for a couple of years and as an inspector I inspected several coal fired boilers in my time. Even before that, my first home was an apartment behind a boiler room. My Dad was the building superintendent. Some of my earliest memories are playing in the boiler room. The boiler there was coal fired. I’ve seen it all, oil, gas, coal, wood, black liquor, off gas from coal coking, blast furnace gas, exhaust gas from gas turbines.

[@MarktheMole]

When the pathetic amount of energy produced by those 'renewables' in future - I think your skills will be desperately needed, Sir?@@pitsnipe5559

[@obfuscated3090]

Magnificent learning opportunity only the hardcore steam enthusiasts of the UK would pull off. (I'm a Yank but your lads are a very special breed when it comes to taking joy in industrial history and that merits respect!) It IS a "cathedral to engineering" (and cathedrals themselves are engineering feats).

[@simontyrrell8866]

Well done CTLSeal, what a great company

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

Fantastic stuff. Proper engineering, made in Yorkshire. 😊

[@MrDavidht]

Fantastic. Henry Royce and R J Mitchell served their engineering apprenticships in locomotive works and look what they produced as individuals and came together to produce.

[@keystonedriving8180]

As did a certain Walter Owen Bentley.

[@MrDavidht]

@@keystonedriving8180 Thanks for the information. I will remember that. Proper engineers.

[@royfearn4345]

@@keystonedriving8180Yes; it has been said that the chassis of a Bentley resembled that of a railway wagon in its robustness of construction, and that it owed a lot to Bentley's early training!

[@nickjung7394]

Absolutely brilliant. The people working on this company are an inspiration to the rest of British industry!

[@davidoldboy5425]

What a great project, and hats off to the M.D.

[@michaelguerin56]

Good video and positive news. Thank you. A nice bonus is that a lighter weight 4-6-0 should be able to visit a number of heritage railways without putting excessive stress upon the permanent way and bridges.

[@johndrew3202]

The Clan will also be able to visit heritage railways as it is lighter than the Class 7 Brit's. It will also be more efficient on coal and water, and steam better than the original Clan's. With the latest design drag box it will also be more pleasant to ride behind!

[@michaelguerin56]

@@johndrew3202 Sounds good. Thank you for that additional info.

[@cannonEDHA]

We have some serious engineering talent in Sheffield now and in the past it really makes me proud of our city

[@anthonyquane5039]

Pure class the older generation teaching the younger generation learning new skills especially on gorgeous steam locomotives thank you Sheffield steel your a huge credit to this countrys engineering skills this was what made this country great bring it on ❤

[@martyn6792]

Fantastic to see a Sheffield company building new steam locos

[@alanbrown1563]

Fantastic CTL a true engineering company bring old and new while teaching the young one's

[@trespire]

Outstanding project. Any young engineer with half his/her marbles, would jump at such an oportunity. Working under a master craftsman with decades of practical exeprience is knowledge no university can offer. Tollerances, fitting, lapping, casting . . . get hands on experience.

[@MarktheMole]

Yes, imagine those 'screen-only' students at university 'engineering departments' getting their hands dirty!

[@RJ1999x]

Fred Dibnah would approve 👍

[@douglasgreen437]

"Be careful steaming up the trains boiler for the first time, or it'll be half a day out with the undertaker ."

[@tommoss2005]

He most certainly would have.

[@KIA-MIA-POW]

Sheffield. The word that spells excellence in high quality steel production.

[@smarttseluvka]

I think this is really great to see. That boss looked dead enthusiastic about helping the project even though he said he wasn’t really that interested at the start. Top bloke, and his business improves from helping others, a powerful message

[@stephenpike3147]

What a great set of projects to undertake and to be hearing are viable propositions too - not the struggles that befell the Flying Scotsman. A long wait since the last steam loco, the 2,223rd to be produced there, at Doncaster in Oct 1957 (works completed in 1853). What a history in that area for both steam and steel. I have spent quite a bit of my career in the steel mills and steel processing in the area, so pleased to see associated businesses thriving and able to give the steam preservation groups this massive support and opportunities. Also to pass down the knowledge, skills and interest to the younger generation. Well done.

[@manga12]

yes you never know we might need them in a pinch, there are times when things fill a niche, after all there is sam mackwell in new zeland that is building steam traction engines that use fast growing wood or waste material to be powered and using a watertub boiler a lemate style but without the water wall around the firebox so it dont have all the leaking and weakness and scailing problems that plegued the first gen ones when they tried it in the 20th century, he also has a garrett style loco listed as to how far along to build it they are I dont know but its on the website, the beauty of steam is if it can boil and superheat water it can be used even solar made steam using the sun to boil it for a stationary compound engine this earth day when this message is written.

[@cr10001]

Well, it hasn't been quite such a long wait as that, A1 60163 Tornado was built from scratch and completed in 2008. I think there have been others.

[@JackSmith-gv5yw]

This is just brilliant!....Keep it alive! :)

[@scopex2749]

THIS IS SUPERB!! PLEASE build a Q1 locomotive - only ONE survives in a museum but we need one IN STEAM on the mainline.. They were austerity engines built during the war - but they helped this country immensely during and after the war! The highly unusual and controversial design represents the ultimate development of the British 0-6-0 freight engine, capable of hauling large heavy trains. Nicknames for the class included "Ugly Ducklings", "Coffee Pots", "Charlies", "Biscuit Tins", "Biscuit Barrels", "Clockworks" and "Frankensteins". The Q1 DESERVES TO BE SEEN it is an unsung HERO of the railways that has been forgotten.

[@bennoakes2477]

for the same reason would be far less popular than similar engines

[@ncs8730]

Hat off to your dedication to this engine class. Could YOU organize a team of volunteers to start building such a loco?

[@blatherskite9601]

How wonderful! More power to your elbows, guys!

[@PhotogNT]

What a wonderful project I hope to see you progress these loco’s. I hope you are able to post videos of your progress I would love to see more.

[@stevenperry7493]

Wow that was brilliant ,British engineering ,using British made steel it doesn’t get any better , 😊

[@javlynblue2024]

Those Beautiful Steam Engines did a great deal of work. Not just locomotives.

[@stewartross1233]

Well done to all involved!

[@GregVirgoe]

This popped up on my recommended list and as a railway enthusiast, I had to watch it. Firstly let me commend you on your presentation skills and editing, You have the perfect voice for a presentation like this and it was skillfully put together. I have subbed and now looking through your back catalogue. You should have millions of subscribers with this quality of video these are tv worthy. Well done.

[@charlestellis7021]

This is heartwarming to see steam locomotives being built in 2023, Bravo Zulu to you all 👍👏

[@craigbuckley3373]

Absolutely Fantastic and great to see good engineering and manufacturing happening in Sheffield a proud city of engineering and manufacturing. This country should get back to making stuff for ourselves as this was once standard. Top Marks.

[@jamesrivis620]

As a North Yorkshire (from Kirkbymoorside) born lad, now 80, I find this is a very exciting project !!

[@campbellmorrison8540]

Wow that is the best thing Ive seen all day, well done CTL that is impressive support I have no doubt you wont regret it.

[@dlpjhapppy9714]

Excellent news, I'm proud to know we can still build these amazing machines.

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Absolutely wonderful. Why not ? Locos that can run on the mainline. Great. Good luck to all involved.

[@rogerphelps9939]

Unlikely to be allowed to run on mainline.

[@vangledosh]

@@rogerphelps9939 Why's that? Tornado does and P2 will as well when its finished.

[@franktuckwell196]

Brilliant, what a golden opportunity for any apprentices to see application of modern technology for historical engineering practices. Just think how they could have been if they had carried on? Amazing.

[@edwardkomito7881]

I like how well this video was edited. Short, entertaining and to the point. Great topic as well. Thanks.

[@craigymac5386]

This is just excellent guys, well done 👍

[@chrisnukem2906]

Just great to see that England still has the engineering skills, Made in UK just unreal you guys are awesome.

[@ShadowSniperUK]

I've a photograph of this from early Oct 21. I deliver supplies to CTL Seal regularly. A lot has changed since I took the picture.

[@louisfkoorts5590]

It is lovely to see this project. Thank you. Please, some people must film this all the way. For all to see, from beginning to end. 👌🏻🌿👋🏻

[@guyforlogos]

a 'Cathedral to Engineering'.... that is a very good way of putting it. What a beautiful place.

[@overkilldevice6576]

Absolutely beautiful, I hope this sort of occurrence will become commonplace everywhere.

[@perthpete7906]

THE OLD DRAWINGS - in engineering these are everything. Without the drawings - just dont bother with the project. Great project!!

[@johnossendorf9979]

What a wonderful HUGE shop to work in !

[@johnhankinson1929]

great video and great to see British Engineering at it's finest

[@garryferrington811]

This is really remarkable. What an amazing project, what amazing people.

[@knownothing5518]

I always wondered what we could do if we tried manufacturing yesterday's innovation with today's techniques! Awfully interesting!

[@glendakirby5579]

Of course technology takes a lot of the brain fag out of engineering ,and can even complete the job with computerised machines. Where's the satisfaction in that? My Dad was a precision engineer before that happened, working on blueprints to one thousands of an inch.Setting up the machines for the prototype, and inspecting the result. Some of this stuff was parachutes where life depended on its accuracy. To my mind when you take away the necessity for skill, you reduce the interest in the work, and only mindless people need apply. Technology is producing mindless people. Which is dangerous for humanity.

[@terryhutchinson6503]

Excellent!

[@kotten9534]

Really impressive to see! I also love the guy who says "it's a good market to be in" - the steam engine building market haha.

[@Harrington2323]

Very good video! Not only the content but also the making of the video.

[@PhD777]

Outstanding video and project!! 👍🏻🎅👍🏻

[@jammiedodger7040]

This is great news we need to keep our Heritage a live so future generations can not only see but also experience riding on and even seeing them getting built.

[@stevemorris3710]

Fantastic to see Locomotive production in England again.

[@R00RAL]

Wow, new locos will capture the hearts of millions !!!!

[@xelzaar]

A very smart idea to build steam engines. Everyone should be doing that.

[@greg3095]

Absolutely outstanding video. An amazing tribute please please keep us posted on the progress.

[@petawillingale]

what a fantastic idea and a great way so many engineers can learn from

[@jameskellard5075]

We need more of this kind of thing, much, much more of it

[@peterfenwick2540]

This is wonderful for so many good reasons. What gentlemen!

[@peckelhaze6934]

Nice to see them built here.

[@MrRnipperBrockleBroadcasting]

Not strictly true that Doncaster stopped building steam locos, dozens are built in Doncaster every year, but they are 16mm to the foot scale at the Roundhouse factory!

[@danielmarshall4587]

Lovely video Mr Ingall thank you.

[@gavinspiby8304]

That’s a fantastic project I worked at Brush worked on shuttle class 92 back in my day also the first generation of electric locomotives for New Zealand with regenerative braking

[@huguessonnic2102]

Congratulations to these enthusiasts! Human genius in all that it can do that is magnificent

[@union310]

Fantastic to see

[@sharkyfish3492]

God Bless everyone involved in this project. Keeping the old tech alive and teaching new generations is what really makes great.

[@davewilliams6172]

These are top class engineers....they don't need some mythical deity to look after them.

[@ncs8730]

@@davewilliams6172 Well, I take it as a figure of speech. Everyone talks according to one's habits.

[@sidbeaumont5992]

Great to see this work making a comeback in the north. I worked at the hunslet engine works and it was a sad day when it closed.

[@poly_hexamethyl]

Wow, I didn't know they still make new steam locomotives. That's really great!

[@Wettonbunker]

Wonderful. Thanks for uploading.

[@arkansasrailproductions5507]

There’s a brand new steam locomotive currently being built in the US as well, a Pennsylvania Railroad class T-1 4-4-4-4 number 5550. The original PRR T-1s were all scrapped at the end of their service from 1953 to 1956. The 5550 is being built by The T-1 Trust Fund and is scheduled for completion by 2030.

[@routeman680]

That's amazing. I believe it wasn't very successful (or was that the 4-4-6-4?) but an innovative locomotive with potential for high speed.

[@davewilliams6172]

@routeman680 The T1 had problems with the poppet steam valve arrangement that modern materials would easily sort out, they also had traction issues with wheel slip at start up and high speed due the Engineers/Drivers not realising how responsive the locos were to the regulator at high speed...basically akin to over throttling the engines and doing a burnout lol It is a shame that they were all scrapped before full development could take place....they had huge potential.

[@davidhorn6008]

What is The Brand?

[@3RTracing]

@@davewilliams6172 99% of all T-1 issues were as they say "drivers error". As you state, due to the responsiveness and power curve the locomotives did wheel slip, but engineers who ran them daily attested to the fact that there was a learning curve and you couldn't just jump in the cab and run a T-1 like a Northern, Pacific, or Mikado. You had to learn how to manage all that power and responsiveness. They were a very good locomotive despite many ill-informed claims to the contrary.

[@centamangila1217]

You're right. All those T1 drivers used to drive K4s Pacifics, which has different characteristics than a T1.

[@Cdarlosfletch58]

Absolutely brilliant ! The skills them young people will learn from the mature/older people is absolutely priceless !

[@AlanReynoldsBucklandJunction]

Love it. Great British stuff XXXX

[@davebloggs]

wow this is very cool. glad to see it being done.

[@geneard639]

I can only imagine how modern casting, and machining technology is working here. I'm pretty sure small cast parts are having their patterns made using 3D Printing, some of the larger frames plasma or water cut, some large items not even cast but flat plate cut, bent, and then 100% full depth weld being used and then line drilling and boring to make bearing hangers.... its exciting!

[@techElephant]

Wonderful to see this.

[@tonybarfield5148]

Thank you for making this interesting video Tom. Also nice to put a face to the GCR official video person.

[@BLKBRDD]

I love groups like this. It would be a great way to give some hands on experience to some student engineers too.

[@0159ralph]

Hats off to the UK, for building a steam locomotive from scratch. In Albuquerque NM we rebuilt locomotive AT&SF 2926 running again. CHEERS !!!

[@davidgrisez]

It is interesting to see that a few new steam locomotives are being built. Even though diesel electric locomotives are a lot less costly to run and maintain, the steam locomotive is still very appealing to many people for tourism and special excursions.

[@roblonsdale8927]

Fantastic news, thanks for posting, subscribed.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

These videos are so high quality I was shocked when I saw how few subscribers you have

[@mlp-hot-rod5824]

I'd certainly would like to see Hengist get a copy of the Duke's Kylchap/Caprotti setup.

[@Pesmog]

I believe that the Clan will be getting a Lempor exhaust. Not sure about the valves though, but I do know that they have spent a lot of time looking at the motion and in particular the pistons, rings and how they are lubricated as the Clans were known to need improvement in that area.

[@Han-wh5ie]

Lovenswaardig werk !

[@davidchapman6308]

Loved the Video. Well done, do not let the skills of the past ever fade away, let the young pick up the knowledge and pass that on to their apprentices.

[@nomis3045]

Fantastic project, just what we need to cheer us up. Well done chaps.

[@kenskinner6948]

Simply brilliant.

[@johnnunn8688]

Fantastic. Used to stand on the footbridge at St Deny’s station, Southampton as a child, getting steamed by the trains passing under. Sad when the diesels came in.

[@benjaminc1816]

This is amazing, is it possible to book a visit? I’m not far from Sheffield and would love to see this! I’m not overly into trains but totally love the engendering / old technology side of this! Amazing to have something like this happening so close, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for the young engineers learning from the old boys! So lucky!!

[@taffboyslim]

Fantastic. I grew up in the diesel era but the more I learn about steam locomotives, the more I am absolutely overwhelmed by the brilliance of the people who designed, built, serviced, and drove them. I would have loved the chance to be involved in something like this.

[@Benji_transport_vids]

Great video, Excited to see the later progress!

[@alanwilliamson2259]

How absolutely marvellous . Well done to all concerned !

[@stratman9449]

great to see some sterling engeneering done in yorkshire.....some of the best railway stock and inventions are from the northeast.....lovely... hope to see the "finished" product some time soon......greetings from germany...."we"could learn a lot from you in yorkshire....