The Standard Steam Locomotive Company (SSLC) is building a new Clan class Pacific steam locomotive and has appointed Ricardo as the Independent Certification Body for the locomotive’s construction.

SSLC is building the locomotive, No. 72010 Hengist, using the original British Railways engineering designs for the locomotives. It is being constructed by CTL Seal Ltd at their factory in Sheffield, with the frames already assembled, and many components have been ordered against the exacting standards needed to ensure the locomotive can operate safely and reliably on the main line network.

Ten Clans were built between 1951 and 1952. A further 15 were planned, and some of these had been allocated names and numbers, with Hengist set to be the next one to be built.

However, a combination of steel shortages and the adoption of diesel traction power led to the cancellation of production in 1955. The entire class was scrapped in the 1960s, with none of the original locomotives preserved.

The new Hengist will feature modern materials and safety systems to comply with today’s more exacting requirements, but will otherwise remain faithful to the original 1950s designs. Ricardo has been appointed as the Independent Certification Body for the development of the locomotive. To ensure that the completed locomotive can be allowed to operate on today’s railway, an Independent Certification Body must be appointed to review the project’s design, construction, and maintenance plans against recognised industry standards.

SSLC plans that Hengist will have a ‘go-anywhere’ capability, so that it can potentially operate on large parts of the GB rail network, as well as heritage lines around the country. Due to the use of modern materials and construction practices, there should be a benefit from lower maintenance and running costs.

Ricardo is the only accredited Assessment Party serving the UK’s heritage railway sector. They will guide SSLC through the extensive assurance requirements, and provide specialist support to ensure all safety requirements are identified and implemented as efficiently as possible. Once Ricardo is satisfied that the relevant standards have been met,it will issue formal certification that permits the locomotive to operate on the UK mainline network.

Andy England, Chairman of SSLC, said “The appointment of Ricardo as our Assurance Party marks a significant step in our plans to build and operate 72010-Hengist on the UK mainline network.”

“In October 2021 we revitalised our project with a complete rebrand to underpin a new eight-year build plan for Hengist, and welcoming Ricardo on board as a partner is a significant step in delivering this and achieving our vision for Hengist. Our locomotive works at CTL Seal in Sheffield are delivering to the exacting standards needed to operate on the mainline and Ricardo will be instrumental in our journey translating this into a living, breathing steam locomotive that will operate for decades to come”.

Alistair Leach, Lead Assessor for Ricardo, added, “We are proud that SSLC have selected Ricardo to act as their assurance partner and we look forward to a close working relationship”.

“It is a privilege to work on these heritage projects. We are currently performing assurance roles on six new steam locomotives around the UK, with each, just like Hengist, driven by dedicated teams with a huge passion for recreating iconic locomotives from the industry’s past that often become popular attractions in their own right”.

“Although we will maintain an independent stance throughout, we are able to provide specialist support and advice to each project. We can also use our oversight position to promote collaboration and the sharing of best practice”.