Phil
good spot
indeed 61671 was a Thompson rebuild from the B17 Manchester City. Used on Royal train duties, until scrapping then nameplate was put on 61632 e Belvoir Castle ( another B2). Add to which KGV funeral train was hauled by 61617 yet another B2.
A lot of people are under the illusion that the B17 class were the 'Royal Engines' Nothing can be further from the truth. As far as i am awar no B17 was rostered as the Royal Engine. The LNER used two Clauds D16 8783 and 8787 and these were directly replaced by 61671 in April 1946. In fact the only 'Royal' connection is that KGV was asked by the LNER to name the first engine Sandringham. The reason behind thisi s that it was the intention to name the class after stately homes in the LNER region. However several owners did decline LNER overtures. The naming of the later B17/4 sub class as football clubs was a good move,It was suggested that the names of the four FA Cup semi finalists would be used, but there were some amendments during to the build run. Newcastle Unted brief appearance being one of them. A story has the rounds on this but as yet i cannot find any substantive proof. however it is a good yarn.
