The crew are suprised someone is showing an interest in their ancient looking engine. Actually it is only 20 years old!
Destined to be the last of the class to remain in service, a distinction shared with sister engine together with 9014, this engine was saved for preservation when it was privately purchased following withdrawal in October 1960, and has since been based on the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex .
Originally it had been intended that 9017 would have the name Earl of Berkeley but this was not put into effect as the first thirteeen members of the class which actually carried names in the Earl series lost them to new Castles in 1937 whilst the remaining Dukedogs never carried their intended names. Today with its original number of 3217 restored, it also has Earl of Berkeley nameplates.