The Patriot Project is to build a new 'Patriot' steam locomotive to the original Sir Henry Fowler parallel boiler design, capable of running on the main line and create the new National Memorial Engine, named 'The Unknown Warrior'.
The Patriot Class was a class of 52 express passenger steam locomotives built for the London Midland and Scottish Railway. The first locomotive of the class was built in 1930 and the last in 1934.
The class was based on the chassis of the Royal Scot combined with the boiler from Large Claughtons earning them the nickname Baby Scots.
The fact that none of the original 52 'Patriot' class locomotives was preserved leaves a massive gap in the story of LMS express power.
A new 'Patriot' will provide the link between the 'Royal Scot' and 'Jubilee' classes and will clearly enhance the UK steam collection.
'The Unknown Warrior' will be the new National Memorial Engine and will be a unique contribution for Remembrance - a permanent memorial to all fallen servicemen and women.
Two significant decisions were made at the monthly engineering team meeting at West Shed on October 1st.
It was decided to address the unsatisfactory driving wheel weld repairs identified as an issue by an independent assurance body. These repairs were carried out nine years ago when the driving wheels were first supplied: they were assessed on 4th September this year by a suitably qualified welding inspector. The remedial work will require the wheels to be pressed off the axles for repair.
Also, it was decided to modify the locomotive bogie to conform to the standard Patriot bogie design. (The existing bogie is a ‘hybrid’ design to accommodate the LMS 8F components obtained originally by the project.)
In both cases the process of confirming the cost involved is taking place and how the work will be contracted. While the costs will be significant, the common factor is the need to deliver design and quality solutions with all the necessary supporting documentation.
'The Unknown Warrior' will be the new National Memorial Engine and will be a unique contribution for Remembrance - a permanent memorial to all fallen servicemen and women.
Two significant decisions were made at the monthly engineering team meeting at West Shed on October 1st.
It was decided to address the unsatisfactory driving wheel weld repairs identified as an issue by an independent assurance body. These repairs were carried out nine years ago when the driving wheels were first supplied: they were assessed on 4th September this year by a suitably qualified welding inspector. The remedial work will require the wheels to be pressed off the axles for repair.
Also, it was decided to modify the locomotive bogie to conform to the standard Patriot bogie design. (The existing bogie is a ‘hybrid’ design to accommodate the LMS 8F components obtained originally by the project.)
In both cases the process of confirming the cost involved is taking place and how the work will be contracted. While the costs will be significant, the common factor is the need to deliver design and quality solutions with all the necessary supporting documentation.
Over the past 6 months considerable efforts have been made to obtain supporting documentation required by present assurance standards, but without success.
More information about the project here
More information about the project here
