LMS Patriot Project

We are building a working steam locomotive as a National Memorial Engine, recreating a Remembrance link

established after the Great War and lost in the 1960s.

None of this type of express passenger locomotive – the London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) ‘Patriot’

class – survived when steam traction ended in the 60s on British Railways. When complete, it will join a select

family of other LMS express passenger locomotives that still operate on our UK railway.

Inspired by the Great War Centenaries of recent years – Armistice Day and the repatriation of the Unknown

Warrior to Westminster Abbey – the locomotive will be named The Unknown Warrior. This recognizes its

special Remembrance role as a National Memorial Engine, in memory of servicemen and women lost in the

First World War and all subsequent wars. This special role was performed by the first of the original ‘Patriot’

class – named Patriot – in honour of railway employees who fell in the 1914-1918 War.

We believe that this commemorative role, together with the importance of the locomotive type itself in the

development of our railways, brings a special historical dimension to our work. Our Patron is Simon Weston

CBE the well-known Falklands War Veteran.

Our present forecast sees the locomotive completed by 2026, dependent on our donations trend. Thereafter

we intend that the locomotive will be visible as a working memorial on regular display and hauling heritage

trains on tours and at special events for many years to come.

Practically all of the work is new construction, using traditional engineering and manufacturing skills and based

on original drawings. All of the major manufacturing and assembly work is being done in the UK. Our main

assembly base is the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust (PRCLT) works at West Shed, Swanwick, Derbyshire,