LMS Patriot Project
A keen audience gathered to witness Janet Elson give us a presentation on the LMS Patriot Project of which she is a trustee and director. Its principal aim is to recreate a working replica of the LMS Patriot class of which none survived. It is to be named the Unknown warrior as a tribute to those people that fell in the wars.
This admirable project was launched in April 2008, after fundraising the frame plates were delivered to Llangollen Railways who were commissioned to assemble the loco. Many companies have also been involved in its development such as William Cook Cast products, Riley and sons, Tyseley Locomotive works amongst many others.
Of particular interest is that Simon Weston CBE the Falklands war veteran is their 1st patron, indeed in nov 2018 he unveiled the new nameplate crest at Crewe.
They have been blessed in that they have all the original drawings which have been a real bonus.
As you can imagine these projects are fraught with difficulties and delays, already £3 million has been spent with a further £1.5 million anticipated.
Going back to the construction in 2017 there was a major change as LNWR Heritage stopped any third-party contract work, so completion was put out to tender resulting in a move to Swannick, home of the Princess Royal Trust who were tasked with the locomotive assembly.
Much work has taken place to increase its water supply and many other modifications to enable it to run on the mainline once more, a superb thought.
From Nov 2023 Tyseley Locomotive works will be its new home, but much work remains.
This was an outstanding session the sheer enthusiasm and dedication shining through and they are to be wished success in their project
Alan Sattenstall
9th April 2024