The LMS Patriot Project has sent RailAdvent a progress update on their project to build steam locomotive 5551 The Unknown Warrior.
Riveting has been completed on the tender frames, which are currently at Leaky Finders' workshop in Devon. The trailing dragbox has now been fitted into place, which is now a permanent fixing.
Unfortunately, riveting wasn't possible previously due to social distancing rules; however, the tender frames are now complete. These will be taken to West Shed to be re-wheeled with the three wheelsets, which are originals that were reclaimed from an original Fowler tender that had been part of the Barry 10 collection.
A new Fowler water tank for the tender will be constructed using a revised design with increased capacity, which is necessary for mainline running.
At West Shed, a return to work was delayed due to staffing issues. However, The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust resumed work on 5551 The Unknown Warrior on the 3rd August 2020.
The centre driving wheelset has had new crankpins fitted at Ian Riley's workshop in Heywood and is now being taken to Tyseley Locomotive Works to have the axle journals polished.
The lathe at Tyseley is a good size for the 6′ 9″ driving wheels to be machined. The bogie wheelsets will be returned to West Shed at the same time to allow the bogie to re-assembled.
If you would like to help The Patriot Project to complete 5551 ‘The Unknown Warrior' can be made via the LMS-Patriot Project website by clicking here.
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Glad to see the progress on the essentially new tender. As mentioned, the tank will be of an improved design on order to increase the water capacity. I sincerely hope this will include widening the tank to match the width of the cab. Previous reports have suggested that the original mismatch in widths would be replicated in order to obtain an authentic appearance. In my humble opinion, the opportunity exists to correct a design fault and increase the capacity, whilst at the same time improving the appearance of an already handsome machine