The LMS Patriot Project has released an update on progress to build Patriot class No. 5551 The Unknown Warrior.
Two major decisions have been made at the engineering team meeting, which takes place monthly at West Shed. Engineers from the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust met with The LMS Patriot Project engineering team to decide that the “unsatisfactory” driving wheel weld repairs identified, needed to be addressed.
These repairs were completed nine years ago when the driving wheels were first supplied. They were assessed by a welding inspector on the 4th September 2020, and work will require the wheels to be pressed off the axles for repair.
Secondly, it has been decided to modify the locomotive bogie to conform to the Patriot bogie design. The current bogie is a hybrid design which accommodates LMS 8F components obtained from Barry 8F No. 48518, and as such, it doesn't have the “grandfather rights” and certification process would be time-consuming and costly for a modified bogie design. Therefore, the trust has decided to use a standard design.
In both cases, the group are in the process of confirming the cost involved, and how the work will be contracted. Whilst the costs will be major, the common factor is the need to deliver design solutions with all the necessary documentation.
The LMS Patriot Project told RailAdvent: “These decisions were made in full consultation with PRCLT. Establishing the way forward with these key components will be a big help with future work sequencing and to ensure that the locomotive meets all the necessary safety and quality standards for mainline running. We are now moving forward with planning the work in more detail.”
Additionally, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Board has concluded that it is not possible to hold a conventional AGM. However, an open forum using Zoom has been scheduled for the 31st October.
Donations to the project can be made via the website at www.lms-patriot.org.uk
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With the greatest respect this project (5551) is becoming a bit of a farce.
The society then asks for donations after the article…….
Why would anyone bother after so much donated money has already been wasted?
Who is running this organisation now?
I know the original chairman left with immediate effect – so the story went.
Not very professional in my opinion against other well organised new build projects.
So, having contributed to the wrecking of the LNER-built 8F 48518, they now decide to bin the parts they took from it anyway?