The LMS Patriot Project has sent RailAdvent an update on the work being completed on LMS Patriot 5551 The Unknown Warrior.
At West Shed, work has continued with the motion now having had all of the bushes pressed off, and the components have had their condition fully assessed.
Discussions with the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust have taken place and it has been decided that using legacy motion parts for 5551 could have been a risk of failure.
Inspections have found that one of the radius rods has had a previous repair which has weakened it to the point of being unsuitable for future use.
Therefore, the LMS Patriot Project will be sourcing 2 new outside combination levers, a union link and 2 outside radius rods.
Whilst the weld repairs on the driving wheel has been completed, repairs are currently underway on cracks that were found in one of the wheel pans.
The project says that it is likely that there will be a delay in the return of the wheelsets to West Shed due to the coronavirus pandemic at the plant in South Africa that is manufacturing the new axle material.
Trial fittings has taken place with the main reverser shaft, intermediate reach rod and intermediate reverser shaft, all have been completed successfully.
Preparation work has begun on the cylinder covers before they are refitted to the cylinders.
Heritage Boiler Steam Services have continued work on the boiler, with the firebox stays secured and the purchasing of material for manufacturing and fitting of the boiler sides.
Locomotive Maintenance Services, in Loughborough, have machined two brass Ross Pop Safety Valves. These safety valves are for the Horwich design of valve which is part of a large order for other locomotives.
If you would like to become a member of the LMS Patriot Project or to donate towards the construction of 5551 The Unknown Warrior, please visit the LMS Patriot Project website.
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