More ‘Patriot’ progress as 2020 target date looms

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The LMS-Patriot Project is picking up the pace of construction of its Fowler ‘Patriot’ 4-6-0 No. 5551 The Unknown Warrior across three fronts as the November 2020 steaming target draws closer.

Heritage Boiler Steam Services (HBSS) at Huyton, Liverpool, is making great strides with the assembly of No. 5551’s parallel boiler. 

‘Patriot’ No. 5551 The Unknown Warrior is pictured in a stripped-down state at Crewe Heritage Centre on May 9. KEVIN WEST/LMS-PATRIOT PROJECT

The barrel sections have now been permanently riveted to the firebox and the dome also fitted. The firebox is the next main area for attention as HBSS begin to ream the stay holes.

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The bottom end of the loco remains at Crewe Heritage Centre, where work continues while a decision is made on which contractor will be appointed to complete the final assembly. 

The shortlist has been narrowed down to two, with meetings being held as this issue of The RM went to press. The project management was hopeful the appointment would be made by the end of May, with contracts to follow.

Read more in the June 2019 issue of The Railway Magazineon sale now!

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