Work on The Unknown Warrior since the beginning of December has mainly concentrated on the Boiler.

All the Boiler parts have been moved from LNWR Heritage at Crewe to Heritage Boiler Steam Services (HBSS) base at West Shed on the Midland Railway Centre. This has allowed work to continue on the Boiler. The Doorplate and Outer Wrapping have been lined-up for a trial fit. After a short visit back to Tyseley, the Thoatplate has arrived back to HBSS.

At Llangollen, work has focused on the Braking and Lubrication systems. Machining of the Locomotive Brake Cylinder is being done by Harco Engineering, after the supplier of the cylinder couldn’t machine it due to certain circumstances.

Harco Engineering is also refurbishing the Tender Brake Cylinder, from LMS 8F 48518.

The Oil Box, responsible for lubricating the operating gear of the Ashpan Damper, has been delivered to Llangollen. This now will undergo machining at Llangollen.

Parts for the inside Valve Gearing are being built, with some parts completed. One such part is the Die Block sets, which are for each set of Valve Gearing.

Detailed drawings of the Piston and Valve Rod assemble are in process. This has lead to both Royal Scot and Jubilee class types being examined, to aid in the drawing.

To produce accurate drawings for some parts, measurements will be taken from parts already made, which either on loan or can’t be used.

Adjustments are being made to Cylinder Relief Valves after they open at low pressures. These may be sent away for further examination. Like many other LMS engines, The Unknown Warrior will feature Great Western Railway type Injectors, as they prove to be more reliable in service. The Drain Cock mountings have also been completed.

Other information on the Patriot

A couple of weeks ago we released an article detailing the History of the Patriot Class, the Aims of The LMS-Patriot Project and Progress so far (most recent at the time of writing). If you would like to read the article, please click here.

• Visit the Patriot Project Website
  For more information