The LMS Patriot Project has released an update on their progress made in 2019 and what plans they have for 2020.

The project finished 2019 better than it did in 2018. The facilities at Crewe were limited, but a number of tasks did get completed. However, it was only when the locomotive arrived at the West Shed in August hat any real progress became possible.

Simon Scott and his team at West Shed lifted the locomotive and the bogie and carried out a full assessment to create a detailed worklist. This assessment took some time but was vital to ensure the locomotive is suitable for use on the mainline.

By Christmas, a range of components such as buffers and pipework had been cleaned or removed for modification or rectification. Material has been obtained for new components such as brake and spring hanger pins and new rear cylinder covers have been cast. Patterns have also been borrowed for other new components.

On the centre driving wheelset, the replacement for the defective crankpins is underway. A repair was attempted but the assessment has deemed them not to be robust enough.

Whilst the crankpins are being replaced, the axle journals will be polished to remove the damage caused by dirt ingress.

The bogie wheelset obtained from ex-Barry 8F 48518 was known to have tyres with slightly over spec dimensions.

Originally, this had been approved for use but ith the bogie dismantled for cleaning, the opportunity has been taken to fit new tyres to the correct specification. The work on the wheels is in progress at Ian Riley & Sons (E) Ltd.

Back at the West Shed base, the drain cock operating gear has been assembled and fitted to the pressure relief valves, and the operation has been adjusted.

Pipe runs from the cylinder drain cocks are being made by the team. Casting for the new drain cocks, 6 of them, are on order to replace the original parts which are beginning to show signs of extensive use.

The cab reverser unit is ready to assemble before being installed in the cab. The six driving wheel splashers and rear-wheel splashers have been installed to the correct position and clearances.

A number of cab and boiler fittings have been borrowed from the East Lancashire Railway to aid the design and manufacture for the parts. The loan of a number of casting patterns has also been arranged.

Work is continuing at Heritage Boiler Steam Services. The fitting of the transverse stays and the firehole door and backplate cladding all progressing.

The casting for the superheater header has been received and is awaiting machining to allow a pressure test to be carried out.

Meanwhile, the Boiler Appeal has now raised over £57,000 since its launch back in November 2019.

Funds are still being raised to enable the boiler to be completed and steamed in 2020.

Donations to the Boiler Appeal can be made on www.lms-patriot.org.uk or can be posted to: The LMS-Patriot Company, The Hub, 17 Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LZ.

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