The LMS Patriot Project has released an update on the construction of LMS Patriot No. 5551 The Unknown Warrior.

Two of the six replacement driving wheels for the locomotive have now been cast by William Cook Cast Products who are based in Sheffield – these were completed in May.

A small amount of repair work was completed on the wooden patterns before a casting could take place. The pattern was loaned to the project by Tyseley Locomotive Works who originally made the pattern for Jubilee 45699 Galatea, which needed 2 driving wheels made after a derailment at Barry Scrapyard.

The need for six new driving wheels for the locomotive is because cracks were found in the original castings.

The two new driving wheel pan castings are now being prepared for testing and inspection.

Once the castings have passed the tests, the remaining castings can be produced and tested.

The next stage will be proof machining of the castings.

Orders have also been placed for the supply of six driving wheel tyres as well as machining and assembly of the new driving wheel sets.

Whilst this is a major expense for the project, they say that it is all budgeted within the project’s projected fundraising for the year.

If you would like to donate towards the work to build 5551 The Unknown Warrior, you can do so over on the LMS Patriot Project website.