Unknown Warrior - The road to 11th November 2018

[Unknown Warrior]

 

First of all a big thank you to everyone who visited The Unknown Warrior Stand ay Warley last weekend. It was an incredible weekend for the Project starting at The National Arboretum last Thursday for a dedication orchestrated by The Warley Club. The visit was covered in detail by Central TV News and transmitted on the early evening news.

 

The Project is very grateful to The Warley Committee for the opportunity to display the loco, to Squires for sponsoring the transport, to Allelys for transporting the loco in their normal efficient manner. The massive support of all the supplies who have so far manufactured and assembled parts to bring the loco to its current state and to the other firms who have shown the confidence to support us thus far including Oakwood Press and Bachmann. This is not a complete list and inevitably I have missed people out for which I apologize.

 

One aspect of the weekend was the painting of the cab by Ian Hewitt and Mike O'Connor of Heritage Painting. Whenever they were in action they drew a large crowd, many of whom no doubt wished they could do lining etc. as skillfully!

 

The purpose of this topic is to keep members of The Forum up to date with progress on the build of The Unknown Warrior. The Loco is now at Tyseley to have the axle boxes fitted before returning to Llangollen for assembly to continue.

 

I will add more details of the visit to the NEC later.

 

John H-T.

[Unknown Warrior]

You can find out more about The Project at: http://www.lms-patriot.org.uk/

 

 and follow it on Facebook at Lms Patriotproject Newbuild

[Unknown Warrior]

You can find out more about The Project at: http://www.lms-patriot.org.uk/

 

 and follow it on Facebook at Lms Patriotproject Newbuild

 

If you have any problem loading the Patriot Project website, which has just been revamped, hit F5 which should solve the problem.

[PaulRhB]

Our lot had an amusing discussion about livery Sunday night, it was quickly obvious they'd only clocked one side each

Good luck the support stand was impressive too.

[-missy-]

Hello.

 

It was really nice to spend some time on Sunday talking to David and Kevin from the project with regards to poly patterns and the like. Its just reminded me I need to give David a ring soon!

 

Its great to see the project on here too.

 

M

[Grafarman]

You can find out more about The Project at: http://www.lms-patriot.org.uk/

 

 and follow it on Facebook at Lms Patriotproject Newbuild

 

For some obscure reason I didn't know anything about this until today so thanks for the info and link; my Father is an avid Patriot fan and models the LMS/early BR(MR) period he remembers so well, so I've bought him a calendar and we'll both be following with interest!

 

David

[Bulleidnutter]

I have to say. Very, Very impressed with the support, set up, drive and passion for this build. The ladies and gents at Warley really worked their socks off. The list of important sponsors adorning the trailer was very impressive.

 

This one along with 82045 are two new builds I am looking forward to the most.

[Unknown Warrior]

What next for the Unknown Warrior?

 

The project is not standing still after Warley:

 

"The Unknown Warrior" is currently at Tyseley Locomotive Works where the axle boxes are being fitted.

 

The replacement inside cylinder casting will be machined during January, then the rolling chassis will be returned to Llangollen around the end of January ready for the inside cylinder to be replaced.

 

The outside motion brackets will be machined and the outside cylinders due to be cast and fitted during 2014.

 

The bogie assembly will also take place at Tyseley. All the parts for this have been sourced apart from the second bogie wheel set, which will be delivered in 2014 from an 8F,

 

Construction of the copper firebox is also to begin at LNWR Heritage Ltd. at Crewe. 

 

Further progress of course depends on the speed we can raise money and the response to the boiler loan appeal. On the positive side £10,700 was banked as a result of the Warley weekend so a big thank you to everyone who donated, became a member or bought items from the stand.

 

Also a big thank you for all the positive comments, likes etc. from this Forum.

Edited December 9, 2013 by Unknown Warrior

[Unknown Warrior]

At Warley the Project was please to announce a partnership with Bachmann to produce a 00 Scale model of "The Unknown Warrior" in early 2018 to coincide, hopefully, with the real loco's completion and launch into traffic.

 

The livery of the first model to be launched will be the first that "The Unknown Warrior" carries when launched into traffic. This will be decided by a ballot of the membership in the autumn of 2016, one member, one vote, so if you want to influence the vote become a member!

 

Initially the model will only be available from the Project before it goes on general release. Obviously it is too early to announce a price for the model but the project is asking for expressions of interest. There is no commitment to buy at this stage and no deposits are being taken.

 

If you are interested in being kept informed about the model's progress, please email your Name, telephone number and email address to: lms-patriot@hotmail.co.uk or write to: LMS-Patriot Co. Ltd., PO Box 3118, Hixon, Stafford, ST16 9JL.

 

Bachmann have kindly hand finished two existing Patriot Models as "The Unknown Warrior" in LMS Crimson Lake and BR Green, see below. These are purely for illustrative purposes and do not necessarily reflect the final appearance of the model. The other livery possibilities are LMS Wartime Black, post war LMS Lined Black and BR Lined Black.

Edited December 12, 2013 by Unknown Warrior

[Unknown Warrior]

 

At Warley the Project launched prints of Colin Wright's new oil painting:

 

"The Unknown Warrior - a brush with the past."

"An artist's impression of Crewe North Shed - May 1934. The original  Patriot Class: 5551(unnamed) was out shopped in May 1934, The original Claughton LNWR Memorial Engine "1914 ( LMS 5964) Patriot" was withdrawn in July 1934 and the last Jumbo "25001 Snowdon" was withdrawn in October 1934."

 

5551 appears in sparkling pre-1936 LMS Crimson Lake Livery. 5964 Patriot’s Livery is a little more care worn!

 

The pairing of 5551 with the Claughton thus spans the development from Claughton to Patriot before the Stanier Revolution and also brings together the original and new memorial engines. Artistic license allows 5551 to wear its successor’s name to emphasise the link. The original (4)5551 was never named.

 

The trio of locomotives outside the shed is completed by the last Large Jumbo "25001 Snowdon," which had been renumbered onto the duplicate list the month before and was withdrawn in October 1934, leaving “Hardwicke” in preservation as a reminder of these gallant little engines: a fitting companion to “Patriot” and “The Unknown Warrior.”

 

In the background lurks George the Fifth 4-4-0 “5401 Windermere” which was to soldier on until February 1936.

 

I would like to acknowledge the help of Bob Essery and David Hunt of The LMS Society for their help in researching details for the painting. Colin Wright is to be congratulated on producing a second fine painting for The Project.

 

Prints of the painting are available in two sizes: B2 and B3 and can be ordered through The LMS Patriot Project Website at: www.lms-patriot.org.uk

Edited December 18, 2013 by Unknown Warrior

[Unknown Warrior]

Coverage of visit to The National Arboretum and Warley in Centenary News:

 

http://centenarynews.com/article/?id=1262

Edited December 19, 2013 by Unknown Warrior

[Unknown Warrior]

Photos of The Unknown Warrior being wheeled at Llangollen (Photos Courtesy of David Wilcock) and on arrival at Tyseley (photo courtesy of Kevin West). First time as a 4-6-0, well sort of! 

 

Axle boxes are now being fitted. More news in the New Year.

 

[Unknown Warrior]

Just when I thought there would be nothing else to report, I received this link to the website where a summary of this year's achievements, together with an update on the next phase of work can be found:

 

http://www.lms-patriot.org.uk/news/2013-12-24/2013-review-unknown-warrior-tour-rolling-chassis

[alfsboy]

What a marvelous project and a very fitting name  . Never heard of this before .i must have been sleeping .Happy Christmas to everyone involved .

Edited December 24, 2013 by alfsboy

[Unknown Warrior]

The latest edition of Steam Railway arrived today(subscription copy), due out 3rd Jan. Understandably Bittern's 90mph runs grabs the first double spread of news, but turn the page and "The Unknown Warrior" gets second billing along a with reproduction of the painting.

 

The headline news is that work on the formers for the inner firebox will start in January with a target date of August for completion. It is also hoped to order the two sections of the 14 feet long boiler barrel during the first half of the year. Significant progress with the front bogie is also expected over the next few months. The outside cylinder patterns will also be ordered during January. All this in spite of David Bradshaw's words that the project is "pausing for breath" after the "spectacular success" of the engine's visit to Warley. The amount raised at Warley, including Gift Aid, is likely to approach £15,000.

 

We still of course have a lot of money to raise, so it will be back out onto the road at the end of January, when the stand will be at one of it's familiar haunts: The Great Central Winter Steam Gala 24th-26th Jan. Come and see us there!

Edited December 30, 2013 by Unknown Warrior

[Unknown Warrior]

Thought it was time for a bit of an update in case people thought we were taking a break after Warley!

 

 

Frames at Tyseley for machining and fitting of horn guides and axle boxes.

 

 

Bogie Center Casting being machined.

 

 

Inside cylinder awaiting final machining.

 

 

Motion Girder pattern - 7 feet long!

 

 

Outside Motion Bracket awaiting machining.

 

 

Inner firebox drawing. Work due to start soon.

 

 

Outside cylinder pattern. Both outside cylinders to be cast soon.

 

So plenty going on - watch this space!

 

 

 

 

Edited February 27, 2014 by Unknown Warrior

[Unknown Warrior]

 

45596 Bahamas and 5551 The Unknown Warrior side by side in Tyseley Works, February 2014. The first time a Jubilee and a Patriot have been together for over 45 years! Photo John Hillier.

[Bulleidnutter]

Don't forget the lizzie lurking in the background.

Fabulous site and very much looking forward to seeing 45551 in action.

[Unknown Warrior]

I will be at The Leamington and Warwick Model Railway Exhibition at Stoneleigh with the Patriot Stand this weekend. Please come and say Hello.

[Unknown Warrior]

 

Poly Pattern for outside cylinder. Due to be cast in early April.

Edited March 20, 2014 by Unknown Warrior

[RJL]

Interesting to find out at the Belper show about the Poly Patterns and how much cheaper it was to do in that way than using the old method of using wood.

[Unknown Warrior]

All cylinders now cast. 5551 is now back at LLangollen.

 

Due to star at The Great Dorset Steam Fair at the end of August.

 

Member's Day on Saturday at Llangollen, so report/photos after that.

 

Then the excitement of a visit to Barwell on Monday!

[Unknown Warrior]

Sorry for the lack of updates for some time. This does not mean the project has been standing still, quite the contrary!

 

The loco is now firmly on it's driving wheels and was a star attraction at The Great Dorset Steam Fair, where around £9,000 was  raised for the project. All three cylinders are now cast. The center cylinder is machined and the two outside cylinders are in the process. The back plate for the inner firebox has been formed and the former for the firebox tube plate and throat plate are being produced.

 

The decision has been taken to cast the second set of bogie wheels and that has now happened. This will allow work towards completing the rolling chassis by this time next year to progress on schedule.

 

Rowlescourt Engineering of Alfreton in Derbyshire are rebuilding the tender from the components recovered from the two tenders owned by the project and will fabricate the new tender tank. They are doing this for the cost of the materials only, a very generous sponsorship. Projected completion date is mid 2016, in line with the build programme to have the loco completed by September 2017.

 

We are rapidly approaching the £1,000,000 mark for money raised, which leaves another £500,000 to raise for the build cost and a further £500,000 to put it on the mainline, So less than 3 years to raise the second million!

 

There are no second chances to meet the deadline of London on 11th November 2018, so the pressure is now really on!

 

Photos show the three cylinders; The Unknown Warrior at The Great Dorset Steam Fair; bogie wheel casting; bogie wheel pattern and the tender frame drawing.

[Ed-farms]

We are rapidly approaching the £1,000,000 mark for money raised, which leaves another £500,000 to raise for the build cost and a further £500,000 to put it on the mainline, So less than 3 years to raise the second million!

 

Out of interest, how long has the first million taken to raise?

[Unknown Warrior]

The public launch of the Project was April 2008. Since The Unknown Warrior's appearance at Warley last November fund raising has accelerated quite considerably and we are now working hard to maintain that momentum.

 

Completion in September 2017 is feasible as long as the money is raised. The programme for the rest of the build is mapped out and we are currently on target. Likewise fund raising is on target but we still need to keep the increase going.