The Royal British Legion Dedicate Frames for 'The Unknown Warrior'

The Royal British Legion has dedicated a new steam memorial engine in a ceremony in North Wales. The new locomotive will carry the name ‘The Unknown Warrior’ and is being built in recognition of fallen servicemen and women. The ceremony was held at the Llangollen Railway Works on November 2nd and was attended by Royal British Legion Members from North Wales.

The LMS-Patriot Project, the charity which is raising funds to build the 'The Unknown Warrior' has received official endorsement from The Royal British Legion. The new locomotive will also carry Royal British Legion crests, in recognition of the Legion’s links with the Project.

Kevin Forbes, from the North Wales Royal British Legion said, "The Royal British Legion is delighted to have dedicated the new steam loco 'The Unknown Warrior'. The loco is dedicated to all the men and women who died serving their country in past and current conflicts. Building a new steam memorial engine is a fitting tribute to all the sacrifices that have been made".

Andrew Laws, LMS-Patriot Project Marketing and Publicity Director added, "It’s fantastic that The Royal British Legion has endorsed the ‘The Unknown Warrior’. The new locomotive will be seen by future generations around the country in recognition of our fallen heroes and we are really proud to have received the endorsement of The Royal British Legion".

The LMS-Patriot Project is seeking to raise £1.5million to build ‘The Unknown Warrior’ and is looking for new supporters and members to contribute towards the Project. The frames have already been assembled at the Llangollen Railway Works and the driving wheels will be cast in 2010.

The aim is to have the new steam locomotive up and running by 2018 – the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice.
Thank you to everybody who has contributed to the Loco Appeal so far. If you are thinking about setting up a Standing Order to make a regular monthly contribution, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Please download a Donations & Regular Contributions Form from the website.

Please support the LMS-Patriot Project and help build the new Royal British Legion Endorsed National Memorial Engine.

 

I must admit I always thought the tomb in Westminster Abbey was of the "unknown soldier", but watching the ceremony on television yesterday, it is indeed "the unknown warrior", which in my mind adds to the authenticity of what this fund is trying to acheive, and is an entirely appropiate addition to the "Patriot" class. I wish them every success.

Sincere regards

46118

 

"The frames have already been assembled" - As at last Saturday they consisted of the two main profile cut frames & the front buffer beam. Bit of a way to go yet before the wheels are needed.

Bob.

 

Has any machining been done to the frames?

 

What are they going to do with it when complete?

 

Hopefully run it on the mainline and take bookings for Remembrance Day events on railways. This locomotive is very special. I predict that it will have a similar "pull" on the Public as "Tornado". Nothing will ever match the "Tornado Effect" as it was the first but this "Patriot" will be a close second. (and I'm a GWR enthusiast!)

 

Even though it is being built to mainline standards, I don't think it is yet definate that it will go mainline. The group would like to if possible, but we don't know what the mainline scene will be like in 8 years time ( if completed for 2018 ) and they still have a long way to go.

The frames being assembled is interesting though, last photos I've seen they were as Bob described them. Still some way to go to complete them, 6880s aren't even complete yet! Think they mean the main frames have been cast, they are still missing a dragbox, hornties, hornguides etc.

 

Yes, I would agree with that. Although my loyalties lie with the LNER I am a contributor to the new Patriot project. If "45551" is completed by 2018 in time for the centenary of the end of WW1 its public appeal should be at least match that of 60163. In 2018 there may not be that many of us still around who can remember the real Patriots though.

 

The story of the tomb was highlighted on Andrew Marr's ''The History of Modern Britain'' this evening on BBC 2. The following link gives an interesting insight into the history of the tomb.
http://www.homeofheroes.com/gravesites/unknowns/foreign_greatbritain.html

Hope this helps. <BJ>