LMS Patriot Project Updates

I have read that mr Webb arranged that Crewe could cast such wheels centrifugally in Steel.
Is it still done this way and where?

 

‘Perchance it not dead but sleepeth’ to use a quote regarding another project.

 

I doubt it...but....

 

Latest engineering update suggests that all driving wheels are defective. Not looking as though this project will reach the finish line any time soon

 

Just recieved that info....aaaaargh...

 

If so, apparently the removal of that one wheel isn't what caused the problem.

Credit to the group for being open about the problem.

Noel

 

Are you at liberty to disclose the nature of the defects? Any possibility of replacements paid for by whoever is deemed responsible?

 

Apparently I've spoken to linda westerman a admin and LMS Patriot worker at Stafford she says theres going to be AGM on the last saturday of July 2021 to decide about the way to recast all 6 driver wheels at Boro foundry maybe but the money will have to be raised again for the loco and probably to have qualified foundry casting folk to make sure the 6.9ft wheels don't have airline cracks or air bubbles whilst been allowed to slowly cool down, but its unlikely now, (I say this with a very sad heart) the LMS 5XP isent going to finished at least until 2024+
Davo 56F with great disappointment.

 

But I do believe theres a wooden template for the Wheelpans still......

 

Aaaaaaaargh indeed. Horrible news. But not terminal. Maybe Boro Foundry will be extremely helpful in the casting of a new set?

Richard.

 

Haven’t Boro Foundry cast things for a few more new build projects? I’m wondering if this might affect those they’ve worked with, I’m thinking of a certain 2-6-2 up the road.

 

I'm surprised that it has taken so long to find such a major problem, as these wheels were cast and machined a long time ago...
From the Patriot website....
"Engineering update - March 2013
Submitted by admin on 31 March, 2013 - 09:38
Stretcher number 5 - the final stretcher that is needed for 'The Unknown Warrior' was delivered to the Llangollen Railway Works during March, after being cast at the Boro Foundry. The Lye foundry near Stourbridge has previously cast the other four frame stretchers, bogie centre pin, and driving wheels for 'The Unknown Warrior'."

Still I am sure they will overcome this latest set back.
Could the old wheels be used for a non mainline certified 4-4-0 project?

 

I can see what you are thinking...but as they are having to specifically calculate the balance weightings (from scratch) on the ones for that particular loco in order to for them to be cast and the certified once completed, the ones off the Patriot aren't likely to be suitable.......
Legrandanglais would be able to give the definitive answer on that one, I would think!

 

What are you implying?

 

What is the reason for the rejection of the wheels?

 

What awful news.
There is always uncertainty in casting (see the Night Owl reports on casting the cylinder blocks).

The question will be the cost and fund-raising.

 

So the driving wheels weren't cast at Boro' Foundry ????? IIRC the pattern used was the one Tyseley had made for the damaged wheelset on Galatea - does anyone recollect who cast those for 45699?
Ray.

 

Evidently Boro Foundry is in Lye, Stourbridge, they are one and the same..

 

There is always uncertainty, so there should be comprehensive inspection and testing before the castings are accepted and paid for. Presumably that didn't happen, or wasn't done adequately, but these wheels are not the only instance with this or other projects. It's especially unfortunate that these faults have taken so long to come to light, and that they're on a project which has suffered other setbacks.

 

Very sad to read of this and I think on reflection there are many lessons to be learned. Wishing the group the best in sorting the issues out.