LMS Patriot Project Updates

We are fundraising to assemble the rolling chassis. Funds are still needed for the front bogie. Card Donations can now be made at: http://www.justgiving.com/LMS-PatriotProject/Donate

Any donation small or large can now be made on our new JustGiving portal. Thanks for your support.

 

The LMS-Patriot Project was on ITV News at 3pm on Sunday 8th July with interviews at the Llangollen Railway with George Jones and Dave Owen. See:

Llangollen Railway's £1.5m steam engine project | Wales - ITV News

 

That's a nice piece of publicity for the Patriot.

Whilst the interviewer was still referring to the Patriot, I noticed at 1:25 there's a clip showing 6880's frames. This made me chuckle.

Perhaps if there is a similar news article on 6880, then images of the Patriot and/or 4709 may inadvertently be featured !

 

Looks like the wheelsets for the Grange at 01.49.

 

You could well be right as I have just learnt the 6880 wheelsets are now at Llangollen and have been painted by the volunteer team.

 

A quick update for those of you who are not on either facebook or buy Steam Railway, the project has now purchased another fowler tender for use with the Unknown warrior. As many of you may or may not know the "Barry tender" is in such poor condition that it needs new frames, 4 new axleboxes, a brand new tank............. the list goes on and on, and this second tender "Bury tender" has many of the missing parts. It is believed the frames of this tender are good enough to be restored to mainline condition and although it only has two of the wheelsets left we already have 3 wheelsets at Tyseley (the tyres have been turned, journals polished) And the 4 axleboxes we had missing are available from this one.



So it is hoped that between the two tenders we will be able to have the majority of the rolling chassis.

 

loco axleboxes being machined photo from Oakwood Visuals

 

The first two wheelsets for 'The Unknown Warrior' have been assembled by South Devon Railway Engineering at Buckfastleigh. The third wheelset - the leading wheelset will be the next to be assembled with the crank axle. Then all three wheelsets will have the tyres, crank pins, and balance weights fitted.

Also, we have ordered the Smokebox from LNWR Crewe. Frame stretcher No5 Pattern has also been finished and will soon be cast.

 

I find it hard to keep track of the pace made on some of these New Builds !!

All are making excellent progress.

 

Great stuff how many members do we have now Gavin

 

Were up to 700 ish members. But we need to convert more of them to become monthly donors.
Gav

 

Is that the last one needed?

 

Yes that's the last one.

 

So presumably with all the stretchers and wheels cast it will not be overly long before you'll be showing off your rolling chassis?

 

Yes I suppose so. We don't have a firm time yet for that. Some time before November next year. I know the wheelsets are due to be finished by the end of the year. Then the frames will need shot blasting and painting at some point. If you don't already know our plan is to have the rolling chassis at the warley model railway show at the NEC. Ie driving wheels in frames with smokebox and deflectors on and cab on.

 

Well that will certainly trump the Grange Cab that we took to Warley in 2007!!

 

I didn't know they did that. How was it? Very busy I take it?

 

Always busy at Warley. We set up a projector and big screen in the cab to show the SSS1 DVD. Worked a treat!!

 

Well I took the plunge last Saturday at the SVR Gala signed on the dotted line and joined the Patriot Project
So what happend next ?
A large brown envelope arrived through post this morning almost 7 days to the hour from when I parted with my hard earned £16
Included inside was my members pack consisting of
An introduction letter informing me of newsletters and fundraising activities
A key ring
An A4 certificate of membership (and very nice it is too )
A Membership card I am number 729
Two books of raffle tickets
An A4 flyer advertising the sale of a print by transport artist Colin Wright
The latest ( August 2012 ) copy of the warrior newsletter
And another fund raiser an envelope for sending off old ink cartidges or mobile phones

So far I am very impressed if all members are treated in the same manner they will undoubtedly succeed, other projects need to take note of this the figure of 700+members speaks for itself

I admit it is only for one year but I would be more than happy to renew when the time comes

Look forward to further updates and will no doubt be offering any help I can in the future