NEW-BUILD NEWS
Despite vote results, RBL trustees decide to block endorsement of new-build ‘5XP’ again.
Royal British Legion trustees have rejected a proposal to reaffirm the organisation’s support for ‘Patriot’ No. 5551
The Unknown Warrior.
Last November, the war veterans’ charity informed the LMS-Patriot Project that it had withdrawn its endorsement for the Fowler ‘5XP’ 4-6-0, and that its crest could not be carried above the locomotive’s nameplate (SR474). A replacement crest was announced last month (SR482). However, at the RBL’s annual conference in Belfast on May 18-20, its Hale Branch from West Lancashire put forward the motion: “This conference calls upon the board of trustees to reconsider the decision of the national chairman to withdraw the legion’s endorsement and use of the legion crest on the LMS-Patriot Project steam locomotive named The Unknown Warrior.”
While Steam Railway understands that 75% of delegates voted in favour of the motion, the RBL trustees have stood by their original decision.
A spokesperson for the RBL said: “The use of a charity’s registered marks and devices by unrelated third parties, particularly when fundraising is involved, is a breach of charity law and regulations. Public confidence in the charitable sector must be preserved, and donors need to be assured that funds given to projects using a charity’s name and trademarks are in support of that charity.
“As champions of Remembrance, The Royal British Legion encourages communities across the nation to recognise the unique contribution made by our armed forces community past and present. The sole object of the LMS-Patriot charity is to advance the education of the public in relation to the ‘Patriot’ class of railway engine. Where our official endorsement as a charity and our
logo are concerned we have to be careful to ensure we do not create confusion in the eyes of the British public as to how their donated funds are being used by the charity.”
“The annual conference is a forum for debate and discussion, but is not a legal decision-making entity on behalf of the charity. The board of trustees has ultimate decisionmaking responsibility.” At Heritage Boiler Steam Services on the Midland Railway – Butterley, No. 5551’s inner firebox has been trial-fitted into the outer wrapper.
Three firms have been invited to tender for the final assembly
of the locomotive.