Patriot to get new wheels

New driving wheels will be acquired for No. 5551 The Unknown Warrior, the LMSPatriot Project has confirmed. The group behind the new-build 4-6-0 said the decision follows an investigation with the active cooperation of manufacturer Boro Foundry, which jointly concluded that the driving wheels cannot be repaired to the standard required.

Discussions are now in progress with William Cook Cast Products on the procurement of new wheels, and the original wheel pattern has been secured for collection from Tyesley Locomotive Works for this purpose.

Meanwhile, safety valves have been completed by Locomotive Maintenance Services, Loughborough, and transferred to the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust’s West Shed.