‘Legacy’ parts too risky to use

AFTER DISCUSSIONS with advisors the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust, The LMS-Patriot Project has decided that using legacy motion parts obtained for 5551 The Unknown Warrior could have a hidden risk of failure. It has been found that one of the radius rods for the new-build 4-6-0 has a previous repair that has weakened the part to the point of being unsuitable for further use. The Project will therefore source two new outside combination levers, one union link and two outside radius rods.

The decision follows further inspection at West Shed, Butterley, on work completed under contract, after other faults were identified. The motion has had all bushes pressed off and the condition of all components has now been assessed. Driving wheel weld-repairs are complete and repairs are underway on cracks discovered in one of the wheel pans.

It is expected that there will be a delay returning the repaired wheelsets to West Shed, due to the effects of COVID-19 at the South African plant manufacturing the new axle. The main reverser shaft, intermediate reach rod and intermediate reverser shaft have been trial-fitted. Heritage Boiler Steam Services is still obtaining firebox stays and has bought metal for the boiler slides.

For further details visit www.lms-patriot.org.uk.