Last big parts under way for ‘Patriot’s’ burgeoning boiler
Parts for the top and bottom halves of ‘Patriot’ No. 5551 The Unknown Warrior are steadily coming together ‑ with the production of the last large parts for the boiler, and the remaining items for the motion. With the delivery of the dome and main steam pipes, the impending production of the superheater header marks the final major casting needed for the boiler, while Tyseley Locomotive Works has completed the top section of the outer firebox throatplate and begun work on the lower section. The angle ring which joins the boiler barrel to the front tubeplate has been delivered to Crewe, while the firebox foundation ring has been welded together and is ready for fitting. For the motion, orders have been placed for the return cranks, three valve crossheads, inside combination lever, and the main and intermediate reverser shaft castings. Quotes are being sought for one inside and one outside union link, while the piston and valve rods, and inside radius rod, are currently at the final design stage. The first parts have been produced for the reversing gear, including the distinctive ‘Claughton’‑ like reverser wheel. Also well advanced is the brake gear, the final parts for which have now arrived at Llangollen, and which will be assembled in the coming months along with the lubrication pipework. Design work has also begun on the snifting valves, which allow a flow of air through the cylinders and steam pipes when the locomotive is coasting, preventing a vacuum from drawing smokebox ash into the cylinders.