The Patriot class, often referred to as 'Baby Scots', were an immediate success displaying consistently good performance. The class was withdrawn over a two year period between 1960 and 1962 having all covered around 1.3 million miles each, unfortunately too early to be considered for preservation. The last two withdrawn were in good condition on withdrawal, but unfortunately all were scrapped. Although no Patriot in either rebuilt or not rebuilt forms survived into preservation a new 'Patriot' is under construction at the Llangollen Railway. The LMS-Patriot Project, a registered charity, is appealing for donations or regular contributions to build the new, 3 cylinder, Fowler designed, parallel boiler, 4-6-0 express passenger loco. Although mostly new, the group will use the leading wheelsets from two LMS 8F locomotives. An unrestored surviving LMS Fowler tender from Woodham Brothers Barry Scrapyard will also be used for the project. The new build Patriot is being assembled at the Llangollen Railway Works, and will carry the number of the last built - LMS number 5551 or British Railways number 45551. After a public poll, the new Patriot locomotive will be named The Unknown Warrior, whose tomb is located in Westminster Abbey. The new Royal British Legion backed engine will be launched in late 2011 or early 2012 and this is the only 'official' book of the project. Containing hundreds of new, never before published photographs, British Steam - Patriot will tell the story of the engine from its original concept, follow its production throughout the building period and also its launch. The book will be endorsed by the Royal British Legion and promoted to all its members. This will be a must for all railway enthusiasts. AUTHOR: Cheshire based Keith Langston is a widely published and highly respected photo journalist who specializes in heritage transportation and industrial archaeology subjects. Keith counts himself fortunate to have known Fred Dibnah personally and to have observed the 'great man' first hand as he went about his fascinating work. Keith Langston contributes news and feature material on a regular basis across a wide range of heritage titles, including Old Glory, Heritage Railway, Heritage Commercials, Tractor, and Towpath Talk.
