The LMS-Patriot Project

Terry Scuoler, Chief Executive of the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF) visited the Llangollen Railway Locomotive Works on Tuesday 17th May to view the progress of the building of the 'Unknown Warrior' steam locomotive. This engine designated as the National Memorial steam locomotive is being built to replicate a long scrapped class of steam locomotive dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Great War of 1914-18.

The project which is estimated will cost £1.5 million pounds has been endorsed by the Royal British Legion and the engine will be built from materials almost totally sourced from UK industry and will utilise the traditional skills of the apprentice trained craftsman at Llangollen in its assembly.

Planned to be completed by 2018, the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War the locomotive is rapidly take shape and now has a main frame, tender and many ancillary components and is awaiting delivery of its newly machined main driving wheels from South Devon Railway.

Terry is keen to see traditional engineering skills being maintained in projects such as this but has also expressed particular interest in learning more of the role that heritage tourism attractions such as the Llangollen Railway play in rural regeneration.

David Bradshaw, Chairman of the charitable trust which is raising the funds to build 'The Unknown Warrior', said of the visit, "The EEF is the most successful employer’s organisation in the UK and widely influential at national level and to have their Chief Executive take time out of an incredibly busy schedule to visit the project is a real honour. Terry and I have met to discuss the project and we both agree that it is most important that we succeed in our efforts to build the locomotive to honour not only the fallen of the two World Wars but also those regiments such as the Royal Engineers who have lost 72 soldiers in conflicts since 1968”

The LMS-Patriot Project is aiming to build 'The Unknown Warrior' by 2018 - the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice, and to achieve this is seeking donations, grants, and corporate sponsorship.