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 'A Brush with the Past' by artist Colin Wright: 5551 The Unknown Warrior imagined at Crewe shed in the 1930s.

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Our project aims

Our project is recreating a working replica of an express steam locomotive type – the London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) ‘Patriot’ class - which did not survive in the 1960’s, when steam traction ended on the then British Railways. When complete, it will join a select family of other LMS express passenger locomotives that still operate on our UK railway.

Inspired by the Great War Centenaries of recent years - Armistice Day and the repatriation of the Unknown Warrior to Westminster Abbey  - the locomotive will be named The Unknown Warrior. This recognizes its special Remembrance role as a National Memorial Engine, in memory of servicemen and women lost in the First World War and all subsequent wars. This special role was performed by the first of the original Patriot class - named Patriot - in honour of railway employees who fell in the 1914-1918 War.  We believe that this commemorative role, together with the importance of the locomotive type itself in the development of our railways, brings a special historical dimension to our work. Our Patron is Simon Weston CBE the well-known Falklands War Veteran.   

We intend that the locomotive will be visible as a working memorial on regular display and hauling heritage trains on tours and at special events for many years to come.

Help us achieve our aim with a regular or one-off donation or sponsorship. If you wish to complete a direct debit form for a regular donation or to renew your membership then click on the large donate button.