Engineering Update - May 2026

Locomotive

The engine build continues to make progress although at a slower pace after the initial burst of work. The cylinders are fitted as far as can be achieved. Initial fit cannot be completed until we have the Bogie Centre Pin casting.

The Bogie Centre Pin casting machining is out for a quotation. All motion brackets are now fitted, and work continues with the final fit of the axle box keeps, brake hanger and spring brackets. The weighshaft is now in place although final adjustment is required. Inside Expansion Link Brackets and components fitting is in progress.

As mentioned in the previous report the machining and assembly of the wheel sets will now likely commence in May/June of this year. The final quality assurance check has been completed. Riley’s now have the final drawing set and are in the process of producing a production and process plan for the assembly of our wheel sets.

You may recall that due to the absence of supporting certification we went through a testing and verification process on several components, for example the motion brackets. We have compiled another list of components that need to go through the same process. A considerable amount of preparation needs to be done prior to this testing being carried out.

Work has restarted on the Bogie, which will be to the original design used on the later members of the Patriots, instead of the modified version to accommodate the 8F Axleboxes from 48518 previously built. The Bogie Centre Casting and the Horn Guides to the original design have been received and await machining, The Bogie Centre Pin casting which is mounted at the bottom of the locomotive Frames between the Outside Cylinders has also been cast and awaits machining.

Volunteers

TLW has agreed in principle that volunteers can work Saturdays providing TLW/Patriot supervision is available. We attempted to go for Saturday 11th April, however, appropriate supervision was not available. It is worth noting that anybody attending will need to go through induction training before commencing work at TLW. We think the next opportunity for Saturday working will be after the late May Bank Holiday. 

Boiler

We are still waiting for the inspection report from British Engineering Services. In the meantime, the planned visit to Heritage Boiler Steam Services (HBSS) has been postponed because they are moving to a new facility. The move is expected to complete around mid-May. HBSS no longer require the crane that was purchased by Patriot Company Ltd. The crane is subject to a purchase plan that will be honoured by HBSS. The crane needs repair and servicing however there are third parties that are interested in purchasing it. We hold the V5 Form and HBSS are requesting our permission to sell the crane. 

Tender

The tender axles have undergone NDT (non-destructive testing) and we are happy to report that no defects were found.

No further progress has been made with the tender at Leaky Finders. We recently had discussions with Leaky Finders which resulted in us agreeing to recommence work on the tender in May 2026. 

A visit is still to be arranged.

Plan

The outline plan for the next few months (before delivery and temporary fitting of the boiler now likely to be September/October 2026):

• Complete the fitting of Spring hanger brackets, brake hanger brackets
• Prepare second batch of components for testing.
• Prepare running plates for shot blasting (current proposal to be done at TLW)
• Repair of Drag Box (in progress) 
• Check alignment
• Commence driving wheel assembly TBA (probably May/June)
• Progress the bogie frame rebuild 
• Bogie wheelset repair at Riley’s (wheel set NDT complete now await quote).

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of work required. It covers current ongoing work and key tasks. 


Frame Doubling Plate following riveting into place.


Brake Shaft Bracket.


Views of the progression of the fitting of the Expansion Links.






All photos by Keith Riches.