5551 'The Unknown Warrior' arrived safely onto Midland metals at the Midland Railway - Butterley, on the evening of Monday 12th August. The successful move from Crewe Heritage Centre marks the final chapter of the construction of the new 'Patriot' class 4-6-0 locomotive.
Composer Alf Tubb has kindly donated a quantity of Classical Music CDs.
Simply entitled ‘The Unknown Warrior’ it is a series of works written by him and recorded by the Basel Festival Orchestra which he also conducted. All the pieces have a railway theme.
The LMS-Patriot Company Board is pleased to be able to announce that it has reached a decision as to who the contract to complete 'The Unknown Warrior' is to be awarded. The successful bidder is the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust (PRCLT), based at West Shed at the Midland Railway - Butterley, in Derbyshire. The Board concluded that PRCLT were the best fit for our Project to complete the loco in the timescales discussed.
For those who were fortunate enough to see 'The Unknown Warrior' during the week of the Armistice commemorations last year, a cursory glance at 5551 will suggest that things have not progressed. Nothing could be further from the truth as you will read in the following update of work currently in progress.
The decision to appoint a contractor for the final assembly has been narrowed down to two. Several meetings have taken place with another being unavoidably delayed until 6th June. We are hopeful that the outcome will be made known to you by the end of June and we will let Members know by email or letter depending on your contact preference.
