'New' Patriot to be Named 'The Unknown Warrior'

The Patriot Project, the Company behind the first LMS new build steam locomotive, is pleased to announce that the name for the locomotive is 'The Unknown Warrior'.

The new name was chosen by steam enthusiasts and readers of Steam Railway magazine who voted for their favourite name from a shortlist of five names that were drawn up from all the names suggested. The name 'The Unknown Warrior' received the most votes in the subsequent competition.

"I'm delighted that the new name for the Patriot has been chosen by the public", said David Bradshaw, Patriot Project leader. "The competition has generated a lot of interest in the Patriot Class, and 'The Unknown Warrior' is entirely appropriate in keeping with our project aims as well as commemorating all those who fought and died in the First World War and other wars".

Three brass nameplates have been sponsored by John Buxton, Managing Director of Cambrian Transport Ltd. and superbly cast by Newton Replicas to the original LMS design and the competition winner, Kevin Finnerty, will receive one of these with the other two being fitted to the locomotive. A '45551' smokebox number plate is also being cast. This has been kindly donated to the Patriot Project by project supporter, Neil Kinsey.

The Patriot Project is seeking donations and regular contributions for the project and the public launch is to be held at the Llangollen Railway where the ‘LMS Patriot Gala’ is being held on the 18th – 20th April.

Click here for a list of all the suggested names for the new Patriot.