Tender

The LMS-Patriot Project has acquired two Fowler tenders, which will enable one tender to be restored for use with 'The Unknown Warrior'.

The first tender was formally handed over to Cambrian Transport on 4th May 2010 in a ceremony involving the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cambrian Transport and Directors of the LMS-Patriot Project.

This tender was completely dismantled in December 2010 and the driving wheels have been turned and the journals polished at Tyseley Loco Works. The springs have been refurbished by Owen Springs in Rotherham. Two of the axle boxes have also been removed for refurbishment. The other four have been damaged and are not useable. The frames were found to be beyond economic repair as they are badly corroded.

The opportunity to acquire a second Fowler tender came about in July 2012 when the East Lancs Railway agreed to sell a spare Fowler tender to the LMS-Patriot Project. This tender was acquired for spares for the Bury based 'Crab' 13065/42765 which is being overhauled at Bury. The Bury tender, also in ex Barry scrapyard condition, is believed to be in better condition, with less corroded frame plates. The frames from this tender are likely to be restored for use with 'The Unknown Warrior' along with a further two axle boxes. Two other axle boxes will need to be obtained or cast.

New tender drawings have been produced to enable a new tender tank to be manufactured. The new tank will be made slightly wider with a slightly reduced coal space to enable an increase in water capacity to around 3900 gallons.

See also: 'Royal Scot' Tender Acquired for 'The Unknown Warrior'