British Steam Patriots

A pictorial history of the British engine—and the project dedicated to preserving its legacy with the construction of a new one.

The Patriot class, often referred to as “Baby Scots”, were an immediate success displaying consistently good performance. The class was withdrawn over a two year period between 1960 and 1962 having all covered around one.three million miles each, unfortunately too early to be considered for preservation. The last two withdrawn were in good condition on withdrawal, but unfortunately all were scrapped. Although no Patriot in either rebuilt or original forms survived into preservation, a new “Patriot” is under construction at the Llangollen Railway.

The LMS-Patriot Project, a registered charity, is appealing for donations or regular contributions to build the new, three cylinder, Fowler designed, parallel boiler, four-six-zero express passenger loco. Although mostly new, the group will use the leading wheel sets from two LMS 8F locomotives. An unrestored surviving LMS Fowler tender from Woodham Brothers Barry scrap yard will also be used for the project. The new build Patriot is being assembled at the Llangollen Railway Works, and will carry the number of the last built LMS number 5551 or British Railways number 45551. After a public poll, the new Patriot locomotive will be named The Unknown Warrior, whose tomb is located in Westminster Abbey.

Containing hundreds of never before published photographs, British Steam Patriots tells the story of the engine from its original concept, follows its production throughout the building period and also its launch. This will be a must for all railway enthusiasts.