Loco Store

General information

The LMS-Patriot Project was launched in April 2008, to build a replica LMS Patriot steam locomotive following the scrapping of all 52 originals in the 1960s. This would later be named 'The Unknown Warrior' following a competition held in Steam Railway magazine.

Following the Great War, three of the then Railway Companies named locomotives to honour the railway employees who had fought and died during the conflict. These were 'Valour', 'Remembrance' and 'Patriot'.

The LNWR memorial engine, a Claughton class locomotive, was named 'Patriot', but the name was later transferred to a new 4-6-0 locomotive number 5500, which became the new memorial engine for the LMS. From this the class subsequently became known as the Patriot class.

The new 'Patriot' will be named 'The Unknown Warrior' in keeping with the tradition of war memorial engines. The LMS-Patriot Project aims to continue this tradition in memory of all those brave men and women who courageously served their country.

The new locomotive will serve as a permanent memorial to all those who fought and died in the First World War and all subsequent wars.

The LMS-Patriot Project has received the endorsement of The Royal British Legion, and 45551 will carry a Legion crest above 'The Unknown Warrior' nameplate, in recognition of this.