Crewe Memories: Appeal to help £8m campaign to build steam locomotive once built in Crewe

By Crewe Chronicle on Dec 17, 09 04:11 PM in 1900-1999

A SOUTH Cheshire rail enthusiast is urging Chronicle readers to lend their support to a £8m campaign to build a new steam locomotive which was once built in Crewe.

Derek McVety, 70, of Heathfield Road, Audlem, is spreading the word about the LMS Patriot Project Appeal - a campaign to build a Patriot class steam loco which would be used on the present Network Rail system rather than for show.

Called the Unknown Warrior, it would carry the number of the last class member, 45551. Mr McVety said: "I seek to interest persons who currently have, or have had, involvement in the rail industry and others also who have no connection with the industry remembering, of course, that Crewe grew up against the background of the rail industry.

"The source of our appeal is one in which the company seek to build, from scratch, a brand new Patriot class steam locomotive to a standard which will permit main line running.

"It is a long term project planned for completion by 2018, this being the centenary of the ending of World War One in 1918. The project is endorsed by the Royal British Legion and will become the new National Memorial Engine on completion.

"The last National Memorial Engine in steam days was the first of 52 Patriots, latterly numbered 45500 Patriot, the class continuing through to 45551.

"All class members were eventually withdrawn and cut up, the last one going in 1962, sadly none were preserved.

"It is this missing link in the history of steam locomotives that this project now seeks to replicate."

Crewe Works dates from the mid-19th Century and built more than 7,000 locomotives during the halcyon days of steam operation in the UK until the mid-1960s when steam locomotives were withdrawn to be replaced by diesel and electric locomotives and multiple units.

Around 40 of the original Patriot class locos were built at Crewe Works between 1932 and 1934 with the remaining 12 being built at Derby Works.

Mr McVety added: "I feel sure that many Chronicle readers will have older relatives, although any living today would now be of quite advanced years, but the history of Crewe Works was passed down in families from generation to generation and many will remember the Patriots."

People can help the LMS Patriot Project by making a donation, setting up a standing order to make monthly payments or by becoming a member. For more information, email lms-patriot@hotmail.co.uk, visit the website or write to The LMS-Patriot Company Ltd, PO Box 3118, Hixon, Stafford, ST16 9JL.

The above picture shows the original Patriot 45551 at London Euston station.

Comments (0)