5 inch gauge LMS ''Patriot'' No.5543

A 5 inch gauge LMS "Patriot", Fowler's design combining the three cylinder "Royal Scot" chassis with the boiler from a rebuilt - so-called "large boiler" - Claughton 4-4-0. The result was an attractive design, acquiring the nickname of "Baby Scot".

A well-advanced project, this one has come to us from the family of the late builder. We'd put it at about 80% complete - work remaining includes cladding, pipework, fittings and painting.

The chassis turns over, fairly stiffly although without tight spots. Stored for some years, it doesn't currently run on air - it will need pistons and valves checking and setting.

Axles run in split bronze bearings, with pressure lubrication from a lubricator mounted between the frames.

Complete with a finely made CE-marked boiler by Western Steam.

For such an attractive design, it's a mystery to us as to why so few models of these exist. In the last twenty years we've had one other Patriot, that one in 3 1/2 inch gauge, a beautifully made, exhibition-winning engine.