PRAIRIE TO VISIT NORTHANTS: GWR 2-6-2T No. 5553 is to star in the Northampton & Lamport Railway’s August 27-29 gala. Other performers are set to include NLR residents Hawthorn Lesley 0-4- 0ST Swanscombe No. 4 (3718/1928), Class 31 No. 31289 and Class 47 No. 47205 in an action-packed timetable, including demonstration freight trains along the Boughton extension (Sunday only). It is expected that the Gala should also see the first public appearance of at least some of the Ironstone Train Project wagons (see picture p66) – the exact number being subject to progress with restorations.
The Waterman Railway Heritage Trust is pictured approaching Darley Dale on May 28.
ALAN WEAVER
A MILESTONE has been reached with the overhaul of LSWR ‘T3’ No. 563 – the Swanage Railway Trust 4-4-0 is now a rolling chassis. The stage is now set to complete the boiler this year and enable the final assembly.
The construction of a brandnew copper inner firebox has been the lion’s share of the project to date and this has now been installed at the heart of the boiler. The next stage is the manufacture and installation 830 boiler stays. Copper stays costs £35 each. The order for the boiler tubes is also to be placed shortly and each of these costs £50 as well.
The Flour Mill and 563 Locomotive Group are confident that No. 563 will be ready in 2023, providing the outstanding £150,000 can be raised.