LSWR‘T3’No. 563 arrived back at the Swanage Railway on the evening of August 29, a little over five years since the 4-4-0 left for overhaul at contractor The Flour Mill in the Forest of Dean.
The following day, the tender was taken out of Herston Works to join the engine at the Norden road rail interchange. After being reattached, the loco was hauled to Swanage.
Subject to testing and commissioning being completed successfully, No. 563 is set to haul its first passenger train in 75 years on Saturday (October 7).Two services will operate on that day and all seats will be reserved for invited No. 563 supporters and guests of the Swanage RailwayTrust.
No. 563 is due to work its first public trips post-restoration on October 8 – and it is hoped to operate the loco over the halfterm week from October 16. Visit www.swanagerailway. co.uk for details.