LSWR T3 563

I've just received this image in an e-mail from the 563 group. I hope no one will object to it being shared:-

 

It’s been a six year project so far, I think the team feel it as it’s been a constant slog to fundraise.
Getting there now!

 

A constant slog, but it'll sure as hell be worthwhile.

 

Oh yes, onto the next one!

 

You found another T3?

 

Yes that'll be 901. A Big, butch, North Eastern 0-8-0. The North Eastern classification being T3 and the LNER Q7. Was first overhauled by NELPG and used on the North Yorkshire Moors

 

Dresden Transport Museum has another one.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prussian_T_3

 

There's also a TS3.. Also known as a Commer Knocker

 

I feel a gala coming on …

(Ducks and runs for cover …)

Tom

 

Looking forward to it being on the front cover of Steam Railway…

 

Its such a good ending after the abuse the railway and the NRM got when it took on 563. If you remember the transfer was even brought up in parliament!

It was met with such furore that everyone involved really had to dig in, get going and get professional. Returning 563 to steam is going to be a special day for all of preservation. Despite the opposition, enough people believed in the project to turn it into a reality. The group have inspired faith by always being positive, true to their original aims and careful that the research into accuracy was done right.
In addition it has built a historical picture of 563, removed the firebox in one piece to turn it into an educational piece.... I could go on. What i'm trying to say is if the team works in the first place then you are going to succeed.

563 returning to steam won't end the 563 Locomotive Group, it will maintain the engine going forward and stage manage the next project that lands in its lap. The hope is supporters who have backed 563 will continue to support the group going forward.

 

I wonder if they will jump onto the T9?

Chris

 

Seems to be a T8.9 when this was taken last week.

 

I can't remember if I had misgivings or not from the T3 being transferred, but if I did, then I'm happy to admit I was wrong. There are some times when a museum deaccessions something and it makes sense. This has made sense from day one and the end result will be smashing.

 

Whilst everyone is entitled to their own views it is interesting to read the comments at the start of the thread.

 

I stand by my views at the time, believe that deaccession was the wrong decision, AND welcome the way that this restoration is going.

 

I thought it was a good idea from the start. After all, there's only two ways now to get a working loco, either new build or restore one that's been static for years. No more Barry or industrial users disposing of theirs.

great restoration job, well done to all of the team involved

 

My view of it is thus, Had the engine not been gifted to the Swanage railway, we would have not been aware of much that has come to light, the state of the engine, the boiler repairs, done on her to keep her working, would the NRM have sanctioned the new inner firebox, had it just been on loan, i am not sure if they would,

 

It was never offered on loan. The Swanage Railway were approached to have the engine and you are absolutely right.
In the overhaul of this engine we have learnt so much about it. From its time working, to repairs, you name it. Our understanding of 563 and its history has come along way and we are now lucky enough to write its next, perhaps most famous chapter.

 

+1
Pat