T3 on its wheels – and steaming again in 2023?

THE overhaul of 1893-built LSWR T3 No. 563 at Bill Parker’s Flour Mill workshops took a major step forward with the rewheeling of the frames to make a rolling chassis – a hugely significant milestone as the team undertaking the overhaul hope to finish the restoration in 2023, setting the stage to complete the boiler this year and enable the final assembly.

The reverser assembly has also now been fitted in the cab and connected with the expansion links to actuate the valve rods.

Both the Victorian locomotive experts at the Flour Mill and the 563 Locomotive Group remain confident that the unique survivor of the LSWR will be ready in time for the summer season next year. Visit www.563locomotivegroup.co.uk to donate.

SR LSWR T3 4-4-0 No. 563 back on its wheels inside the Flour Mill workshop at Bream in the Forest of Dean. The locomotive was once part of the National Collection but transferred to the Swanage Railway Trust in 2017.