Performance of LSWR ‘T3’ transformed with tweaks
THE haulage capability of LSWR‘T3’4-4-0 No. 563 has been enhanced following the implementation of several tweaks since the loco returned to service at the Swanage Railway last autumn after a 75year absence.
No. 563 was initially limited to three carriages, but it hauled five coaches during the railway’s January 6-7 Winter Warm Up when it performed alongside SR Bulleid Pacific No. 34028
Eddystone and Class 33 diesels Nos. 33111 and D6515 (33012)
Lt Jenny Lewis RN.
A new baffle plate for the firebox has been fabricated to better direct airflow in the firebox under the brick arch – and the blower has also been improved by reducing the size of the holes in the blower ring, enabling this to draw the fire better.
The blast pipe cap was also suspected to be an issue, as during the first period of operation the draught on the fire was generally poor. The blast pipe assembly fitted is a Drummond one.
References to the size of the blast pipe annularity were found in historical archive material, confirming that for some reason the cap fitted had a massively over-size orifice, by some two and half inches, or nearly 50% larger than it should be.
The Swanage Railway has a drawing on file and a pattern for a Drummond blast pipe cap, as this is the same one also fitted to ‘M7’ No. 30053. A new blank was ordered up from Bridport Foundry and bored out to a suitable size.
In early November a test run was conducted with No. 563 hauling two ‘dead’ Class 33s, which in terms of rolling resistance and weight is equivalent to about six BR Mk1 carriages. No. 563’s performance has improved quite dramatically, with the fire going white hot for the first time.