From 8th October passengers have the chance to ride behind a unique and recently restored Victorian T3 locomotive through the beautiful Purbeck countryside and past the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle
Designed by renowned engineer William Adams for the London and South Western Railway, No. 563 was built in London during 1893 and escaped being scrapped in 1948 thanks to its taking part celebrations marking the centenary of London's Waterloo station.
The Swanage Railway trust has spent six years and £650,000, supported by public funding carrying out the restoration
563 stands as testament to all those in the Swanage Railway Trust's 563 Locomotive Group, and at the Flour Mill workshop, for their demonstration of dedication and devotion in carrying out the overhaul.
No. 563's triumphant arrival on the Swanage Railway marks both the centenary of the Southern Railway and also the 185th anniversary of the formation of the London and South Western Railway.
The LSWR survivor has hauled three successful loaded return trips through the Isle of Purbeck over the course of a day. For the first return, the locomotive worked a standard length set of 5 carriages. This was lowered to four for the following tests.
Video of the T3 in steam at the Swanage Railway here
A return journey starting from Swanage Station is one hour in duration. Details and dates here
