Join us for a full day’s Autumnal steam photography at the Swanage Railway featuring T3 Class No.563

About this event

We are delighted to announce the first charters at the Swanage Railway in a very long time, including the first charter featuring the unique London & South Western Railway T3 Class 4-4-0 No.563 which returned to steam late in 2023. These are the first photographic charters using this elegant engine from the 1890s which was donated to the Swanage Railway Trust by the National Railway Museum in 2017.

The Adams-designed T3 Class of locomotive is one of the most handsome preserved express engines from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. No.563 was designed by William Adams and built at Nine Elms in 1893. It was one of twenty such locomotives, all of which were successful enough to pass into Southern Railway ownership at Grouping in 1923. Although withdrawals started in 1930 as electrification on the Southern Railway gathered momentum, several held on in service for some years and two lasted into the 1940s; No.563 was not finally taken out of traffic until August 1945 having been retained to cover loco shortages during World War II, when it was set aside for (eventual) preservation. The locomotive was selected for the exhibition celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Waterloo Station in 1948, when it was repainted into LSWR livery.

The locomotive was stored at various locations until finding a home at British Transport Commission Museum at Clapham in 1963. When the Clapham Museum closed, the T3 was displayed at the new National Railway Museum in York from 1975, and then transferred to Locomotion at Shildon in 2010. It was transferred to the Swanage Railway in 2017 and over the next six years was restored to full working order at the Flour Mill in Gloucestershire.

Our charter will begin at Harmans Cross Station at around 07.30 hours and run until sunset. The locomotive faces north. Rolling stock will comprise two Maunsell coaches and a green BR brake vehicle. We intend to make the most of the opportunities available at that time of year. We would like to thank the Swanage Railway for the opportunity to run these events and know that you will want to support us in supporting the Railway at what has been a difficult time financially; please book early to avoid disappointment.

Event requirements

Other things you should bring

• Snacks

Other essentials

• Sturdy outdoor shoes
• Warm clothing
• Wet weather gear
• For those with mobility issues please email us to check the mobility limitations at this location prior to booking