Sole surviving Ex-LSWR T9 Class - 30120, owned by the National Railway Museum and on long-term loan to the Swanage Railway under the care of the 563 Locomotive Group, has left the Isle of Purbeck as it heads to the Flour Mill workshop in the Forest of Dean.
The 563 Locomotive Group, fresh from the successful overhaul of LSWR T3 Class - 563, have made no secret of their desire to return 30120 to steam. 563, owned for many years by the National Railway Museum, was deaccessioned in 2017 with full ownership being transferred to the Swanage Railway Trust. Following a meticulous overhaul, 563 returned to service in the Isle of Purbeck during 2023; 78 years since the T3 had last steamed. With the return of 563 only strengthening the relationship between the National Railway Museum and the Swanage Railway Trust and its 563 Locomotive Group, the latter has been able to green light its “Project 120”, after reaching a new agreement with the NRM. “Project 120” will cover an initial assessment of 30120 to determine its condition, ahead of a commitment to return the T9 to steam for further service on the Swanage Railway.
30120 arrived on the Swanage Railway in 2017, in need of repair, and an agreement in place with the NRM for the SR to carry out the necessary work. Once the repairs had been conducted, and the NRM satisfied with the work, the T9 entered service on the Dorset branch line, becoming a popular performer in the Isle of Purbeck until being withdrawn in 2020 on the expiry of its boiler ticket. The success story of 563 has been instrumental in developing the working relationship between the Swanage Railway Trust and the NRM, for “Project 120” to take place, and the chance to see the T9 power through the Dorset countryside in the future.
More information about, and any donations to, the 563 Locomotive Group can be found/done here:
563locomotivegroup.co.uk/proj...
Locomotives:
BR Class 33 - D6515 “Lt Jenny Lewis RN”
Ex-LSWR T9 Class - 30120
00:00 - D6515 & 30120 Norden Common
02:00 - 30120 Arne Road siding
02:36 - 30120 Norden Roundabout
03:44 - 30120 A350 Rushall Interchange
All footage filmed on Thursday the 18th of April 2024.
31 май 2024