The 563 Locomotive Group has released an update on progress to bring LSWR T3 No. 563 back in to service.

As you will see, work is progressing well, with the main focus being on finishing the boiler at the Flour Mill.

Work has continued at pace at the Flour mill. The coupling and connecting rods have now been fitted to 563 and now means that all of the valve gear is now in place.

Work has also progressed on the cab roof, routing the piping for the steam heating, lubrication system, the front and rear cylinder covers have been fitted and work has progressed on the injectors.

In the near future, the group hope to arrange for a signwriter to start lining out the locomotive.

Work on the locomotive’s boiler has continued, with work ongoing to drill out the stay holes and fitting of the stays. The group says that this will remain the task for the Flour Mill for the next few months.

Moving onto the tender, volunteers from the 563 Locomotive Group, Swanage Railway Staff and Southern Locomotive Ltd volunteers have worked to progress work on the tender over the past few months.

On the frames and wheels, the main task has been to needle gun and wire brush the paint and rust before primer can be applied.

If you would like to help, there is a regular group of volunteers working on Wednesdays, you can email [email protected] to find out more information.

At Herston Works, work has focussed on refurbishing parts for the tender and locomotive. This includes the spring hangers and the brake rigging for the tender.

The steam brake has been dismantled and has been found to be virtually brand new and the group believes it was replaced in 1948/60.