Railway volunteers to restore second locomotive

The T9 locomotive failed its boiler examination in 2020

Volunteers at a heritage railway are to restore a 125-year-old steam locomotive that has not been able to run for four years.

The T9 class engine was loaned to Swanage Railway in 2017 by the National Railway Museum but in 2020 failed its boiler examination.

The group conducting the overhaul has already restored an 1893 T3 locomotive in a a six-year project costing £650,000.

The T9 works will be split between engineering teams in Gloucestershire and Dorset.

The Flour Mill engineering works in the Forest of Dean will be responsible for the boiler and tender works, and Swanage Railway’s workshop at Herston will restore the chassis.

T9 No. 30120 was once targeted by an enemy fighter in World War Two

Nathan Au of 563 Locomotive Group, the team leading the overhaul, said: “It is exciting to be embarking on our second ambitious challenge."

Mr Au, who is also director of the railway’s train operating company, said an assessment before work could begin to ensure the work was viable and there was adequate financial support.

He said: “The Flour Mill successfully returned the T9 to steam in 2010 so its skilled staff are already familiar with the locomotive."

Built in 1899, T9 No. 30120 was once targeted by a German fighter near Wool during World War Two.

After the war, it hauled trains in Devon, Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey before being withdrawn by British Railways in 1961.