Real-time ride on Swanage Railway LSWR T3 steam loco 563: its first passenger train in 75 years

Back after 75 years, we’ve got you aboard!
One of the most attractive Victorian-era 4-4-0 express locos, LSWR T3 class 563, has been restored to working order, having not steamed for the last 75 years. We were invited to be its VIP first passenger train - so sent roving reporter ​⁠​⁠‪@MrTimDunn‬ (that’s me, writing this “btw”,) to​⁠​⁠‪@SwanageRailwayOfficial‬ to join the first passenger train and to experience the results of ​⁠​⁠‪@swanagerailwaytrust563loco7‬’s hard work.
The reason I’ve been able to make more TV programmes on historical topics is because people give me their time to watch them; and I’m forever grateful of that. So if I’m invited somewhere else to experience something privileged or unique that I think is practical or appropriate to share more widely, I like to try to return the favour by giving others the opportunity to experience it too - and often that’s best done by making a video like this.
But my supposedly simple videos tend to turn into complex edits as I learn various techniques - largely by watching the TV work of my colleagues - so this began as a simple one-iPhone camera idea - but soon became three cameras - and two runs on the same line a few hours apart just so I could give some visual variety. Oh, and then add in a green screen intro.
So big thanks to Steve and Will of ​⁠​⁠‪@swanagerailwaytrust563loco7‬ in particular for letting me experiment with clamps and brackets on the engine on what was already a chock-full day for them.
I’ve compiled this video (literally days of work- who knew?!) with a lot of real-time footage edited together to hopefully match up as a compete run up the line as it happened, under gloriously sunny Purbeck skies.
A lovely day, and a privilege to be there.
You’ll also see at the end a speech from the ever-erudite Anthony Coulls of the ​⁠​⁠‪@NatRailwayMuseum‬ - added because it’s one of the greatest and most heartfelt speeches I’ve ever seen him give.
I also include his speech to draw a line under some if the ill-informed negativity that surrounded the T3’s transfer some time ago. I don’t want to dwell on the transfer of the loco because (a) it is done (b) there’s a positive outcome (c) professional people who are genuinely in possession of more facts and analysis than you or I made a rational decision about an object so anything else is just less-informed conjecture (d) it’s reminded enthusiasts that museum collections are subject to review - sometimes there’s a better place for something in a collection to free up space or tell another story elsewhere and (e) there’s better things in life to occupy your time and mine :) so if you must tell me your opinion on this then you will, I’m sure, but do watch this video first.
Anyway. If you’re like me you’ll take the long-term view, sit back, relax and enjoy a ride aboard a magnificent machine in the beautiful English countryside doing the job it was built for 130 years ago. Thank you all who made it possible. Cheers!

[@jameshardy4354]

This locomotive is just gorgeous

[@adriannorris1486]

Thanks Tim, excellent record of a historic moment. I love your underground adventures also…….likewise your Co-presenter!

[@cameronpatterson1045]

Hi from Glasgow Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Thanks for the video 📹 Tim Dunn Great camera shots of the moshom and thanks to Steam Railway Magazine for the video 📹

[@YorkshireMalsTrains]

Really enjoyed this video, will be at Swanage next year to see this beauty so interesting to watch this, i have subscribed to you...Mal

Thanks, Tim - just like being there on the day! Wonderful to see this beautiful old lady back in action again - who'd have thought in possible? What next - the Greyhound perhaps?

[@kristoffermangila]

The call from railfans is for another surviving pre-Grouping steam locomotive to be restored.

[@greatwesternproductions2857]

Pure charm from a time gone by

[@paulshirley6383]

Real-time ride on Swanage Railway LSWR T3 steam loco 563: its first passenger train in 75 years love louis shirley

[@sarahlishman6475]

That's my girl...

[@sarahlishman6475]

Look Mummy, I steam again now....

[@sarahlishman6475]

For reference, I was her stage manager at Kings Cross Theatre for "The Railway Children" when she was on a battery shunt

[@robnewman6101]

I have a Hardback DORLING KINDERSLEY DK EYEWITNESS GUIDES Book of TRAIN. Discover the story of railways - from the days of steam to the high - speed, sophisticated trains of today. In association with THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM.