Celebrating 60 Years of Express Steam Locomotives at West Somerset Railway Gala

The West Somerset Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala will mark sixty years of express steam locomotive development with a special showcase of two remarkable “guest” locomotives: the T3 class number 563 and the 5029 “Nunney Castle.”

As the Railway200 celebrations draw to a close, this event offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of rail travel spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. The London and South Western Railway’s (LSWR) T3 Class number 563, built in the 1880s, was designed by William Adams to haul premier express trains between London Waterloo and destinations such as Southampton and Exeter. On their routes, these locomotives frequently passed through stations including Gillingham, Yeovil Junction, Crewkerne, and Honiton.

Towards the end of the 19th century, advancements in railway carriage comfort led to heavier express trains, which gradually outgrew the capabilities of the T3 engines. Nevertheless, number 563 remained in service on secondary passenger routes. This locomotive was eventually preserved, spending time at the now-closed Clapham Transport Museum and the National Railway Museum in York before becoming part of the Swanage Railway’s collection. Recently restored to operational condition, it will visit Somerset for the first time in nearly a hundred years.

Parallel to the LSWR, the Great Western Railway competed fiercely, especially in services towards South West England. During the 1880s, it operated broad gauge lines with tracks measuring seven feet and a quarter inch, a gauge that was phased out by 1892. The early 20th century saw the introduction of newer and more powerful express steam locomotives.

One such emblem of this era is the “Castle” class, first introduced in 1923 from Swindon. Eleven years later, the 5029 “Nunney Castle” was built and remains a celebrated example of these engineering feats. Normally engaged in mainline excursions with Locomotive Services Limited, “Nunney Castle” will make a special appearance at the Autumn Steam Gala, offering attendees a rare opportunity to experience this iconic locomotive in a more relaxed setting.