Project 120

Returning the last ‘Greyhound’ to steam

Project 120 marks the next major chapter for the 563 Locomotive Group with the ambitious overhaul and return to steam of LSWR T9, No.120, the sole surviving member of Dugald Drummond’s famous‘Greyhounds’. Built at Nine Elms in 1899, No.120 is a unique and evocative survivor of Southern express steam locomotives, and its overhaul will be the most significant extensive in preservation yet, but once complete the work will safeguard its future for generations.

Launched during the Swanage Railway’s 50th anniversary year, Project 120 represents a natural continuation of the success achieved with the multi award winning restoration of T3, No.563. With work on 120 now underway, following a detailed engineering assessment, this project will contribute to the railway’s medium sized locomotive fleet well into the future, providing an operational engine perfectly suited to the Swanage branch.

Owned by the National Railway Museum (NRM), No.120 is part of the National Collection, but this overhaul strengthens the close relationship between the NRM and the Swanage Railway, continuing to strengthen its ties after the museum gifted T3 No.563 in 2017. The intention is that No.120 will be based at Swanage long term, providing both an operational locomotive for the National Collection and a powerful educational link to Britain’s railway past.

Photo courtesy of Andrew P.M. Wright

Dorset’s survivor, against all odds under wartime skies

Beyond her national importance, No.120 carries a strong connection to Dorset. After decades of service across the LSWR and later Southern Railway routes, she was frequently seen on the south western section, including workings that would have brought it along the line to Swanage.

No.120’s most dramatic moment came in November 1942, when, hauling an ammunition train between Brockenhurst and Dorchester, she was attacked by two Messerschmitt Me 109s in broad daylight. Stopped at Wool at the time of the assault, the locomotive was peppered with gunfire, one shot piercing the cab roof, a scar still visible today. Miraculously, the ammunition load remained intact, though both members of the Dorchester‑based crew, Driver Harry Clark and Fireman Doug Keegan, were seriously injured and taken to Bovington’s military hospital. Harry never returned to the footplate, while Doug later resumed his railway career. Their story has been passed down through generations of railwaymen and is still shared on the Swanage Railway today by Driver Russ Ferrett, who’s father Fred was their colleague at Dorchester shed.

This wartime incident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by railway workers, even far from the front line, and adds a powerful human story to No.120’s preservation.

Two Workshops, One Restoration

The overhaul of 120 will be a substantial engineering project that is expected to cost around £750,000 and take several years, but we hope return the T9 to steam in time for its 130th birthday in 2029… Typical for all major steam locomotive overhauls however, final costs will depend on condition as components are progressively dismantled. Around half of the required funds are already secured through generous donations and a significant legacy, giving Project 120 a very strong foundation on which to begin. The restoration work will be a combined effort, carried out across two specialist sites:

Herston Works, Swanage Railway

  • Herston Works will undertake the complete overhaul of 120’s engine chassis, enabling the Swanage Railway’s engineering team to utilise its in‑house facilities and excellent skillset. This approach not only supports the project but also strengthens the railway’s long term engineering capability through retaining and growing crucial expertise within the organisation.
  • The most significant task at Herston will be the replacement of the engine’s cylinder block. Although the block was previously repaired by cold‑stitching in 2017, the long term reliability of that repair cannot be guaranteed. Replacing the block now is essential to ensure the locomotive’s future for another generation, ensuring 120 can operate reliably throughout its next boiler ticket and beyond.

The Flour Mill, Forest of Dean

  • The Flour Mill will undertake the complete overhaul of 120’s boiler, drawing on its specialist experience, skills and facilities. The team previously carried out the complete replacement of 563’s inner firebox and boiler work, as well as the last overhaul of 120, giving them unique familiarity with both locomotives and LSWR construction. As skilled boilersmiths with precision engineering capabilities, they’re ideally suited to handle the vital boiler work.
  • The workshop will also overhaul 120’s LSWR eight‑wheel watercart tender – the only surviving example of its type. The Flour Mill’s heavy lifting equipment will allow them to safely dismantle, assess, and refurbish this element to an excellent standard for long term heritage operation.
  • Photo courtesy of Andrew P.M. Wright
  • Photo courtesy of Andrew P.M. Wright

Why Project 120 Matters

Restoring 120 is about far more than carrying out another overhaul. The extensive work required, through the replacement of the cylinder block, will secure the future of the only surviving member of Drummond’s ‘Greyhounds’ for generations to come. Given the original block served throughout the locomotive’s entire working life under the LSWR, Southern Railway, and British Railways, fitting a new one now effectively resets the clock! With the comparatively lighter workloads of preservation, this new cylinder block should last well beyond the next century, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy the T9 in steam for decades to come…

With strong ties to both Dorset and the wider LSWR network, 120 holds an important place in both local and railway history. Project 120 will not only enhance the Swanage Railway’s operational fleet with a locomotive perfectly suited to the branch but will also continue the successful relationship with the National Railway Museum, established through the donation of T3 No.563.

Thanks to generous early donations and a substantial bequest, the overhaul begins on firm foundations, but continued support remains vital to complete the full scope of work ensuring 120 can steam long into the future!

Make a Donation

Returning the last ‘Greyhound’ to steam is a significant undertaking and we rely on the generosity of supporters to help fund the restoration.
To contribute to Project 120, please visit our donation page.

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