Constitution – New Trustees

Following the publishing in the last newsletter of the proposal to raise the number of trustees from seven to nine, inviting comments or objections, it can be confirmed that there were no objections and the only comments were positive in favour. Therefore the proposal has been deemed accepted and the Constitution amended accordingly.

Consequent on this development, Philip Hammond and Stephen Burnett (read about them below) have been invited to join the committee of trustees, the remaining trustees being Terry Jenkins (Chairman), John Whitcomb (Treasurer), John Hancock (Engineering), Dave Link (Engineering), Graham Stevens (Sales Manager), Dave Kilner (Membership and newsletter) and Des Ainsworth (Commercial Strategy).

Bernard Rainbow MBE – New EMF President

The trustees were delighted that Bernard Rainbow has accepted the invitation to become EMF Honorary President, following in the steps of Brian Ward Ellison who sadly died last year. For several years, Bernard has been our Vice President, and in recent years has been one of our most regular active workers on the overhaul of 7802 at Tyseley.

Bernard started his working career in the 50s at Tyseley BR(W) locomotive depot, rising from the
most junior position to senior driver, eventually based at nearby Saltley. He drove the very last Castle working from Wolverhampton in normal BR service, and later went on to drive HSTs. He became actively involved in the Severn Valley Railway and, until age limit enforced retirement, he was the Chief Traction Superintendant on the line. SVR‘s loss was EMF’s gain, as his previous friendly support for our group, particularly on 7802’s main line exploits, was quickly translated into a much closer relationship becoming our Vice President. Bernard was awarded his MBE in 2009 in recognition of his services to the rail industry, including driving Royal trains on about ten occasions. We look forward to Bernard’s continuing active support, his wonderful anecdotes of his railway career and lively banter well into the
future. His concern for our welfare, making sure we have ample tea breaks to hear his stories is always appreciated!

Philip Hammond

Philip was one of the earliest active members of the Fund, assisting with the initial recovery of Erlestoke Manor from Barry scrapyard in the 70s and has been closely involved ever since. From that time until the mid 90s he was also an EMF trustee, only surrendering that position to devote more time to his light engineering services. On reaching retirement he is now able to take up trustee duties again, but his light engineering experience continues to be put to great use on specialist engineering tasks for the locomotives.

Steve Burnett

Stephen started working on steam locomotives as a young child with his father and grandfather at the local model engineering society. Through model engineering, he met John Hancock, who introduced him to the Fund. Stephen has been a working member of the fund since he was 16, starting off working on 7812 at Swindon Works and more recently on 7802 at Tyseley. Whilst working with the fund, he has also graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree, and is now a Project Manager for Rolls-Royce in Derby. Prior to moving to Derby, Stephen became a working member of the GWSR and passed out as a driver there last year.

Obbo Trip 18th July

Our annual shareholders trip in the GW Observation saloon planned for Friday 18th July 2014 as mentioned in the last newsletter already has the morning trip fully subscribed although waiting list applications could be considered for any late cancellations. The afternoon trip, departure from Kidderminster approx 3.30pm, however still has many available places, with a buffet of tea and sandwiches, strawberries etc. Hopefully our own 7812 will be hauling the train, maybe offering the possibility of footplate rides (but no guarantees!). You can reserve places now (£20) with Dave Kilner, email Bradleym@brearley56e.fsnet.co.uk or tel 01905 621048), or text via mobile 0771 365 6363.

Boiler and Tender Appeal – 7802

This appeal has seen subscription and pledges just exceed £30,000 against the target of £50,000. As you will see below we are making very good use of the incoming funds but we still need to reach the appeal target to fully achieve the aims of the appeal. This is particularly the case with the Churchward Tender Project – tender 2329.

With the current agreements between EMF and the SVR for the use of 7802 and 7812, we are in a position where the locomotives now earn daily steaming fees when in use and we now carry the financial responsibility for future overhauls. Further very necessary funding is generated through our successful retail operations, bequests, donations and of course share purchase. Our 5 to 10 year financial forecast indicates that with careful cost control it should be possible for EMF to fund the overhaul of 7812 (on anticipated withdrawal in 2017) and 7802 at the expiry of its next boiler certificate. To achieve this sustainable situation it is very important that we complete the funding of the new tender project without recourse to borrowing or use of funds which are ring fenced for these overhauls. We therefore urge you to further support this appeal using the attached appeal form to purchase additional EMF shares.

7802 Progress

The heavy overhaul of 7802 continues with regular (usually twice weekly) working parties on the chassis at Tyseley, and also the boiler (GW no 6400), its cladding and the tender at Bridgnorth. Additional input is always welcome with working parties generally being held at Tyseley on Wednesdays and Fridays most weeks and also one Saturday per month. Work parties also take place at Bridgnorth on alternate Sundays and some Mondays. If you are interested in joining these working parties please contact Terry Jenkins on 01452 503636 before 21.00 weekdays. All willing volunteers are welcome whatever their skill level.

A rare chance to visit an Open Day at Tyseley Locomotive Works will next occur on 5th/6th July when progress on 7802’s chassis can be seen. We also expect to have a sales stand at this event. Other exhibits include Princess Elizabeth, Clun Castle, and Bahamas, each under repair, plus the usual Tyseley pool of operational steam locos.

Recent progress on 7802 has been good and we expect to finish the chassis overhaul this summer with the boiler work programmed for completion in the autumn making it likely that the loco will return to SVR service early in 2015. We are taking care to attend to all the items needing attention to ensure that the overhaul is comprehensive with the aim of providing a loco which gives good trouble free service. Through our wider contacts we have recently procured a new ashpan constructed to a West Somerset Railway design in conjunction with our Dinmore Manor friends. This design of the ashpan is aimed at easy emptying without moving parts and nicely illustrates the sharing of experience amongst like minded railways/owning groups.

Tender 2329 Progress

With efforts directed at work on 7802, the rebuild project on this smaller 3500 gallon tender (intended for 7802) has taken second place recently. Progress is still being made with further parts acquisition and steel work items required for the chassis. We expect to increase work on this project this summer subject to funding (see above).

7812 & Tender 2334

This loco continues to be in regular service on the SVR. Little work was undertaken over the winter of 2013/4 but preparations are in hand to overhaul the worn screw reverser and fit the correct water connections between the loco and tender. Replacement of the current (non standard) connections will make future maintenance and tender swaps easier by fitting standard GWR items. Both these items are being progressed alongside similar work on 7802. After a busy Gala season in late 2013, the loco is now expected to attend the Mid Hants Autumn Gala, 24th – 26th October 2014 as well as the SVR Autumn Gala, 18th – 21st September (new 4 day format).

Bit of a corker!

Brian Rowe of Cambrian Heritage Trust and, until May 1964, an Oswestry based fireman remembers that Manors “were damn good engines, better than the 75s” (standard class 4s which took over from the
Manors). He recalls Manors including 7802 and 7812 visiting Crewe on some services. Once when, being
serviced there alongside LM Pacifics, a local pilotman was bemused by the number of different oiling
points and remarked “there’s enough corks to float the engine in the river”!