Great Western Railway ‘Large Prairie’ 2-6-2T Locomotive 516

The Erlestoke Manor Fund is delighted to announce that it is in discussion with the 5164 Preservation Group and the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) regarding the future of Great Western ‘Large Prairie’ 2-6-2T locomotive 5164.

Following an approach from the 5164 Preservation Group regarding the future of locomotive 5164 and the possibility of transferring the locomotive to the ownership of the EMF, the Trustees of the EMF have, after detailed consideration, agreed in principle to accept this offer. This is subject to the

existing SVR locomotive agreement being transferred to the Fund and discussions are now in progress.

The 5164 Preservation Group is an unincorporated organisation with a small, diminishing group of shareholders, who have agreed by a large referendum majority to offer the locomotive to the EMF for a nominal sum. If the transfer proceeds, this would secure the locomotive’s future within an incorporated, charitable organisation strongly affiliated to the SVR.

The EMF Trustees view 5164 as an appropriate and well-regarded locomotive which aligns with the Fund’s constitution and charitable objectives. The transfer of the locomotive would be an ideal addition to the Fund’s activities and would broaden the appeal of EMF to both current and future shareholders and supporters. Funding for current major overhaul and repair work on the two locomotives already owned by EMF – GWR 7802 Bradley Manor and 7812 Erlestoke Manor – would not be diverted onto 5164. Both Manors are progressing well towards their full return to operation on the SVR in the not too distant future.

Although requiring an overhaul, the locomotive is understood to be in reasonable condition and, if the transfer completes, 5164 would remain on display undercover at Barrow Hill Roundhouse for the present.