October 2021 News Roundup
Welcome to our October news update, which this month focuses largely 7812 Erlestoke Manor’s overhaul which has entered its latter stages with another milestone reached. Meanwhile back at the SVR, the return of Autumn Steam Gala after last year’s coronavirus enforced absence was welcomed and enjoyed by visitors and volunteers alike. The Fund’s sales coach at Bewdley Station did brisk business and we are grateful to all those who made purchases large or small, as your support really does make a difference in the EMF’s continued ability to sustain practical work for both Manors and associated projects.
7812 Erlestoke Manor Overhaul Update:
We are very pleased to advise that a significant milestone was reached in the overhaul of Erlestoke Manor on Saturday 16th October when a warming fire was formally lit in the boiler for 7812 by Brenda Rainbow, sister of our much missed late Treasurer John Whitcomb who passed away in 2019. Following a gathering of some of the EMF regular volunteers, Brenda used a box of matches that belonged to John to light the warming fire in readiness for the official steam test a couple of days later. Hopefully John would have approved of the occasion and the cake which followed!
A gathering of regular EMF volunteers with Brenda shortly before lighting the warming fire. [Both Photos: Jane Preece]:
Brenda standing besides the fire as it takes hold.
Two days later on Monday 18th October, the safety valves lifted at full working pressure, with the boiler insurance inspector declaring that he was satisfied that the repaired boiler had passed its out of the frames steam test. Our thanks go to the staff at Tyseley Locomotive Works for carrying out the contract repair of this boiler. The next steps will be for the boiler to be lagged, clad and have the ashpan fitted, after which it can be refitted to the 7812’s frames and final assembly and painting of the locomotive can take place.
The safety valves on 7812’s boiler lift for the first time since the end of 2017 on Monday 18th October. [Photo: Adrian Hassell]:
As a result of the passing of the steam test, inside the main works building at Tyseley the pressure is on to ready 7812’s frames to receive the overhauled boiler. While this work is well advanced there is still a myriad of fitting and painting jobs to press on with.
On Saturday 16th October, EMF volunteer Ian Whitlam applies another layer of green undercoat to the motion bracket. [All Photos: Adrian Hassell]:
Cylinder cladding and lubrication pipework in the process of being refitted:
A general view of the largely complete bottom end of the locomotive, including valve gear, pipework and brake gear:
An overhauled crosshead awaiting fitting of the connecting rod and new piton rod and piston:
On Tuesday 19th October, EMF volunteers Gary Meadows and Terry Jenkins are seen refitting the repaired fireiron tunnel and splasher assembly. Behind them, the cab is rubbed down awaiting the attention of the finish painters:
T2329 Tender Update:
Meanwhile, back at Bewdley work has been quietly progressing on components for 3,500 gallon Churchward tender 2329. The vertical angles for the tender tank have been drilled and painted, as a support for the brake shaft repaired and overhauled. Completion of T2329 will become our prime volunteer project once 7812 returns to service.
[Both Photos: Terry Howes]
From the Archives:
Keeping up the Erlestoke Manor theme this month, Derek Palmer has sent the Fund this photograph of 7812 resting on shed at Oswestry 60 years ago on 19th March 1961. Thanks are extended to Derek for allowing us to share this.
[Copyright: Derek Palmer]