October 2022 Update

Apologies for a short update this month and the gap since the last website update, with the mitigation that we have been, and remain, rather busy pushing to complete 7812 Erlestoke Manor and getting 7802 Bradley Manor prepared for the major aspects of its repair to commence, along with progressing new build tender T2329.

7812 Erlestoke Manor Overhaul Update

After a summer of beavering away on the final (and often fiddly) reassembly tasks, Erlestoke Manor at last is close to steaming again, paving its way for its return to the SVR for running in, followed by entry into service. 7812 was moved from the main works building to the Fund’s tent at Tyseley this month, which gives us inspection pit access enabling some of the unseen jobs required to be finished off.

7812 seen on the turntable at Tyseley on 7th October after emerging from Works for the first time since 2019, whilst being shunted to the EMF’s covered siding to be united with 3,500 gallon tender T2334 and to allow final completion activities to proceed [Photo: Terry Jenkins]:

The following day, the EMF volunteer team are seen getting working through the outstanding tasks on the loco [Photo: Adrian Hassell]:

7812’s virtually completed cab seen from the newly reunited tender on 8th October [Photo: Adrian Hassell]:

 

7802 Bradley Manor Update

With 7812 leaving the main works building at Tyseley on 7th October, 7802 took its place under cover for our next major project to step up a gear. This opens the way for its cylinder block replacement to commence. No need to say, but this will be a significant job working within very fine tolerances… Readers may recall that we have the new cylinder blocks cast, machined and already on site at Tyseley. Meanwhile, outside the boiler has been having non-destructive and thickness testing carried out for the boiler insurers. We’ll keep you updated on Bradley Manor’s progress over the coming months.

The partially stripped back chassis of 7802 inside Tyseley works on 8th [Photo: Chris Field]: