Really Good News on Progress

At long last, Erlestoke Manor Fund can announce a major development with the proposed return of GWR 4-6-0 no 7812 Erlestoke Manor to Severn Valley Railway service, together with updates on its other two locomotives GWR 4-6-0 no 7802 Bradley Manor and GWR 2-6-2 no 5164.

7812 Erlestoke Manor

After the first warming fire was lit on Tuesday 8th November, steam was raised in 7812 on the following day, with its first trial movements under its own power since the end of 2017.

At the time of writing, snagging tasks are being rectified in readiness for its in-steam boiler insurance examination on Tuesday 15th November, followed by subsequent SVR engineering inspection and examination.

Dependent on these exams being passed satisfactorily, 7812 will be transported back to the Severn Valley Railway ( SVR ) by the end of November for test running and mileage accumulation, prior to full acceptance by the SVR and entry into service, intended to be in time for the Christmas operations.

The recent acceleration in progress has been achieved by a monumental effort by the Fund’s volunteers to work through the final fitting, outstanding tasks and adjustments.

7802 Bradley Manor

With the progress of 7812, 7802 has now replaced it inside the works at Tyseley.

The loco continues to be cleaned down in readiness for its heavy repair to replace the damaged cylinder blocks

The new racking plate, which sits across the frames underneath the cylinders, has been trial fitted and new cylinder blocks are already on site in the works.

Boiler non-destructive testing has been carried out, with favourable findings.

Work on 7802 will be the main project for 2023 and it is expected to be at least 12 months before the loco returns to steam.

5164

This loco is in store at Barrow Hill and preparatory overhaul planning and acquisition of parts are already underway, with work to follow on from the completion of 7802.

Boiler tubes have been delivered as part of a programme of continued advance purchasing of components to beat price increases ahead its planned overhaul.

Fundraising for the “Big Large Prairie Appeal“ has commenced and will be a fundamental factor in dictating the pace of this longer-term project

A dedicated leaflet has been produced to aid the fundraising project, which will extend well beyond the membership of the EMF. Details of how to support can be found at www.erlestokemanorfund.co.uk