Summer 2023 News Roundup

A bumper edition this time with lots going on with all our locomotives, including progress with the major repair of 7802 Bradley Manor and a busy time for 7812 Erlestoke Manor on her extended operating visit to the West Somerset Railway.

In a timeless shot, Erlestoke Manor makes her getaway from Hampton Loade at the SVR Spring Steam Gala on Saturday 15th April Photo: Bob Meredith

Bewdley Station EMF Sales Coach

Before we move on to news of our locomotives, our Fund shop at Bewdley Station remains open Saturdays and Sundays 10.00 am till 4.00 pm plus gala days, subject to volunteer availability, raising valuable income for our charitable organisation. To this end, we would welcome new volunteers interested in helping with our shop activities where we have several roles available to suit:

Working at the counter
Shop Presentation
Behind the scenes sorting donated items
Assisting with bringing locos up to saleable condition.

Knowledge of model railways or, indeed, any aspect of railways helpful but not essential, and the level of input can be tailored to individuals’ circumstances. All shop profits go towards the repairs and upkeep of 7812 Erlestoke Manor, 7802 Bradley Manor and Large Prairie 5164, so sustaining this activity makes real difference to our ability to continue supporting the operation and repair of our locomotives!

So, if you enjoy dealing with or helping people and are interested in enhancing EMF income, we would be delighted to hear from you at our email address: erlestokemanorfund@gmail.com

Further details on our Sales Coach and services are available here: https://www.erlestokemanorfund.co.uk/shop

7802 Bradley Manor Update:

The cylinder block replacement and general repair to 7802, along with the construction of 3,500 gallon tender have both progressed well over the last couple of months, with the parts now going back on to the locomotive, rather than the other way round. The fitment of the new cylinder blocks has almost been completed by the staff at Tyseley, the driving wheelset is ready to be replaced under the locomotive and the bogie has had new axle box underkeeps fitted and undergone a light repaint. Once the bogie and driving wheelset have been replaced, the leading wheelset can be removed for examination.

On 22nd July, trustee Chris Field and volunteer Ben Morris are seen happy in their work painting the frames in the space that the driving wheelset will occupy once replaced Photo: Paul Spence

Also on 22nd July, trustee Jane Preece is seen putting the final coat on the driving wheelset axle. Photo: Ben Morris

The rear of 7802’s new cylinder block is seen here on 29th July with cylinder and valve covers now fitted on both sides Photo: Paul Spence

Meanwhile, the sides of the new tender tanks have been delivered and are being drilled for the bottom supporting angle to be fitted. Photo: Adrian Hassell

On the chassis of new tender T2329, the leading drag box is having many, many coats of paint applied before this space becomes hard to access. Photo: Adrian Hassell

7812 Erlestoke Manor Update:

Without wishing to tempt fate, 7812 has settled into traffic well at the West Somerset Railway – very much as we hoped and expected. By early July, the locomotive had completed its first thirty steaming washout cycle with little to report on the maintenance or repairs front.

In amongst scheduled WSR services, 7812 has worked a number of high-profile special trains, not least her Return to Steam Special on 1st July, which over 100 invited shareholders and supporters of the EMF attended. With thanks to the West Somerset Railway for superb organisation around the day, 7812 worked two round trips in fine form and many of those who supported 7812’s overhaul in some way were able to enjoy the sight and sound the locomotive in action over the Somerset Hills. The weather played ball all day and the final trip back to Bishops Lydeard along the coast and the winding through the Quantock Hills in the late evening sun was something to savour. Roll on 7802’s Return to Steam Special next….

7812 seen at Bishops Lydeard prior to the morning departure of the EMF Return to Steam Special on 1st July. Photo: Adrian Hassell

In glorious sunshine, 7812 slowly eases off the turntable at Minehead in front of gathered guests before working next trip back to Bishops Lydeard. Photo: Adrian Hassell

In addition, to our own return to steam special, 7812 has worked the WSR leg of two mainline charters, double heading with 7828 Odney Manor on both occasions. On 24th June, 7812 and 7828 worked Vintage Trains Whistling Ghost charter from Birmingham Snow Hill which was worked to and from Bishops Lydeard by 7029 Clun Castle. A few weeks later on 22nd July, 7812 and 7828 partnered up again to work the West Somerset Steam Express over the WSR, which had been brought in from London Paddington by Jubilee 45596 Bahamas.

7812 standing at Minehead on Saturday 24th June waiting to work The Whistling Ghost to Birmingham Snow Hill with 7828 as far as Bishops Lydeard. Photo: Terry Jenkins

Look ahead and subject to availability, 7812 is expected to be in general passenger service on the WSR for much of August. We will update our Facebook pages and Twitter feeds with further details when possible.

Large Prairie 5164 Update:

Still ticking on in the background are enabling works for 5164’s future overhaul. One such activity has been carrying crack detection using magnetic particle testing a spare Large Prairie trailing (radial) axle which the EMF has in stock. The existing trailing axle under 5164 has fairly thin tyres, so subject to satisfactory testing preparing the spare axle for eventual use under 5164 will save future effort and cost

The spare radial axle is seen here sprayed up at part of the magnetic particle crack testing process. Photo: Chris Field

From The Archives:

2023 is the 50th anniversary year of the Erlestoke Manor Fund 20th May 1974, so it is very appropriate that Erlestoke Manor has entered service for her third stint in traffic in the preservation era. Looking back to the early days, here is a view of 7812 just after arrival at the Dowty Railway Preservation Society at Ashchurch on 20th May 1974, having been transported by rail from Barry, via Parkend, to Ashchurch. This was 7812’s temporary base, prior to moving to the SVR in 1976. Photo: Copyright EMF

EMF Membership:

As you will have seen there is a hive of EMF activity both in public and behind the scenes at present. If helping to support the operation of 7812 Erlestoke Manor, 7802 Bradley Manor and Large Prairie 5164 for future generations is something that appeals, then membership of our charitable organisation dedicated to this purpose may be of interest? The collective support of our shareholders is a key to our continued ability to sustain the operation and repair of our locomotives into the future, so joining the EMF is a great way to help support this.

Life membership is offered through the purchase of a minimum shareholding of £50, which can be paid in instalments. We welcome all levels of support and shareholders are offered:

Invites to shareholder meetings and events
The option to participate in regular working parties on the locomotives or helping support the sales operation
Regular shareholder newsletters
Other fund-raising activities

New members are most welcome and further details on membership and shareholding can be found here: https://www.erlestokemanorfund.co.uk/want-to-help/shareholders