The Erlestoke Manor Fund has issued a round-up of news about its locomotives, including progress with the major repair of 7802 Bradley Manor and 7812 Erlestoke Manor’s extended operating visit to the West Somerset Railway.

The Fund’s shop at Bewdley station remains open from 10am until 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and gala days, subject to volunteer availability. The Fund welcomes new volunteers interested to help in its shop in various roles: working at the counter, shop presentation, sorting donated items behind the scenes, helping to bring model locos up to saleable condition.

Knowledge of model railways (or indeed any aspect of railways) is helpful but not essential. The level of volunteer activity can be tailored to individuals’ circumstances.

All profits from the shop go towards the repairs and upkeep of 7812 Erlestoke Manor, 7802 Bradley Manor and Large Prairie 5164.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected]

Further details on the Fund’s Sales Coach and services are available here.

7802 Bradley Manor Update

Good progress is being made with replacing the cylinder block and general repair to 7802, and with the construction of 3,500 gallon tender.

The parts are now going back on to the locomotive. Tyseley staff have almost finished fitting the new cylinder blocks, and the driving wheel set is ready to be replaced under the loco. The bogie has had new axle box under keeps fitted and has undergone a light repaint. Once the bogie and driving wheelset have been replaced, the leading wheelset can be removed and examined.

7812 Erlestoke Manor update

7812 has been running successfully at the West Somerset Railway (WSR), completing its first thirty steaming washout cycle by early July with few concerns about maintenance or repair.

As well as scheduled WSR services, 7812 has worked several high-profile special trains, including the Return to Steam Special on 1 July, attended by over one hundred invited shareholders and supporters of the EMF.

7812 worked two round trips and many of its supporters were able to enjoy the sight and sound of the locomotive in action over the Somerset Hills. The Fund reports that the weather was good all day, and that the loco’s final trip back to Bishops Lydeard along the coast and winding through the Quantock Hills in the late evening sun was particular;y pleasant.

7812 has also worked the WSR leg of two mainline charters, on both occasions double heading with 7828 Odney Manor. On 24 June, the two locos worked the Vintage Trains Whistling Ghost charter from Birmingham Snow Hill, which was worked to and from Bishops Lydeard by 7029 Clun Castle. On 22 July, 7812 and 7828 partnered again to work the West Somerset Steam Express over the WSR, which had been brought in by Jubilee 45596 Bahamas from London Paddington.

Subject to availability, 7812 is expected to be in general passenger service on the WSR for much of August.

Large Prairie 5164 update

The Fund continues to carry out enabling works for 5164’s future overhaul. This has included crack detection using magnetic particle testing a spare Large Prairie trailing (radial) axle which the Fund has in stock. The tyres of the existing trailing axle under 5164 are quite thin, so once testing has been successfully concluded, the Fund will prepare the spare axle for eventual use under 5164, saving future effort and cost.