The Erlestoke Manor Fund has announced that 4-6-0 ‘Manor’ No. 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ is well on its way to a test steaming before the end of 2024.

The locomotive has been out of service since 2019 when it was withdrawn from service after its right-hand piston rod fractured and damaged the cylinder block beyond repair.

Fast forward 5 years and the cylinder block replacement and boiler overhaul have progressed well and reassembly is now continuing at a good pace.

It was recently announced that 7802 will run with 2-8-0 No. 2857’s tender for the 2025 season, and this has now moved to Bridgnorth to be painted. 7802 has also been rubbed down in readiness for final painting at Tyseley Locomotive Works.

“Five years after this unfortunate incident, the end of the project is at last in sight and the EMF is very much looking forward to seeing Bradley Manor back in service on the SVR early in 2025”

Adrian Hassell