Er les to kM ea nor group takes on LargePrairieNo.5164
THESevernValleyRailway-based ErlestokeManorFund(EMF) hasagreedin principleto the transferof GWR'51XX'2-6-2T No.5164into its ownership.
Thedevelopmentfollows lengthydiscussionswith the 5164PreservationGroup (5164PGa) nd the railwayover the LargePrairie'sfuture.
TheEMFalsoowns'Manor' class4-6-0sNos.7802Bradley Manorand 7812ErlestokeManor, and wasapproachedby the 5164PreservationGroupwith an offerto sellthe LargePrairiefor a nominalsumin orderto secure the locomotive'sfuture.
The5164PGisan unincorporatedorganisation with a smallbut diminishing numberof shareholders.
If the transferof the loco goes ahead,No.5164would be able to reapthe benefitsof the EMF's incorporatedand charitable status.
TheEMFsaidit views No .5164 as" an appropriate and well-regarded locomotive which alignswith the fund's constitutionand charitable objectives''.
It adds :" The transfer of the locomotivewould be an ideal addition to the fund'sactivities andwould broadenthe appealof EMFto both current and future shareholdersand supporters:'
Howeveri,t waskeento stressfunding for currentmajor overhauland repairwork on the two 'Manorsw' ould not be divertedonto the 2-6-2Tw, hich iscurrentlyin needof overhaul.
It is understoodto be in reasonable condition and, if the transfer completes, No .5164 will remain on display under cover at BarrowHill Roundhousefor the time being,whereit hasbeen since2014.
Thesaleof No.5164is expectedto go aheadif the locomotive agreement between the 5164PGandthe Severn Valley Railway is transferred to the EMFD. iscussionasrein progress.
No.5164first arrivedon the railwayin 1973following its purchasefrom Woodham's scrapyardin Barry.
It steamedfor the first time on Severn Valley metal sin 1979, running until 1984.
After a period in storage, the locore-enteredservice following a comprehensive overhaulin 2004,and enjoyeda successfupl eriod in traffic until being withdrawn for over haul at the start of 2014.