£25,000 APPEAL TO RETURN ‘BRADLEY’ AND ERLESTOKE MANOR TO STEAM THIS YEAR
A£25,000 appeal has been launched with the aim of having Nos. 7802 Bradley Manor and 7812 Erlestoke Manor back in steam together this year.
Both of the Collett 4-6-0s are owned by the Erlestoke Manor Fund and based on the Severn Valley Railway, but are currently at Tyseley Locomotive Works; No. 7812 for its ‘ten-yearly’ overhaul, and No. 7802 for repairs after suffering a serious mechanical failure at the West Somerset Railway in July last year. Bradley Manor’s right-hand piston rod broke owing to a defect in the metal, which could not have been detected as it was in an inaccessible location. This left the piston and part of the rod free to break through the front cylinder cover, damaging the cylinder block beyond repair.
A replacement cylinder will cost an estimated £150,000, but while the consequential damage is covered by insurance, funds are needed for the replacement of the piston rod itself, plus other repairs. The sum of £25,000 is to cover both this and the completion of No. 7812’s overhaul.
EMF Chairman Paul Fathers said: “Our target is to return both Erlestoke Manor and then Bradley Manor to traffic during 2020. While we are well on the way to achieving this, we face a cash shortfall with both locomotives currently unserviceable and so not bringing in any revenue.
“As a result, we are asking all those who support us, and wish to see both the ‘Manors’ running again this year, to come forward with donations or by purchasing shares as part of the ‘Two for 2020 Appeal’.”
Supporters can help by making a donation or by purchasing shares in the locomotives; all shareholders, and those who donate over £25, will be invited on a special train when the locomotives return to duty. For details, visit www.erlestokemanorfund.co.uk