Erlestoke Manor returns at Severn Valley
ERLESTOKE MANOR ran at the Severn Valley Railway for the first time in almost five years in December, following the completion of its overhaul.
Following the Collett 4‑6‑0’s first trial steaming at Tyseley Locomotive Works on November 9 (SR539 Roster), the Erlestoke Manor Fund‑owned locomotive moved to the SVR on December 1/2, almost five years to the day since it last ran on the Kidderminster‑Bridgnorth line in December 2017. No. 7812 then underwent two days of running‑in trials, accumulating just over 60 miles of running before being temporarily stopped for attention to a couple of warm axle bearings.
EMF spokesman Peter Evans said: “Although these were running cooler on the second day’s running, we have decided to investigate now to ensure trouble‑free service in 2023 and beyond. Aside from the two bearings, 7812 performed well on test, steams freely, and is clearly still strong. Overall, we are delighted that Erlestoke Manor has returned home to the SVR and the warm welcome received – it’s great to be back!”
This is Erlestoke Manor’s third active stint in preservation, having previously run at the SVR from 1979‑85 and 2008‑17.
The EMF’s attention now turns to the second ‘78XX’ in its care: No. 7802 Bradley Manor, currently under overhaul at Tyseley. Evans said: “The new racking plate, which will sit underneath the new cylinder blocks, has been trial‑fitted, and we are preparing the inside of the frames for a full repaint. Meanwhile, the boiler has undergone nondestructive and thickness testing, which hasn’t thrown up any surprises.”
The EMF is also currently fundraising for the future overhaul of ‘Large Prairie’ No. 5164, currently stored at Barrow Hill roundhouse. Evans said: “While fundraising progresses, further planning and component purchases continue to be made, recently including material for axlebox crowns. We are investigating options for the bunker which, subject to confirmation, is expected to need replacement.”