New £25,000 appeal to steam Nos. 7802 and 7812 this year
THE Erlestoke Manor Fund
(EMF) has announced plans to have both its Collett ‘Manors’ – Nos. 7802 Bradley Manor and 7812 Erlestoke Manor – back in traffic during this year, if the appropriate funding is forthcoming.
Both locomotives are currently at Tyseley Locomotive Works, where No. 7812 is undergoing overhaul, and No. 7802 is being repaired after it suffered major damage to its right-hand cylinder when a piston broke while in service at the West Somerset Railway on July 7.
Following the incident, the loco was recovered to Tyseley, where the extent of the damage was assessed.
The investigation into the cause of the failure found the piston rod had broken owing to fatigue arising from a defect in the metal, dating back to British Railways days. The break occurred at a point on the piston that could not be inspected while the loco was in one piece.
Once broken, the piston and rod were forced forward out of the cylinder, damaging the front cylinder cover, securing studs and the cylinder casting itself beyond repair.
New cylinders
As a result No. 7802 requires a complete cylinder block, the manufacture of which – together with the associated machining work and renewal of damages parts – is estimated to cost £150,000. Fortunately, the consequential damage is covered by insurance, but the replacement of the piston rod itself, plus other repairs which are prudent to undertake at the same time, are not covered.
The EMF has therefore launched the £25,000 Two for 2020 Appeal, which will not only help pay for the new cylinders for Bradley Manor, but also help get ‘Erlestoke’ back in one piece and – most importantly – bring in much-needed revenue.
The appeal offers three ways in which supporters can donate:
By becoming a member and shareholder in the
EMF (or increasing an existing shareholding) – £50 minimum. See website: www. erlestokemanorfund.co.uk/wantto-help/shareholders/
By making a donation to the Two for 2020 Appeal (with Gift Aid where possible).
See: www.erlestokemanorfund. co.uk/want-to-help/donate/
By donating suitable items for resale to the EMF shop at the Severn Valley Railway’s Bewdley station. These include model railway equipment, quality railway books and railwayana. See: www.erlestokemanorfund. co.uk/shop/
Anyone donating more than £25 to the appeal will receive an invitation to travel free behind either locomotive on a return-toservice special train.
“Our target is to return both Erlestoke Manor and then Bradley Manor to traffic during 2020,” said EMF chairman Paul Fathers.
Shortfall
“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.”
For more information visit: www.erlestokemanorfund.co.uk or email paulcfathers@gmail. com