‘Big Large Prairie’ appeal launched – and Erlestoke Manor planned for festive return

THE Erlestoke Manor Fund has formally launched its ‘Big Large Prairie’ appeal to restore GWR 2-6-2T No. 5164 to service. The announcement was made at the group’s AGM at Kidderminster Railway Museum on July 30. Subject to funding, it is hoped No. 5164 could steam again in late 2027 or 2028. A key objective of the appeal and the No. 5164 project will be for younger volunteers to gain further experience in overhauling ex-GWR locos – and for younger trustees to lead the overhaul, for which planning and advance purchases of components have already started. It is hoped this will mean the EMF is well placed to overhaul its WR ‘Manors’ Nos. 7812 Erlestoke Manor and 7802 Bradley Manor when they fall due for their next overhauls in the 2030s. Meanwhile, work continues apace completing No. 7812, tender No. T2334 and fitting new cylinders on No. 7802. By August 9, the fitting out of No. 7812’s smokebox was well advanced with new copper steam pipes, new superheater elements, retested steel steam pipes and a new blast pipe. The chimney, blower ring, associated pipework and spark arrestor remain to be fitted. The 4-6-0 is due back in service in time for the 2022 festive season, following its major 10-year overhaul. No. 7802 is planned to return to traffic in 2023, ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the EMF. As previously reported, No. 5164 is currently on display at Barrow Hill. Withdrawn from traffic at the Severn Valley Railway in January 2014, ownership of the loco was transferred to the EMF in 2021.