About Erlestoke

Formed in 1973 EMF was successful in the rescue through fund raising and purchase of firstly Erlestoke Manor and later Bradley Manor from Woodham’s scrap yard in Barry, South Wales. Having been cast aside by British Railways as surplus and outmoded at the end of 1965, 7812 was rescued in 1974 and 7802 in 1979.

History Timeline

Below is a timeline of the evolution of both of our locomotives. If you would like to find out more please contact us or visit one of our events.

Construction

During the 1930s the Great Western Railway updated its locomotive fleet, introducing a series of standard designs based firmly on development which had taken place since the turn of the century.

GWR & BR Service

Almost immediately pressed into wartime service 7802 and 7812 were both allocated to Bristol depots.

Withdrawal

Following World War 2 the railways of Great Britain were in a very run down state and had suffered from under investment and competition from road transport.

Rescued

Woodhams commenced the scrapping of redundant BR Steam locos in the late 1950s and also had contracts to scrap wagons and coaches from BR.

ideal size
named & attractive
noise!
built for rural lines
mainline trips
SVR & other lines
overhauls and the future

Browse Photo Gallery

Detailed History

Once saved the fund’s attention focussed on returning 7812 to working order an aim which was achieved in 1979. Initially purchased solely for spare parts the fund was encouraged to restore 7802 to working order a practical and financial feat which was achieved in 1993. Since then both locomotives have proved their usefulness in regular heritage railway service.

The fund is supported by several hundred like minded shareholders simply determined that the locomotives should have an active and useful future for as long as practically possible. So far this has been achieved without significant external subsidy or reliance on single large shareholding.

Active support is essential for the long term active future of the locomotives and the fund benefits from this in several different areas including fund raising, locomotive overhaul and maintenance as well as administration. These activities provide a wide range of opportunities for involvement and association with the locomotives. Importantly supporting the fund provides opportunities to pass on heritage engineering skills and gain useful other experience. There is also a social side to the fund either through meeting at regular working parties, visits to other railways with or without our locomotives and social events.