Erlestoke Manor and Bradley Manor on their way back

The long-awaited returns of ex-GWR Manor no 7812 Erlestoke Manor and no 7802 Bradley Manor to steaming duties on the Severn Valley Railway are moving ever closer.

7812 Erlestoke Manor is due to be back in service in time for the 2022 festive season, following its major 10-year overhaul.

7802 Bradley Manor will take a little longer, following the completion of the repairs involving a complete cylinder block replacement as a result of an incident back in 2019. It will be back in 2023, ready to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Erlestoke Manor Fund ( EMF ) , which owns both Manors, together with ex-GWR Large Prairie no 5164.

Adrian Hassell, Chair of EMF, is delighted with the progress being made and adds “I am sure 7812 will be warmly welcomed back by the Severn Valley Railway, enthusiasts and the EMF alike after such a prolonged absence. The return of 7802 next year will complete the picture of returns before we start work on our recently acquired loco no 5164.”