January 2019 Update

Special Events for Members in 2019:

Now’s the time to start your real plans for 2019 – Book the first of your EMF events!

Thursday 9th May 2019: OBBO TRIP:

A morning or afternoon full return trip behind 7802 from Kidderminster with refreshments served in the Observation Coach during the journey.

Cost per return journey inclusive of food and light refreshments — held at 2018 prices —- £ 36 for the morning trip and £26 for the afternoon trip. Family and friends are welcome to join us.

Please do watch out for details of further trips/events in 2019, including the AGM Special on Saturday 13 July and Footplate Experiences on Sunday 14 July

To book or for more information please contact:

Peter Evans
Home: 01527 861236
Mobile: 07808 763886
Email: peterevans3105@outlook.com
Address: Iona, Chequers Lane, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, Worcs WR9 7PH

Maintenance Round-up

7812 Erlestoke Manor:

7812 Erlestoke Manor was moved out of the elements and inside Tyseley Locomotive Works at the start of January with work swiftly starting on boring the piston valve sleeves. Additionally:

The entire cab floor has been removed for replacement for which with thanks to Kevin Dare of the Great Western Society we now have the GWR drawing making manufacture of the new steel work much easier!
All removable spring hanger brackets have been removed and will be refitted with new bolts.
The bogie wheelsets are in the process of being measured up and awaiting turning at West Midland Trains wheel lathe facility at their Tyseley depot.
On the boiler front, manufacture has been completed of the new superheater elements.

7812 inside the workshops at Tyseley on 9th January [Photo: Ian Whitlam]

Stuart Thales setting up the boring equipment on 7812’s right hand valve chest on 16th January [Photo: Terry Jenkins]

3,500 gallon tender T2329:

Following on from last month the spring hanger brackets all now fitted ready for riveting, and like 7812’s bogie wheelsets the tender wheelsets are at West Midland Trains Tyseley wheel lathe facility for turning, with the first set having been completed.

Here is the first tender wheelset setup to take measurements in mid-January [All photos: Chris Field]

A general scene of the wheelset on the lathe, the other tender wheelsets and 7812 bogie wheelsets in the background

Operations:

On 5th January 7802 Bradley Manor is seen a pausing at the recently extended platform at Eardington on a private charter for Fund supporters and families [Photo: Des Ainsworth]

7802 then spent the initial period of the SVR ‘closed’ season at Kidderminster. On 19^th January a team of Fund volunteers prepared the locomotive for onward movement by road to the Great Central Railway where she has been a guest at their Winter Steam Gala from 25^th – 27^th January.