September 2019 Update
7802 Bradley Manor:
The wait for the outcomes of the detailed investigations into 7802’s piston rod failure continues, so there is little further to report this month about Bradley Manor. Some preliminary work has been done at Tyseley by EMF volunteers to help conserve the locomotive whilst it is laid up awaiting repairs.
7812 Erlestoke Manor Overhaul Update:
Ahead of rewheeling 7812’s driving and trailing coupled wheelsets have been sent to South Devon Railway Engineering for attention to the crank pins. Upon examination, the decision has been taken to replace the trailing wheelset’s crank pins rather than machine the existing ones. Meanwhile at Tyseley, work on the axleboxes by the Works staff is progressing well [All photos by Adrian Hassell unless stated otherwise]:
In tandem, EMF volunteer working parties are continuing one or two days per week focusing on completing the preparation of the many other components required for rewheeling such as spring hanger bolts, bogie hanger bolts and axlebox tops seen here ready for use:
Over on the locomotive frames, the final areas are being readied for undercoat. On 7th September, EMF Volunteer Ricky Sault is seen applying more primer to the area under the cylinder block between the extension frames:
On the same day Ian Whitlam and Ricky Sault are seen refitting the refurbished and rebushed brake shaft to 7812:
Followed by the completed vacuum brake reservoir tank, with Ricky (again) manoeuvring this into its final resting place:
The valve spindles from 7812 seen earlier in August having successfully passed non-destructive testing [Photo: Chris Field]:
On the boiler front, the repair continues with copper stays fitting and foundation ring rivet replacement in progress and a visit from the specialist copper welder for lap joint repairs is awaited:
You can come and see progress on 7812 at the Tyseley Locomotive Works Vintage Weekend on 28th & 29th September, more details of which can be found at the Vintage Trains Events website: https://vintagetrainsevents.co.uk
EMF Sales Coach
New in stock, we have a newly produced 7802 DVD on sale and a new batch of the corresponding 7812 DVD. Both retail at £12:
All funds raised go straight back into supporting the operation and repairs of 7802 Bradley Manor and 7812 Erlestoke Manor
From the Archives:
This month with thanks to Terence Dorrity, 7812 is seen here pulling out of Oswestry station on the 11:25 Saturdays excepted all stations Oswestry to Whitchurch service while a DMU waits in the bay platform on the 11:45 to Gobowen on Tuesday 4 August 1964. This is reproduced with permission from Terence’s book ‘The Steaming Sixties: Central Wales’. Terence Dorrity. Irwell Press. https://www.irwellpress.com/acatalog/STEAMING_SIXTIES_IN_COLOUR.html
More in October, but in the meantime if you are interested in helping or supporting the Erlestoke Manor Fund, please visit our ‘Want to Help?’ Section here: https://erlestokemanorfund.co.uk/want-to-help