September 2021 Update

Raising the Roof – EMF Style!

EMF supporters and followers may recall the news in May that our large tent at Tyseley housing components for 7812, 7802 and new build tender T2329 had suffered a terminal canvas failure before we had the opportunity following lockdown to replace it. This task has been all the more challenging due to the size of the tent – large enough to hold a Manor class locomotive and tender unsurprisingly – and that this type of tent is no longer manufactured. While the frame was repairable, we faced the difficult problem of where to source a bespoke set of canvases to fit….

Enter Tarpaulin Repair Services of Worcester who were recommended to us and have supplied a fantastic set of bespoke tarpaulins to ensure that we can get weatherproof again before the weather turns in the autumn. Jon and the team at Tarpaulin Repair Services were only too happy to visit the site to fully understand our requirements, identify improvements to the previous design and take some challenging measurements to ensure that all aspects would fit first time.

Part 2 has been the challenge of fitting a 60-foot-long canvas over a 17 foot high frame. For this enter an enthusiastic group of EMF and wider SVR volunteers who arrived at Tyseley Locomotive Works on Tuesday for the ‘big pull’. A safe method of working had been prepared beforehand to ensure that this could be achieved from ground level, but did require many hands to make light work.

Excellent teamwork approached in good humour by all made for a successful and rewarding day. The end result looks magnificent and is a great step forward in ensuring that we can press on with finishing 7812 without weather related delays, and then looking to our other projects beyond this such as new build tender T2329.

Many thanks to our volunteers seen here after a job well done!

Satisfied volunteers with their handiwork! [All photos courtesy of Jane Preece]:

Before – the scene from last May – far from ideal conditions for people or components….

After – weather proof facilities restored! The chassis of new build tender T2329 occupies the foreground:

7812 Erlestoke Manor Overhaul Update

Meanwhile, progress on the overhaul of 7812 Erlestoke Manor has continued over the summer months with the refitting of much of the main brake and steam heating pipework runs, cladding components around the cylinders and cylinder drain cocks. More news on this will be covered in next month’s update.