£174,000 bequest funds steam train overhaul

AN unexpected £174,000 bequest to the West Somerset Railway has virtually completed the funding needed to finish an overhaul of an important steam engine.
The heritage railway bought the Great Western Railway-designed steam locomotive 7828 ‘Odney Manor’ and its tender three years ago and set about raising the £600,000 needed to cover the purchase and the overhaul.
Now, the legacy by railway enthusiast Derek Stephens has brought in the remaining funds which will see the engine working trains over the 20 miles of line between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard.
WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said the railway was grateful to the late Mr Stephens and ‘a little moved that he should think of us when making his will’.
Mr Stephens’ connection with the railway was that he had travelled on the line and found his visits enjoyable and impressive enough to make a major gesture of support.
Mr Conibeare said: “Together with the generous support of our shareholders and other well-wishers we have reached our target ahead of the planned timescale.
“The ‘Manor’ class engines are ideal for our line, being designed to work passenger trains of 250 tons over secondary mail line routes and we look forward to welcoming ‘Odney’ back to heading our trains when overhaul is complete in a couple of years’ time.”
Two ‘Manor’ class engines are being hired in by the WSR as part of the ‘guest list’ for its spring steam gala, which runs on March 17t, 18t, 22, 23, 24 and 25.
Number 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ is being hired from the Severn Valley Railway, while 7822 ‘Foxcote Manor’ is coming from Lllangollen.
Visitors to Minehead on the Saturdays and Sundays of the gala will also be able to look around the locomotive shed and workshop at Minehead to see for themselves the progress on ‘Odney’.

• Our photographs show 'Odney Manor' before the overhaul began (top) and some of the work in progress. Photos submitted.