November 2015 saw 50 years since the last workings of the GWR Manors on the Cambrian Railway network in West Wales. To mark the occasion, the Severn Valley Railway, also celebrating their 50th anniversary, held an event, titled 'Manor 50', which would reunite three of the last Manors to work on the Cambrian; 7802 'Bradley Manor', 7812 'Erlestoke Manor' and 7820 'Dinmore Manor'. Adding to the Cambrian atmosphere, were two resident tank engines; 1450 and 4566. Bringing the total number of locomotives in action to five, working a variety of full passenger workings, local trains, auto workings (1450 only), and even a 10 coach dining train on the Sunday.
The full line up included:
- GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 no.7802 'Bradley Manor' (Fresh from an extensive overhaul)
- GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 no.7812 'Erlestoke Manor' (Turned out with white painted buffers and smoke box door fittings; a trademark of Shrewsbury locomotive shed (84G) during the last days of the Cambrian Manors in November 1965)
- BR(W) 7800 Class 4-6-0 no.7820 'Dinmore Manor' (Visiting from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway)
- GWR 4500 Class 2-6-2T no.4566
- GWR 1400 Class 0-4-2T no.1450 (Working with Autocoach no.178 throughout the weekend)
Shot included:
1450: Bewdley.
4566: Hay Bridge, Orchard Crossing and Bewdley.
7820: Hampton Loade, Barke Street Foot Crossing, Orchard Crossing and Foley Park.
7812: Bewdley, two spots along Northwood Lane, and Hampton Loade.
7802: Falling Sands Viaduct, Orchard Crossing, Hay Bridge, Foley Park (Her only smoke box first southbound working of the weekend) and Hay Bridge again from a different angle, working the 10 coach dining train.
Despite the rather grim weather for most of the weekend, it was a brilliant show from all those involved. Certainly an event to be remembered.
Filmed on a Panasonic HS900 with a Pro Sound L92AA microphone.
Enjoy.