6th January, 2026
Steam locomotive 7802 Bradley Manor to visit Somerset for 2026 season
7802 Bradley Manor
The Erlestoke Manor Fund has announced that 7802 Bradley Manor will be visiting the West Somerset Railway for an extended period in 2026.
The visit of the Manor will be from the end of April until November 2026, but the EMF has stressed that this is a short-term agreement.
7802 will return to the Severn Valley Railway in time for the festive season.
The fund has stated this allows 7802 to be available for all offered steaming days at the Severn Valley Railway, including the Spring Gala, before heading to Somerset.
7802 of course joins sister loco 7812 Erlestoke Manor at the West Somerset Railway.
7812, which is also owned by the EMF, is on loan to the WSR until December 2027.
While 7802 Bradley Manor previously visited WSR in 2019, this occasion marks the first time it will operate alongside its stable companion, 7812 Erlestoke Manor, on WSR tracks. This unique event is anticipated to be of significant interest to EMF shareholders and supporters, who will welcome the opportunity to witness both our locomotives in action together.”
“This announcement illustrates the positive relationship that the EMF has with its host railway, the Severn Valley Railway, as well as other fully operational heritage railways such as WSR. This hire is to the mutual benefit of not only of the EMF, the WSR and the SVR but also shareholders and supporters who can
attend to see the two steam locomotives running in different surroundings.”
Jane Preece, Chair of the EMF