PRESS RELEASE – issued on 31 October 2025

Whilst on extended hire to the West Somerset Railway, 7812 Erlestoke Manor was absent from the WSR Autumn Steam Gala, whilst awaiting inspection and steam testing after the rectification of a washout plug thread defect.

Fortunately, this repair was successful and the locomotive was able to re- enter traffic on Tuesday October 21.

Regrettably, and unrelated to that defect, on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, 7812 suffered a piston failure whilst working out of Bishops Lydeard, putting it out of service.

Operational and mechanical investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of this failure and the necessary repairs have already commenced.

The locomotive has since been moved to Minehead.

Further information will be issued, as available.