Manor Class No 7822 - 'Foxcote Manor'

With its light axle weight, the Manor class were ideal for both passenger and goods trains over secondary routes, such as the Cambrian line and the Ruabon to Barmouth line, of which Llangollen Railway is a preserved section. Foxcote Manor regularly hauled the Cambrian Coast Express from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth, and on one occasion the Royal Train. In 1965, 7822 was withdrawn and sold to a scrapyard in Barry, South Wales. Here it rested until 1974 when it was purchased in 1974 by the specially-formed Foxcote Manor Society. It moved to Oswestry, headquarters of the Cambrian Railway Society, where restoration progressed slowly.

In 1986 7822 moved to Llangollen, the first movement under its own power coming on 11th September 1987, and entry into service in 1988. It rapidly became an integral part of the Railway, and was a regular performer on the line until cracks were discovered in the outer firebox early in 1997, and the decision was taken that it was time for a ten-yearly overhaul. This was completed in around 2½ years, somewhat less than the first restoration; having a complete kit of parts is an enormous advantage! Nevertheless it was also an expensive operation again, with major repairs to the boiler required. It culminated in a return to service after a ceremony on 29th August 1999.

Principal Dimensions

Wheel arrangement 4-6-0
Power classification D
Nominal tractive effort 27,340 lbs
Weight (including tender) 109 tons
Wheel diameters 5'8", 3'0"
Cylinders Two 18" x 30"
Boiler pressure 225psi
Valve gear Stephenson
Route Availability Blue

Shed Allocations

Oswestry 89A 1951
Chester 84K 1954
Oswestry 89A 1958
Machynlleth               6F 1963
Shrewsbury 6D 1965
Oswestry   1974
Llangollen   November 1985

The Foxcote Manor Society

Formed in 1974 to restore Foxcote Manor, the work of the Society goes on, even after the original restoration and a subsequent overhaul. Today's FMS has plenty of work to do; cleaning, maintenance, meeting the public, and arranging social events and fundraising. Its members are spread throughout the UK, and even a few in other parts of the world. Members come from all walks of life, including some of the men who worked on the footplate during her BR life, and many who enjoy working with her on the Llangollen Railway.

There is a nucleus of regular working members; those who cannot visit so often are kept in touch with newsletters. The Society is a Registered Charity and has a separate identity from the Llangollen Railway, although it enjoys a very special relationship with the line.

The Society also has its own website: www.foxcotemanor.com     ** Note **  This link will open in a new window.