The 4150 Fund
The 4150 Fund was launched in March 1973 to purchase GWR 2‑6‑2T No 4150 from Barry Scrapyard, for the price of £2,750.
4150 left Barry in 1974 and in company with 7812 Erlestoke Manor was towed by Class 25 diesel to the Dean Forest Railway at Parkend. However site difficulties meant no work took place, and led to the Fund deciding to move the locomotive to the SVR. The move to Bewdley took place in January 1978, again by rail.
Restoration began after a period in storage, but by the mid-80s fund raising and restoration progress had slowed. In 2007 a new committee was formed to restart and complete the restoration. Since then, progress has continued steadily on the ‘bottom end’, including the fabrication of new bunker and tanks. As of summer 2015, the boiler is now the major remaining task before 4150 can return to steam.
Peep Behind the Scenes
The 4150 Fund organises the annual ‘Peep Behind the Scenes’ day. An additional £5.00 charge applies on the day for a wristband allowing access to areas normally closed to the public, including of course No 4150 in Bewdley Yard. Money raised through the sale of wristbands goes towards the 4150 Restoration Fund.
Other areas to which access has been available in previous years have included Kidderminster Carriage Shed and Signal Box, Bewdley North Signal Box and Bridgnorth MPD.