Severn Valley Railway Timeline 1981

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1981 timetable

This page provides a timeline of events on the Severn Valley Railway during 1981.

In 1981, Eardington was reinstated as a request stop in the timetable. BR again ran a limited DMU shuttle service between Kidderminster and the SVR at Bewdley. The SVR continued to provide locomotives to work on main line rail tours from Hereford and elsewhere.

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January 1981

4930 and 45000 departed for Hereford on main line duties, accompanied by WD 193 which left on loan to the 6000 LA group based there. The 4-6-0s would return in April; 193's loan would be extended.

March 1981

The first public main line excursion from Bridgnorth ran on 14 March. The 11-coach ‘Severn Valley Crusader’ to Paddington was hauled to Bewdley by 7819 and 46521, where two BR class 25s took over.

June 1981

The newly installed ex-Whitchurch water tower at Highley was used for the first time.

September 1981

Enthusiasts Weekend was scheduled to include 10 SVR locomotives in steam (SVR News does not confirm the final number).

Late 1981

WD 193’s loan to Hereford was extended, while 45690 Leander left following completion of the overhaul begun the previous year. 3020 Cornwall was to return to the NRM until funds could be found for its overhaul.

December 1981

The Santa Special services struggled thorough in the worst winter weather seen in 31 years, with snow and daytime temperatures of -25°C hampering operations.

Filming for an episode of ITV’s Game for a Laugh took place, involving musician and entertainer Joe Brown firing 80079, repeating a job he previously did for BR while a fireman at Plaistow.

Steam locomotives used

A table of steam locomotives used and their mileages can be found on the Steam Locomotive Mileages page.

See also

• The Severn Valley Railway in preservation

British Rail or British Railways

Diesel Multiple Unit

Severn Valley Railway