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→The construction of the Loop and alternative proposals: additional info
===1860===
The first plans for the Loop were prepared by [[Edward Wilson]], Engineer of the OW&W. The route was broadly similar to that eventually built, but with a shorter tunnel of only 400 yards<ref name=Marshall54>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] pp. 54, 58.</ref>.
===1861===
The West Midland and Severn Valley Companies Act incorporating Wilson's plan was approved on 1 August 1861. The Loop was to form part of the Severn Valley Railway, and was to be completed within 4 years, after which the powers would end. The Severn Valley Railway was also granted powers to raise an additional £60,000 capital for the estimated cost, and £20,000 of additional borrowing facilities. A deposit of £4,800 (8% of the cost) was lodged with the Court of Chancery. Raising the capital proved difficult, and no progress on construction had been made when the powers under the 1861 Act eventually lapsed<ref name=Marshall54/>.
===1863===
A wide-ranging agreement was reached between the LNWR and the GWR/WMR on 17 March 1863. For the GWR, this ensured that the LNWR would not oppose their forthcoming absorption of the WMR, as well as gaining access to Manchester. Among the benefits to the LNWR were obtaining running powers over the Tenbury and Bewdley Railway, the WMR line from Bewdley to Stourbridge (via Hartlebury) and thence via the Stourbridge Railway to Smethwick. The agreement also referred to the GWR/WMR constructing "...the authorized curve at Bewdley on or before 1st July 1865.", presumably referring to the Loop<ref>Letter from J.E. Norris in SVR News 71</ref>.
Responsibility for the 1861 Act passed from the WMR to the GWR, who discussed it at a Board meeting on 1 October 1863. Edward Wilson was instructed to prepare a plan and section and submit an estimate, although he had already done this for the 1861 Act. On 9 September Wilson wrote to the Board informing them that the cost of the single line branch would be £57,000 and that he was preparing (another?) plan and section<ref name=Marshall54/>.
===1864===
The GWR Board adopted a recommendation to proceed with the loop on 21 January. On 28 April they were advised that the powers for purchasing the land would shortly expire and the £4,800 deposit would be forfeit if the railway was not built. On 24 November Wilson wrote to the Board with a revised estimate of £55,133, and on 8 December the Board authorised the Chairman to proceed<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] p. 60.</ref>.
===1865===
During the mid to late 1860s, the GWR was in a period of financial constraint and did not consider the loop a priority. Despite the Board's authorisation the year before, work had not begun when the powers of construction expired in 1865<ref name=Marshall62>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] p. 62.</ref>.
===1867===
===1868===
Powers for construction of the Loop were granted under the GWR Act of 31 July 1868. The same Act also authorised construction of the Stourbridge Town branch. The £4,800 deposit was to be used in the construction of the Loop. These powers would end after 5 years<ref name=Marshall62/>.
===1872===
