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The profile shows the average gradient in each section (the vertical scale is exaggerated), thus on leaving Kidderminster the line initially goes downhill with a gradient of 1 in 112. ‘L’ indicates level. According to the GWR gradient profiles, the steepest gradient on both the orignal Severn Valley Railway and the Loop line did not exceed an average of 1 in 100 in any section. The horizontal scale includes the mileages (see below).
Gradient posts showing changes in gradient can be seen at the lineside. The design varies, but generally follows the principle of this prominent example near Highley stationNorthwood Halt.
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File: Gradient_PostNorthwood gradient post.jpg | Gradient post
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The original 1874 [[Loop Line specification and contract]] quoted mileages from Bewdley South junction towards Kidderminster. Drawings of the main items of infrastructure were described as follows: *'''Bridge at 0m 46.88''' ([[Devil's Spittleful (Rifle Range) Bridge]])<br>*'''Tunnel from 1m 4 Ch<span style="vertical-align:super;font-size:small">s</span> to 1m 26''' ([[Bewdley Tunnel]])<br>*'''Bridge at 1m 61.15''' ([[Stourport Road Bridge]])<br>*'''Bridge at 1m 7 Ch<span style="vertical-align:super;font-size:small">s</span> and Culverts''' ([[Underbridge off Lisle Avenue]])<br>*'''Viaduct from 2m 11.63 Ch<span style="vertical-align:super;font-size:small">s</span> to 2m 17.72''' ([[Falling Sands Viaduct]])<br>*'''Bridge at 2m 26.72''' ([[Worcester Road Bridge]])<br>*'''Bridge at 2m 46.30''' ([[Hoo Road Bridge]]) Early OS maps show the locations of mileposts on the loop line which do not accord with appear to reflect this method of calculation. Mileposts appear just east of Rifle Range Halt (see map below), just west of [[Stourport Road Bridge]] (the location of [[Foley Park Halt]]), and just south of Kidderminster Junction (see map below). This discrepancy could can be accounted for if the earlier mileages were instead based on a reversal at Bewdley and then travelling towards Kidderminster, ie:
137.12 Bewdley South Junction SVB<br>
===Mileage oddities===
In addition to the 'discontinuity' in the mileage at Bewdley South Junction referred to above, the present day SVR being situated on three different ELRs gives rise to some other apparent oddities. Leaving Kidderminster, the mileage initially decreases as you pass the first milepost by the carriage shed but then increases again as you continue (due to setting off towards London but then curving away from it). Reaching Kidderminster Junction, this is two different distances from London, depending on whether you are on the OWW line or the Severn Valley Branch (due to the latter being approached by the reversal point). Finally, on Safari Park Curve you pass milepost 137¾, and a short time later you enter Bewdley Station passing another milepost 137¾ (the former being reached via the Loop and the latter direct via Hartlebury. ===Modern distance markers===Evidence of another measurement system used for operational purposes can also be seen on the SVR. The distances have been measured from Kidderminster in kilometres, with a small marker tag attached to the web of the rail every 100 metres. The locations of these have been highlighted by white paint on the chair or sleeper adjacent to the marker. Examples can be clearly seen from the platform at Bewdley (5.700) and near the Highley cattle dock (15.100).<gallery>Bewdley_20180825.jpg|Marker at BewdleyHighley_20180825.jpg|Marker at Highley</gallery>
==See also==
==References==
<references />
[[Category: The Severn Valley Railway in preservation]]
[[Category: Miscellaneous articles]]
