Changes

The Society paid the 10% deposit to BR in February 1967, with contracts for the purchase being exchanged on 1 June (the balance of the purchase price was paid shortly after the official opening in May 1974). BR allowed stock to be moved in once the 10% deposit was paid, and the preservation scheme really gained momentum with the arrival on 25 March of the first locomotive and 4 GWR coaches. [[GWR 2251 Class 3205|GWR 0-6-0 No 3205 ]] had made the journey in steam from the BR shed at Stourbridge Junction, where it had been re-assembled after being hauled ‘dead’ from the West Country. Another 3 locomotives would arrive during 1967, [[LMS Ivatt Class 2 46443|Ivatt 2MT No 46443 ]] on 22 April, [[2047 Warwickshire|Manning Wardle contractors engine no 2047 ]] (later named Warwickshire) on 22 October, and [[GWR 813 Saddle Tank|ex-Port Talbot Railway 0-6-0 No 813 ]] on 25 November.

The availability of working rolling stock saw a succession of steam galas in 1967. The Railway had not yet received the Light Railway Order allowing rides to be given to the general public. However SVR members could travel, so the Railway did a brisk trade in ‘Day Member’ tickets, while full membership of the [[Severn Valley Railway Society ]] also benefitted, passing the 1,000 mark by the end of the year.

During 1967 the Civil Engineering Department constructed a 30ft long locomotive inspection pit at [[SVR Loco Works|Bridgnorth]]. A water tower was purchased from Dudley and erected at [[Eardington]], the only source of suitably soft water on the line.

The excitement of the time was tempered by the news that Shropshire County Council and several local Parish Councils were likely to oppose the formal re-opening of the Railway, as it might prejudice the proposed construction of the Bridgnorth By-pass and the carrying out of road improvements relating to bridges in the Eardington area. However BR remained supportive of the SVR, allowing continued tenancy of [[Bridgnorth|Bridgnorth Station]].