Severn Valley Railway Timeline 2010-2019

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Significant events in the history of the Severn Valley Railway in preservation between 2010 and the present date are set out below.

Information on current events on the SVR can be found here.

Contents

2010

2010 saw the 40th anniversary of the official opening of the SVR. Two ‘must-do’ engineering projects were in progress, an overhaul of the Bridgnorth By-pass Bridge which had been deferred at the time of the 2007 storm damage, and installation of the wheel-drop at Bridgnorth which required a 12,000 cubic foot hole to be dug in the locomotive works.

2010 also became ‘the year of the tender’. The axles on 43106’s tender had suffered damage in the derailment the previous year, but the locomotive was returned to service after the Strathspey Railway kindly loaned the axles from the tender of 46512 which was not in service at the time. Next came a broken spring hanger bracket on 7812 Erlestoke Manor’s tender, temporarily resolved by a loan from the Foxcote Manor Group at Llangollen while new castings were made. Finally 42968 suffered wheel flats on the tender, and resumed service using the tender from Black 5 45110 which was brought back from Barrow Hill where the locomotive was on static display.

Other legacies of the derailment saw the SVR invest in more sophisticated locomotive weighing equipment to ensure the correct adjustment of locomotive and tender springs, and the acquisition of a Track Data Recording Device, a simple three-wheeled lightweight unit to measure track conditions such as twist, superelevation, gauge, gradient and rail condition.

January 2010

New points were installed at Hampton Loade to replace those damaged in the derailment the previous autumn. Services from Kidderminster terminated at Highley while the work took place.

February 2010

On 23 February the internal enquiry team's report into the previous year's Hampton Loade derailment was presented to the SVR(H) Board. The recommendations were accepted in full. These included responsibility for safety residing solely with SVR(H) rather than the Joint Board, reviewing the SMS and insituting an audit procedure to ensure compliance[1].

March 2010

Visitors at the Spring ‘Reunion’ Gala were 61994 The Great Marquess (in BR Black livery), BR Standard 2MT 2-6-0 No 78019 (which had never steamed while at the SVR), GWR 0-6-0PT No 5786 which had spent 10 months on the SVR in 1969/70, and GWR 0-6-2T No 6695 after winter work at Bridgnorth.

April 2010

A Network Rail test train was used to check the full length of the line for track twists and dipped rail joints. Those found were dealt with by the P.W. staff.
On 24 April DEMU 1001 operated Hastings Diesels Limited’s 'Severn Explorer' railtour from Hastings to Bridgnorth.[2]
On 28 April BR Class 08 D3022 conducted a big shunt at The Engine House with LMS 798 Royal Coach being moved in.

May 2010

43106 hauled the 40th anniversary special.

July 2010:

42968 became the first locomotive to use the new wheel-drop ‘in anger’, with the rear driving wheels being removed to attend to wear in the axle boxes.
'Kids for a Quid' offered £1 fares for children from 24 July to 31 August. Ticket Treats for Grown-Ups offered reduced price off-peak travel during July.[3]
The Ffestiniog Railway’s 1' 11½" gauge 1863 locomotive No 2 ‘Prince’ was on display in The Engine House.

Summer 2010

The locomotive fleet was again ‘one short’ for the summer peak service, resulting in the hire of GWR 2884 Class 3802 from Llangollen, utilising 7822 'Foxcote Manor's' tender to save transport costs.

August 2010

A Q&A session on 21 August reported the recession had truly hit; in the first six months of the year SVR Passenger numbers were 13% down and all departments were asked to economise as much as possible.[4] The Railway Magazine reported the SVR was set to make redundancies.[5]
The railway pulled in more than 30 prospective new guards from a special recruiting day on 14 August[6].

September 2010

The Autumn ‘Anniversary’ Gala saw three former resident locomotives revisiting; 3205 (which hauled the first train on opening day 40 years earlier), 45690 Leander and 3717 City of Truro. GWR ‘Small Prairie’ 5542 and SR Bullied un-rebuilt West Country Class No 34070 Manston also took part.

October 2010

A 7-railcar set in use on 10 October 2010
8-9 October saw a ‘Railcar Reunion’. Visiting diesel railcars varied in age from the oldest active BR diesel unit in preservation, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s BR ‘Lightweight’ unit M79900 of 1956, to the youngest, pioneer ‘Sprinter’ 3-car set 150 001 of 1984 which was still in use by London Midland at the time.
686 The Lady Armaghdale was moved into The Engine House on 18 October, having been repainted into the red livery of her second owners, ICI Limited.


December 2010

Exceptionally cold weather up to and over Christmas caused difficulties for Boxing Day re-opening. Despite engines having remained lit up over the fortnight and heated where possible, 7802 suffered a fracture in an injector delivery pipe prior to departing Bewdley MPD that morning, its place on the first train of the day taken by 42968 after the tender brake cylinder and water feed pipes were defrosted by means of oily rags, alight, and wrapped around the ends of pallet wood! 43106 suffered a shattered piston and broken cylinder cover attributed to the cold weather. 42968 ran the service alone that day and during the course of it clocked up 100,000 miles in preservation.
46443 was in the shed for two weeks and actually became stuck to the ground by icicles.
The HLF rejected a bid for funds for a wagon shed

2011

January 2011

On 20 January 2011, thieves broke into Bridgnorth Boiler Shop and stole a quantity of copper worth approximately £70,000.
Work began on two major infrastructure upgrades. At Arley Station the track was re-laid with improved drainage being installed, while the platforms were also re-faced. At Bewdley South (Sandbourne) viaduct the track bed was removed to reveal the top of the brick arches, which were lined to make them waterproof. Both jobs were completed in time for re-opening in late March. The P.W. staff also carried out major track renewals between Sterns and Hay Bridge and between Victoria Bridge and Arley.

February 2011

7802 Bradley Manor’s firebox was deemed unfit for further service, 8 months before its boiler certificate was due to expire.

April 2011

No Spring Steam Gala had taken place due to the engineering work. Plans for an Easter re-visit by 60163 Tornado were thwarted when the locomotive failed in late 2010 with boiler issues. Easter instead saw a ‘Postman Pat’ event at The Engine House.

May 2011

43106 re-entered service following repairs to the damaged piston.
Sharp Stewart 0-4-4T ‘Dunrobin’ arrived at Bridgnorth for a quotation for overhaul costs on behalf of the Beamish Railway Museum. The locomotive had recently been repatriated from Canada.
The NRM’s Midland Compound No 1000 left the SVR. The locomotive had been on display in The Engine House since it opened in 2008.
Ian Riley’s 'Black 5s' Nos 45407 and 44871 and Class 26 No. 5310 made an appearance at the 1960s event.

June 2011

The SVR ran a special train on 1 June with proceeds going to help the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, which had suffered two successive embankment collapses. The GWSR was one of the railways which had come to the aid of the SVR following the flood damage in 2007.
Members of the cast of the TV series 'Allo 'Allo were interviewed prior to 2011 Severn Valley Railway 1940s weekend[7].

Summer 2011

BR Standard 9F 2-10-0 No 92212 from the Mid Hants Railway became the third summer hire-in in three years, working services in July and August. The SVR’s new policy of weighing new locomotives on arrival (another legacy of the derailment) revealed two broken springs, which slightly delayed the entry into service.
The Bewdley Carriage & Wagon Works won a contract job to finish paint Mike Little’s GWR Auto Coach No 238 ‘Chaffinch’. Mike Little’s locomotive No 1450 and his two Auto Coaches later moved to the SVR in 2014.
2857 re-entered service after a lengthy overhaul.
Nick Paul became SVR(H) Chairman on 19 July.
From 23 July to 4 September advance purchase 'Summer Saver Tickets' gave a saving of 20% off the normal ‘Freedom of the Line’ price[8].

August 2011

There was confusion over expansion plans. Local press reported the SVR could be extended and new stations built under ambitious multi-million pound plans. Quoting Nick Ralls, SVR general manager, it reported the SVR was considering “very aspirational” proposals that could be 20 years away to provide a link from Bridgnorth to the Ironbridge Gorge.[9] A clarification followed shortly thereafter ruling out an extension, but confirmed that SVR(H) had agreed to look again at the concept[10].

September 2011

Autumn Steam Gala guests were 6024 King Edward I (deputising for ‘Blue King’ 6023 King Edward II which was unavailable), GWR Large Prairie 4160 (deputising for 5029 Nunney Castle also unavailable), Caledonian Railway McIntosh 812 3F no 828 (BR 57566) making a first visit in preservation to an English railway, and 60163 Tornado whose boiler had been repaired in Germany during the summer. Summer hire-in 9F 92212 also took part. By public demand a new evening fare was introduced for travel on trains between 6.00pm and midnight.
Phil Brown was appointed to the vacant post of Operations Manager, coming from the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway where he was Deputy Operating Manager.

November 2011

BR Standard Tank No 80072 arrived on hire from Llangollen to help with the Santa Special services.

2012

January 2012

The major engineering project for the winter began, involving installing new drainage and track in and adjacent to Bewdley Tunnel. The work took 6 weeks, with the last tamping being finished at 9.00pm on the evening before the line re-opened on 11 February. The line was subject to a 10mph restriction for the next 3 months while further work took place, including welding the rails to reduce future maintenance.
‘The Peoples Engine’ 46443 retired from service with boiler superheater header issues.

Spring 2012

Crewe announced a decision to use the boiler from Barry 10 locomotive 4115 for 6634, rather than the locomotive’s own boiler. From this point on, SVR News consistently advised ‘No further progress to report’.
The Midland Railway Centre, Butterley’s LMS Jinty 47327 appeared as ‘Thomas’ for two weekends in March and April.
Guy Martin was filmed helping overhaul Prairie Tank 5164 for the series 'How Britain Worked'.

March 2012

The Spring Steam Gala saw a predominantly LNER theme with 5 guests; LNER Gresley A4 Pacific 60019 Bittern appearing in LNER livery complete with 'valances' for the first time in preservation, LNER Worsdell E1 J72 69023 ‘Joem’, Gresley N2 Class GNR 1744, Caledonian Railway McIntosh 812 class No 828 which had been re-wheeled following work over the winter, and LMS Fowler 3F Jinty No 47406. The recently completed restoration of LNER Restaurant Car 7960 allowed Bittern to haul a rake of 8 Gresley Teak coaches, a preservation first.

April 2012

Although 2857 had only entered service a year earlier, a decision was reluctantly made to lift the boiler to resolve an ongoing issue with leaking stays.
On 13 April the Parliamentary All-Party Rail Heritage Group enjoyed a day at the railway.[11]
A number of locomotive exhibits were re-arranged in the Engine House. Pannier 7714 left to begin an overhaul at Bridgnorth, while the Royal Mail TPO returned. Jinty 47383, 4930 Hagley Hall and 600 Gordon moved to the ‘back’ road, while 8F 48773 was turned and moved to the ‘front’ road.

May 2012

150th Anniversary plaque
A Victorian event was held in May to celebrate 150 years since the opening of the original Severn Valley Railway in 1862. The event saw three guest locomotives of the period, Furness Railway No 20 0-4-0 of 1863 from the Furness Railway Trust, Head Wrightson 0-4-0VBT ‘Coffee Pot’ of 1871 from the Beamish Museum, and Fletcher Jennings 0-4-0T No 3 ‘Captain Baxter’ of 1877 from the Bluebell.
An Extraordinary General Meeting was held on 4 May at which The SVR Rolling Stock Trust Co Limited became the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust Limited. This would enable the charity to support a wider range of activities.
On 14 May 2012 the SVR's Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, unveiled a plaque at Bewdley Station commemorating the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Severn Valley Railway in 1862.
On Thursday 24 May the Olympic Torch arrived on the SVR. 7812 Erlestoke Manor carried the torch between Bewdley and Kidderminster, pausing for a photo opportunity with Bewdley Safari Park’s elephants.
SR Bullied Battle of Britain class locomotive 34053 Sir Keith Park arrived at Bridgnorth on indefinite loan from owners Southern Locomotives Limited. The locomotive, newly restored from ex-Barry condition, entered service in August following final testing and ‘fettling’ at the SVR.

Summer 2012

The connection between the SVR and the main line at Kidderminster was upgraded. The work was done in conjunction with Network Rail who were transferring responsibility for main line signalling from the Kidderminster main line signal box to the West Midlands Signalling Centre.
Negotiations were under way with locomotive owners with a view to establishing a new Rolling Stock Agreement.
The SVR was again short of locomotives, partly resulting from a succession of spring failures which eventually resulted in a change of spring supplier. Didcot Railway Centre’s GWR Pannier 3650 arrived in July. Having been booked with a cover leaking, investigation showed a long-term cracked cylinder block. This was stitched with Metalock, the owners allowing the locomotive to take part in the Autumn Steam Gala in thanks.
An SVR landmark disappeared with the demolition of the two 230ft high silos on the former British Sugar Corporation site at Foley Park.
On 6 August ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley drove a steam train at Bewdley as pert of BBC WM’s Red Alert Appeal for the charity Cure Leukaemia, the first of a series of fundraising challenges.[12]
Residents in Birmingham and Worcestershire enjoyed a day out on the SVR on 19 August from just £5 each as part of celebrations to mark the co-operative movement. Birmingham Co-operative Housing Services (bchs) and Redditch Co-operative Homes (RCH) organised the trip to celebrate the International Year of the Co-operatives, which aimed to raise awareness of businesses owned and run by their members.
A 'Visit Heart of England' promotion saw one child travelling free with each adult 'Freedom of the Line' ticket purchased.
On 29 August GWR 7812 Erlestoke Manor masqueraded as sister GWR 7802 Bradley Manor and given a Bradley Wiggins-style makeover with a coat of gold paint and sideburns in honour of Team GB’s success at London 2012 Olympics.[13]
English Heritage published a report on signalboxes in England, noting: "... three on the Severn Valley Railway, all good examples in their original locations and in excellent condition; Bewdley North (1878), Bewdley South (date not known) and Highley (1883). All three would be potential listing candidates [...] while the box formerly at Yorton (1882), now moved to Arley on the Severn Valley Railway, is a well-preserved all-timber box."
Tentative discussions were held with representatives of 5029 Nunney Castle concerning the possibility of her having a home at the SVR, operation on the SVR and occasional mainline trips, which did not come to fruition[14].

September 2012

Outside cylindered BR(W) pannier 1501 returned into service following an overhaul.
Michael Portillo visited the SVR on 16 September, filming as part of his Great British Railway Journeys series.
The Autumn Steam Gala featured two Southern locomotives, the NRM’s LSWR Drummond T9 No 30120 and the Mid Hants Railway’s SR Maunsell U class No 31806. The gala also featured a return visit from the LNWR Webb Coal Tank 1054, this time in LMS livery as 7799. GWR Pannier 3650 also took part following the summer hire and repair.
Indie band British Sea Power call in to perform a live gig at Kidderminster Station on 13 September.[15]
The Heritage Railway Association presented their Carriage & Wagon Competition award for 2010 on 22 September for LMS 7511 Restaurant First Open

October 2012

The SVR launched a share offer to raise money for developing the Bridgnorth Station site and returning 4930 Hagley Hall to steam.
On 26 October a race from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster was staged between 34053 Sir Keith Park and a Morgan 3-wheeler car to raise money for the BBC’s Children In Need. The car won by 5 minutes, with over £5,000 raised for the charity.

November 2012

The Reverse Osmosis water treatment plants at both Kidderminster and Bridgnorth were causing issues; a number of key parts had to be replaced.
Metropolitan Railway 0-4-4T No 1 came to the SVR for testing prior to participating in the London Underground events in 2013. The visit was not announced in advance and was not open to the public, as it involved running at up to 50mph on certain sections of the line.
The SVR announced its Annual Family Pass

December 2012

2857 suffered a failure of a copper steam pipe. As a result, Ian Riley’s Black 5 44871 spent 2 weeks at the SVR assisting with the Santa Special services.
‘Mighty Mogul’ 42968 bowed out of traffic on the final working day of the 2012 season.

2013

Spring 2013

The share issue had reached £1.2m. However consultation meetings with members and shareholders had drawn criticism of the architectural approach being planned. A group had prepared an alternative design which became known as ‘Plan B’. Following a consultation meeting in February 2013, the ‘Plan B’ group were invited to meet with the project Working Group, while the SVR(H) Board also agreed to the formation of a Conservation and Heritage Committee, initially to be chaired by David Postle of Kidderminster Railway Museum.
350hp 0-6-0 diesel shunter 09 012 was purchased from the Harry Needle Company.
The SVR confirmed that 80079 had not been sold, contrary to stories appearing in the press at the time.
The SVR, in common with other heritage railways, was experiencing problems obtaining supplies of coal following the closures of Daw Mill Colliery after a fire and of Scottish Coal which had gone into administration.

March 2013

The Spring Steam Gala was hit by heavy snow, resulting in attendances being around half of the numbers expected. The Railway still managed to run the services as planned, including guests SR un-rebuilt Bulleid West Country class pacific No 34007 Wadebridge, USA Porter ‘yankee tank’ No 65 (SR 30065), Mike Little’s No 1450, and BR Standard 4MT 4-6-2T No 80072.

Summer 2013

The Furness Railway Trust’s GWR 5600 class 0-6-2T No 5643 joined the SVR on hire for the rest of the year.
The Boards of SVR(H) and the Guarantee Company agreed to an exchange of tenders with the David Clarke Railway Trust, custodians of 6990 Witherslack Hall. The exchange suited both parties, as 4930 Hagley Hall would receive a 4000 gallon Collett fluted tender appropriate for a 1929-built locomotive, while 6990 would receive a Hawksworth straight-sided tender appropriate for a 1948-built Modified Hall.

August 2013

43106 returned to service after a mid-term overhaul which had lasted 8 months. The locomotive had required a new drag box to be fitted, and the opportunity was taken to overhaul the boiler at the same time.
A re-commissioning celebration for 34053 Sir Keith Park was held at Kidderminster. Guests included representatives of the owners Southern Locomotives Limited, veterans of the RAF who flew in the Battle of Britain, Terence Stevens Prior, the great-nephew of Sir Keith Park, and Oliver Bulleid, the grandson of the locomotive’s designer.

September 2013

The share offer officially closed, having just passed a total of £2m.
The Autumn Steam Gala saw visits from LMS Stanier 8P Princess Coronation class No 46233 Duchess of Sutherland (replacing the booked 70000 Britannia), SR Maunsell Schools class No 925 Cheltenham (BR 30925, replacing the booked SR 850 Lord Nelson), Metropolitan Railway 0-4-2T Number 1, and GWR 4936 Kinlet Hall which would remain on hire over the winter season. Talyllyn Railway 2 ft 3 in gauge 0-4-2ST ‘Sir Haydn’ travelled the line as part of the freight workings, and would later spend the winter on display in The Engine House.
An SVR Family Campaign launched, to increase family visitors and to build a sustainable base level of passengers by showcasing the Railway as a great family day out in its own right on a ‘normal’ operating day. It featured TV adverts, posters on key high traffic sites, adverts in local magazines and newspapers, adverts on London Midland trains and posts on social media.
The SVR leased a unit at Stanmore Industrial Estate, Bridgnorth to clear the MPD of stores and what was affectionately known as ‘Tranter Towers’. The cleared space was to allow for the relocation of some workshop machinery and open up further space for locomotive overhaul.
S&T rewired Hampton Loade signal box from 9 September, with an amended timetable in operation.
Great Western (SVR) Assoc. ran a special train on 18 September to mark the completion of GWR Saloon 9103. This was the first chance to see the tthree saloons 9055, 9369 and 9103 together. The train included a stop at Bewdley to view progress on GWR Collett open brake third 650.

October 2013

On 6 October a special Shareholders' and Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust day was held at The Engine House to witness the removal of GWR 4930 Hagley Hall.[16]
Gala visitors No. 925 'Cheltenham' and No. 4936 'Kinlet Hall' additionally operated service trains on 12 and 13 October.
The Lord Lieutenants of Worcestershire and Shropshire presented the The Queens Award for Volunteering on 21 October.

December 2013

Large Prairie 5164 retired from service at the end of the 2013 season, running its last public passenger trains on 5 January 2014.

The total mileages for the year recorded by the SVR's steam locomotives are shown in the table below.[17]

2014

Winter 2013-14

Over the winter ‘Tranter Towers’, the storage and office area within the Bridgnorth works, was taken down to provide more space for locomotive overhauls. Infrastructure projects included track relaying near Sterns, improved drainage near Platform 2 at Bridgnorth and straightening of the main line connection at Kidderminster to increase the speed limit from 5mph to 15mph. The latter was completed in time for an incoming rail tour hauled by 70013 Oliver Cromwell to make use of it.

March 2014

Mike Little’s locomotive No 1450 and two Auto Coaches arrived, initially for the 2014 season.
The Spring Steam Gala saw visits from BR(W) Hawksworth 1600 class Pannier Tank No 1638, from the Kent & East Sussex Railway, GWR Collett 6400 class Pannier Tank No 6435 from the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, BR(W) 7800 Manor Class No 7828 Odney Manor from the West Somerset Railway, and 4936 Kinlet Hall which had remained at the SVR since being hired last summer. 7828 had in recent years been running as ‘Norton Manor’ at the WSR, but reverted to its original name during the SVR visit. 4936 finally left the SVR in early summer.

April 2014

The SVR occupied a new Head Office building at Number One, Comberton Hill, adjacent to Kidderminster station. Long term plans for the Bewdley Station building, the former Head Office, include a new buffet to replace the current porta-cabin.

May 2014

Peter’s Railway Young Engineers’ Centre opened on 24 May at The Engine House explaining more about railway engineering and how a steam locomotive works.

Summer 2014

The 2014 summer hire-in was the Midland Railway Centre Butterley’s BR Standard 5MT No 73129, the only surviving Standard 5MT with Caprotti valve gear rather than the normal Walschaerts valve gear. Following spring changes after weighing on arrival, the locomotive proved a popular visitor.
For the first time no ‘battle’ was staged at the 1940s weekends.
Trials of Welsh steam coal from Ffos-y-fran proved successful, and this became the normal source of supply.
On 14 July Barry Railway Carriage Trust and the SVR made a loan agreement for the presence and future use of Barry Railway Carriage 163.
The total locomotive mileage passed 2 million steaming miles.
Replica locomotive Catch Me Who Can spent 2 months on display at the Dutch Railway Museum at Utrecht as part of the 175th anniversary of the railways in the Netherlands.
A Bridgnorth Conservation Plan was published, as a precursor to the Development Project.
On 16 July a wheel lathe was moved from the Carriage Repair Works at Kidderminster to the South Devon Railway. It had been unused for 20 years due to insufficient power supply.
Despite an extensive television advertising campaign and a leaflet drop the passenger numbers in August were disappointing, with visitors 2,000 below 2013.
The Engine House was newly licensed to conduct Weddings and Civil Ceremonies

September 2014:

The 'Fantastic Fares' offer returned with up to 30% off adult and child fares throughout September and October.
On 6 September Chiltern Trains operated a return ‘Silver King’ charter from London Marylebone to Bridgnorth using their modern rolling stock, Bo-Bo 67010 and Driving Van Trailer 82301.
Stepping back to 1965, on 7 September the railway recreated the SLS special of 19 September 1965 to Alveley Colliery. Locomotives Nos. 1450 and 4566 stood in for former classmates 1420 and 4555.
On 8 September a shunting incident occurred at Eardington involving a run through of the points.
On 19 September B&Q donated £8,000 of tools and vouchers for Heritage Skills Training Academy's use, secured by the SVR Charitable Trust.
Autumn Steam Gala visitors were Somerset & Dorset Fowler 7F No 88 (BR 53808) from the West Somerset Railway (making its last visit to another Railway before going out of ticket), LSWR Drummond M7No 30053 from the Swanage Railway, and LMS Fowler 4F No 43924 from the Worth Valley Railway. Caprotti Standard 5MT No 73129 also took part before returning to Butterley.
Access to the Enterprise Investment Scheme, by which new shares issued by SVR qualified for tax relief, ended on 30 September.

Winter 2014

BR Standard 9F 2-10-0 No 92214 was hired in from the Great Central Railway to help with the Santa Special services.

The total mileages recorded by the SVR's steam locomotives in 2014 were as follows:

Locomotive 2014
1450 2,110
1501 5,128
2857 10,477
4566 5,775
4936 507
7812 9,329
34053 8,220
43106 9,597
73129 3,550
92214 897
Total 55,591

2015

2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the formation of the SVR
Heritage Site of the Year

January-February 2015

The winter saw a major infrastructure project, initiated by Severn Trent Water, which involved replacing three of the four large diameter water pipes bringing water from the Elan Valley to Birmingham where they cross under the trackbed between Bewdley and Arley near Folly Point. The replacement work was carried out by STW's contractors, but SVR staff and volunteers removed and replaced the trackbed and signalling equipment to enable the work to be carried out. Due to the lack of good road access to the aqueduct, the replacement pipes were transported from Bewdley station to the worksite by rail, using contracted SVR equipment in the form of diesel shunter 319290 and Gane 'A' 60841 [18]. The project over-ran, meaning the first 3 days of re-opening for half term week could not run between Bewdley and Highley.
Other winter infrastructure work included replacement of the points and installation of improved drainage at the south end of Arley station. Restoration work was also carried out on Bewdley South (Sandbourne) and Bewdley North (Wribbenhall) viaducts.
On 2 February the contractors arrived on site at Kidderminster to begin construction of the new Diesel Depot.
The SVR was voted 'Heritage Site of the Year' in the BBC Countryfile Awards 2014/15; other shortlisted candidates included London’s Imperial War Museum, Georgian estate Kew Palace, Welsh architectural wonder Portmeirion and the pre-historic stone circle at Avebury.

March 2015

The Spring Steam Gala saw 4 visitors: WD Austerity 2-8-0 'Dub Dee' No. 90733 from the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, former resident GWR pannier tank No. 5786 from the South Devon Railway (in London Underground livery as L92, the livery it first wore at the SVR), GWR 2-8-0T No. 4270 from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, and LNWR coal tank No. 1054 from the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. The gala also saw the opening of an exhibition at The Engine House celebrating 50 years of the SVR.
An unusual locomotive arrived on the SVR for a cosmetic overhaul in the form of Sentinel 9387.

April 2015

On Monday 13 April, HRH The Princess Royal paid her first visit to the SVR. The visit began at Bewdley with a welcome and summary of the flood damage repairs, which were the focus of the last Royal Visit by HRH the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in 2008. The Princess Royal then rode to Kidderminster on the footplate of 7812 Erlestoke Manor, crewed by driver Paul Fathers and fireman Ryan Green. After meeting four of the SVR’s founding members, Keith Beddoes, Christopher George, Columb Howell and Roger Hobson, The Princess Royal then unveiled a plaque celebrating 50 years of the SVR, and was presented with a locoman's billy can as a memento of the occasion.
On Friday 17 April, the 82045 Steam Locomotive Trust organised the Eardington Explorer, a special train calling at disused Eardington, using locomotive 1450. Tickets were priced at £19.65, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the SVR, with funds going towards the purchase of 82045's boiler.
On Monday 27 April, a Pump Trolley Challenge took place between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade, with 13 teams of volunteers in fancy dress taking part. Teams were judged on their costumes and enthusiasm (not speed!), with the Bridgnorth Engineering Services team being awarded first place.

May 2015

English Electric Class 73/9 Electro-diesel No 73952 arrived on 4 May for three weeks of testing and crew training.
On 16 May 34027 Taw Valley returned to service after a lengthy overhaul. She hauled an incoming railtour from London Victoria, "The Golden Jubilee Pullman", between Bewdley and Bridgnorth, also working an SVR service from Bridgnorth back to Kidderminster. She carried a wreath, as did the other SVR locomotives in service on the day, to commemorate the death earlier in the week of former owner Bert Hitchen.

June 2015

50031 was on the move 29 June from Eastleigh – RVEL Derby where it underwent a generator swap

July 2015

On Monday 6 July, a special 50th Anniversary Dining Train was arranged for founding members and early pioneers of the SVR, being hauled by early SVR locomotive 43106. A photographic lineup was organised at Bridgnorth, with five SVR locomotives forming the backdrop.
From 6 July the SVR planted some golden tickets offering six winners and their guest the chance to enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes, VIP experience at the Severn Valley Railway.
On 17 July, a separate 50th Anniversary Dinner was held at Spring Grove House, West Midland Safari Park, including a talk by Antiques Roadshow expert and railway enthusiast Paul Atterbury.

August 2015

The "Step back to the 1960s" event was run on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th, with many 60s-themed exhibits, including car displays and a fashion show at The Engine House. On both evenings, music shows were held at Kidderminster, with performances by tribute acts The Stones (Friday) and The Who 2 (Saturday).
On 8 August the SVR was operated almost entirely by current and former members of the SVR Junior Club in a unique tribute to much-loved volunteer, the late Don Wilcox - "Don's Day".
Fifteen BR 'Rudd' Ballast Wagons were purchased from DB Schenker, which had been on loan since the 2007 Storm Damage.

September 2015

The SVR's patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, visited the railway on Thursday 17th September. After a reception at Bridgnorth, he travelled to Hampton Loade and back on an autotrain hauled by GWR 1450. HRH accepted the opportunity to drive the train in both directions, which was done from the driving compartment of the autocoach on the outward journey. He then met a number of staff from the Bridgnorth locomotive works and boiler shop, as well as members of the 82045 Trust, of which he is also patron.
The Autumn Steam Gala had a 50th anniversary theme. Two guest locomotives were former residents, BR Standard Class 7 70000 Britannia and LMS Ivatt Class 2 Mogul 46521. The gala also featured LMS Royal Scot No. 46100 Royal Scot, newly returned to steam following a 5-year overhaul.
43106 appeared at the LMS themed gala at Barrow Hill, becoming the first of her class to appear at the Roundhouse in half a century.
On 29 September the railway purchased 10 acres of land to the West of Bridgnorth station, including Pan Pudding Hill. The purchase was done to safeguard the land from any developments such as housing estates, with plans including more permanent parking facilities (the fields had previously been used for overflow parking), and other uses such as a new volunteer accommodation building.[19]

October 2015

A presentation to the October Board included a comprehensive review of track condition along the Railway, based upon measurements undertaken by the PWay team using the Abtus trolley and measuring equipment that was on test on the Railway.[20]
Guests at the 2015 Diesel Gala were summer visitor Deltic 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier, Class 14 D9531, Class 17 D8568, Class 35 D7076 and Class 52 D1015 Western Champion.
On 8 October Driving Motor Composite M52064 returned after work at Rowsley, Peak Railway.[20]
LNER A1 No 60163 Tornado arrived on the SVR for a 3 week visit, operating from 6-27 October. Tornado had previously visited in 2009 and 2011.
Having stayed at the SVR after its appearance at the Autumn Steam Gala, 46100 Royal Scot underwent high speed testing between Bewdley and Kidderminster, in preparation for a return to mainline service. During two weekends, Royal Scot was also used on passenger services alongside Tornado.
On 11 October the Great Western (SVR) Assoc. ran the a special train to celebrate the launch into service of GWR Collett open brake third 650 and to celebrate 100 years of 3930.[21]

November 2015

7802 Bradley Manor returned to service following an overhaul. The return coincided with the 'Manor 50' weekend, held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of steam on the Cambrian network. Bradley Manor was joined for the occasion by 7812 Erlestoke Manor and 7820 Dinmore Manor; the three locomotives being the last of their class to work on the Cambrian mainline.
GWR 9103 Nondescript Saloon was awarded the title of Overall Winner in the Carriage and Wagon category of the Heritage Railway Association Awards in November 2015, due to the quality of its 30 year restoration that finished in 2013.

December 2015

Structural work on the Diesel Depot was complete by December, with jobs such as wiring, installation of internal fittings, and painting being done by volunteer labour.[22]
The lease of the Stourport Branch as far as Mount Pleasant tunnel to Rail Safety Solutions (RSS) was announced, this land still being owned by the SVR despite no track existing beyond the Stourport Triangle. RSS planned to train Network Rail apprentices in tracklaying and maintenance activities, and in return for the use of the land, the SVR would gain free training for its own staff, and use of a relaid portion of the Stourport Branch.

Locomotive mileages for the year are shown in the table below.

2016

January 2016

Work began on the major infrastructure project for the winter, re-sleepering around ½ mile of track near the summit of Eardington Bank and relaying with continuously welded rail (CWR). Work also began on refurbishing the platform canopy of Bewdley station.
On 13 January, David Postle announced that the plans for the redevelopment of Bridgnorth Station had been submitted to Shropshire Council.

February 2016

The SVR was announced as joint winner of the Heritage Railway Association Large Groups Award ‘for 50 glorious years and for celebrating in some style’.
The cosmetic overhaul of Sentinel 9387 was completed.

March 2016

The Spring Steam Gala featured two visiting GWR Collett 6400 Pannier Tanks, numbers 6412 and 6430, both of which worked with the SVR's autocoaches. Talyllyn Railway 2ft 3in gauge loco No 4 Edward Thomas gave footplate rides on a short section of track specially installed in the Engine House car park. GWR Modified Hall No 6990 Witherslack Hall was due to appear in the gala but was unable to take part having suffered a hot box after arrival; however it was repaired in time to work service trains on the following Easter weekend and a further two weekends. Although this was the first time 6990 had visited the SVR, her Hawksworth designed tender was previously on display in the Engine House behind 4930 Hagley Hall before being the subject of an exchange for a Collett style tender in 2013.
Terence Cuneo - The Man and His Mouse - exhibition showcasing the work of the famous railway artist opened at The Engine House on 18 March.

April 2016

Tickets to ride behind Flying Scotsman and Tornado at the autumn ‘Pacific Power’ event went on sale on 5 April. All 7,000 tickets were sold by the end of the day.
On 5 April LNER 7960 Kitchen Composite was displayed at King's Cross station in connection with the unveiling of a sculpture of Sir Nigel Gresley
The 'Open House Weekend', formerly known as the 'Members and Shareholders' weekend, was held on 16-17 April. Steam featured the SVR's two Manors and two Bulleids, with 1501 operating local services. BR Class 50 50049 Defiance returned to service following an overhaul. A number of model railway layouts were displayed at Highley and Kidderminster Railway Museum.

May 2016

Wyre Forest District Council approved a Local Heritage List, identifying a number of historic buildings and structures on the SVR which are considered to be of value to the local historic environment although not protected by statutory designations (ie 'listed').
The 3-day 2016 Spring Diesel Festival saw 16 visiting locomotives in service, including GBRf Class 66 no 66763 which was named "Severn Valley Railway" at a ceremony on Friday 20 May. The London Underground 4TC set was used on 'local' services, while the 'Rudd' Ballast Wagons were used in a demonstration freight service.
The SVR announced that the SVR Charitable Trust had won a grant of £75,000 in a Department for Transport competition, for an ambitious scheme to transform the Railway’s travel offering for disabled passengers. The scheme is to involve the restoration and conversion of two 1950s carriages, and the purchase of lightweight, portable ramps for each of the Railway’s wheelchair-accessible carriages.
A routine inspection of visiting 55019 ‘Royal Highland Fusilier’ found a burst air pipe under the no.2 nose end air intake grills which required repairs. The SVR offered the facilities of the new diesel depot.

June 2016

Issue 194 of Severn Valley Railway News marked 50 years of David Williams' editorship.

July 2016

Shropshire Council granted planning permission for the SVR's proposed redevelopment of Bridgnorth Station on 19 July 2016[23].
From July 11 evening and night testing of rebuilt Network Rail Class 73s Nos. 73952 and 73951 took place. They left on 3 August.
BBC4’s ‘Trainspotting Live’ on 13 July featured the SVR. BBC spent a day the previous month filming young volunteers and apprentices, the Diesel Depot and on the footplate of both a diesel and steam locomotive.
A 'Family Summer Saver offer' costing £39 was available from 23 July
Bridgnorth and Kidderminster Town (‘Kidderminster Old Station’) Stations became Pokéstops, part of the Pokémon Go craze.

August 2016

LNER 24506 Brake Third entered service following its restoration/conversion from former Gangwayed Full Brake/Pigeon Van 70759.
On 26 August the Guarantee Company AGM was held. Originally arranged for July, there were several errors in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2015 resulting from an earlier incorrect draft of the accounts being used by the printers. Directors took legal advice on the validity of the proceedings and decided that the AGM should be postponed.[24]
On 26 August, 7812 Erlestoke Manor reached 100,000 miles in preservation.
The August bank holiday staged a 'Western Weekend' to celebrate 40 years since the end of Class 52 'Western' diesels in BR service (the actual 40th anniversary, falling in February 2017, was considered a less favourable time to hold a gala). SVR resident D1062 Western Courier was joined by The Diesel Traction Group's D1015 Western Champion.

September 2016

On 8 September, LNER-design 60163 'Tornado' brought Vintage Trains' 'Severn Valley Venturer' from London Victoria to Bridgnorth. 34027 Taw Valley was due to return the tour to Bewdley, but suffered a brake pump problem and 50049 Defiance ran instead. 66151 took over at Bewdley to haul 1Z75 back to London Victoria. The intention was for this to be a positioning move for Tornado to attend SVR's 'Pacific Power' event from September 21-26 but unavailability of other locomotives meant that she instead ran to Bristol on 9 September to haul the Torbay Express, returning to SVR metals on 12 September.
The 2016 Bridgnorth Beer Festival was cancelled due to the proposed Development Project work about to take place at the station.
On 15 September 2426 GWR Churchward 'Toplight' Third moved for the first time in 28 years, taken from Hampton Loade to Kidderminster Carriage and Wagon by D4100 'Dick Hardy', to begin its long path to assessment, woodworm removal then restoration. 4-wheel Riding/Dormitory Van No. 55 was delivered for use as temporary overnight volunteer accommodation.
On 17 September, newly overhauled BR Class 50 50031 Hood was re-dedicated in a ceremony at Kidderminster. The event marked two anniversaries; 100 years since the keel of HMS Hood was laid in 1916 and 75 years since the ship was sunk by the German battleship Bismark during World War 2.
The SVR staged 'Pacific Power' featuring the first meeting of LNER A1 60103 Flying Scotsman and LNER-design 60163 Tornado. On Wednesday 21 September, Flying Scotsman hauled three round trips for around 1,200 supporters of the SVR Charitable Trust. The next five days saw four round trips per day using one locomotive from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth and the other for the return. The special services ran with a full rake of 9 Gresley teaks, the first time that nine teak coaches have run together since 2 May 1964 (by then repainted into BR maroon).[25] The visitors were supported by home locomotives including the SVR-based Pacifics Taw Valley and Sir Keith Park. The event, which saw a total of 15,267 visitors and a result of over £280,000 'Pacific Power event September 2016', SVRLive, replaced the traditional Autumn Steam Gala.
The SVR and Auctus Apprentice Training Agency entered into a new partnership aimed at boosting the number of apprentices in the rail industry.

October 2016

On 22 October a new event at The Engine House, the Christmas Gift Fayre, was held for the first time.[26]
On 22 October the Great Western (SVR) Assoc. ran the 'Collett to Bridgnorth' special train from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth and back to celebrate the re-launch into service of Collett Brake Composite 6562.[26]

November 2016

The SVR launched a share offer on 1 November, seeking to raise up to £2.5m towards the redevelopment of Bridgnorth station. Contractors arrived on site on 7 November to begin work on the first phase of the project, SVR staff and volunteers having already carried out some preliminary site clearance work.
A three day Season Finale Gala was held featuring visiting locomotives LMS 'Crab' No 13065, GWR 4200 class 2-8-0T No 4270, and a return visit of LNER-design A1 No. 60163 Tornado. The event also saw the return from overhaul of ex-Port Talbot Railway 0-6-0ST 813.

December 2016

GWR Collett 5700 class 0-6-0PT ‘Pannier Tank’ 7714 returned after overhaul with testing under load at Bridgnorth.
By the end of 1 December - exactly one month since the programme’s launch - applications to purchase shares in the railway at a price of £1 each had passed the half a million mark.[27] and 650,000 by 23 December.[28]
The National Railway Heritage Awards committee awarded Arley 'The Stagecoach Volunteers Award 2016' for their outstanding dedication to maintaining and preserving Arley station. Bewdley was “Highly Commended” in the 'Great Western Railway Craft Skills Award' category recognising their work on the major restoration of the unique island platform canopy of platforms 2 and 3.[29]
The Festive Season trains from 26 December were sufficiently busy for an additional steam diagram to be added from 28 December to 2 January 2017.
All piling work was completed on the Bridgnorth development project, with work to start in January 2017 to produce the reinforced concrete ring beam to tie all the pile heads together[30].

2017

January 2017

GWR Small Prairie 4566 was withdrawn from service at the end of the Festive Season trains, at the expiry of her boiler certificate.
Work began on the major infrastructure project for the winter close down period, the renewal of formation and relaying of ½ mile of track in the vicinity of Waterworks Crossing.
The Heritage Railway Association awarded Kidderminster Traction Maintenance Depot its Modern Traction Award for the depot's ‘major contribution to modern traction preservation’.[31]
By 23 January share sales had reached £880,000[32].

February 2017

The SVR announced a ten-year commercial contract for the stabling of the 'Belmond Northern Belle' coaching stock at Kidderminster.
The Railwayman's Arms won the CAMRA "Bridgnorth Pub of The Year Award 2017"
SVR Charitable Trust announced they have made a further application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £900,000 to restore Falling Sands Viaduct.
In 2016 the SVR carried an estimated 252,330 (245,800 - 2015) passengers. This is rebased on passengers carried rather than tickets sold and so is more directly comparable to the era when shareholders were included in data.
The waiting room at Arley Station became licensed to hold civil marriages and partnerships.[33].

March 2017

By 6 March share sales had reached £1,000,000[34].
The SVR acquired six BR 'Seacow' 40t Bogie Ballast Hoppers which arrived by rail.
The Spring Steam Gala on 17-19 March featured guest locomotives LMS Ivatt 2 41312, SR Bulleid Battle of Britain Class 34081 92 Squadron (making its first visit to the SVR) and BR Standard 9F 92214. 4,537 tickets were purchased against a budget figure of 4,300 (compared to 3,537 tickets purchased in 2016).

April 2017

The Open House Weekend on 8-9 April featured 30 model railways, the chance to drive a Class 50 and the usual host of other attractions. It brought 2,181 paying passengers, an increase of 380 on the same event in 2016[35].

May 2017

Bricklaying of the new station building at Bridgnorth began at a ceremony on 3 May. Construction of the base for the building had been completed the week before.
On 16 May the rear wheel set on the tender of GWR 2857 Heavy Goods Loco derailed at a slow speed whilst travelling light engine and swapping sets at Kidderminster, with no passengers involved. 2857's tender had only recently returned from Tyseley after tyre turning. An investigation was instigated.
The King & Castle won the "Wyre Forest CAMRA Pub of the Season for Spring 2017".[36]
The Spring Diesel Festival from 18-20 May involved 17 visiting locomotives and a rake of Mark 2 coaches.
On 26 May the SVR Charitable Trust 'Future Fund' appeal reached its target to meet the HLF matched funding grant of £500,000.[35]
Fictitiously numbered Ruston and Hornsby 165hp Diesel Shunter D2957 emerged from a repaint carrying its works number 319290.
By 31 May share sales had reached £1,200,000[37].

June 2017

The railway announced problems with an embankment slippage around the Bridge 19 area, also known as County Boundary, which had first been detected in 2016. The design for the remedial work required to stabilise the area was complete and work started to prepare the site for the stabilisation scheme.[35]
The railway published a progress update on its 2009 Strategic Plan.[35]
The Worcester Raceday on 14 June raised £23,000 for the SVR Charitable Trust
On 15 June new resident 09107 arrived
Four new 35 tonne Mechan jacks were provided for the Diesel Depot
On 16 June share sales had reached £1,250,000.
The 10th anniversary of the 2007 Storm Damage was commemorated on 19 June by the formal opening of the exhibition at The Engine House and a two special trains for members with the Belmond Northern Belle hauled by SR 34027 Taw Valley and a mainline Class 57.[35]
On 18 June the SVR Charitable Trust announced it had secured financial backing from the HLF to develop its bid for £1 million towards restoring Falling Sands Viaduct.

July 2017

GWR 6562 Brake Composite returned to service on 16 July
Proceeds from the sale of Peep Behind the Scenes wristbands came to well over £2,500, excluding donations made directly to individual restoration projects.
GB Railfreight Class 66 No 66763 Severn Valley Railway visited the SVR with five biomass hoppers. The locomotive and hoppers made round trips over the line on 26 and 27 July.

August 2017

'Plimsoll' arrives at Hampton Loade
The SVR Charitable Trust was awarded £9,500 from the Hendy and Pendle Charitable Trust for the Heritage Skills Training Academy towards training an engineering apprentice.
On Saturday 12 August the 'Steam on the Road' event also featured an appearance by 'Plimsoll', a rail-mounted Land Rover, which made a return trip between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster during the day.
The SVR announced that SR 34053 Sir Keith Park would leave the railway at the end of 2017.
On 26 August, share sales reached £1,500,000 (announced on 4 September).

September 2017

On 10 September the annual 'On the Buses' event at Bewdley featured a New Routemaster ("Boris Bus") as well as the normal vintage exhibits.
On 10 September the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway announced BR Class 20 D8059 and sister D8188 had joined their fleet.
Both The King & Castle and The Railwayman's Arms were featured in the 2018 CAMRA Good Beer Guide
Guest locomotives at the Autumn Steam Gala were SR Schools class 4-4-0 No 926 Repton, GER Y14 class No 564, and SECR P class 0-6-0T No 323 Bluebell. Ffestiniog Railway 1fr 11½in gauge loco No. 2 Prince gave rides in the Engine House car park. 34027 Taw Valley and 34053 Sir Keith Park hauled the overnight services, the latter making a last gala appearance before a planned move to the Swanage Railway at the beginning of 2018. Attendance on the Sunday was depressed by access issues caused by the routing of the 'Vélo Birmingham' cycling event and multiple and widespread road closures.

October 2017

The boiler from 34010 Sidmouth
The long-stored boiler of SR 34010 Sidmouth left Bridgnorth to go to a boiler specialist for inspection and restoration.
The old, round, £1 coins ceased to be legal tender and on 16 October SVR Charitable Trust appealed for them to be donated to the Bridgnorth Development Project.
On 19 October, share sales reached £2,000,000.
On 19 October BR Class 20 20177 left on a transporter for scrapping at C F Booth Ltd.
Network Rail's Loram CRG(01) Corrective Rail Grinder arrived on the SVR on 23 October.
The 2016 share offer closed on 31 October. The following day the SVR's web site confirmed that £2.5m had been achieved (£2,548,505) together with £83,000 donations to the SVR Charitable Trust[38].

November 2017

On 4 November visiting 50007 became the first locomotive to use the new lifting jacks at the Diesel Depot.
On 6 November the SVR announced an increase in car park changes from £3 to £4 in recognition of increased parking charges at Kidderminster main line station.
On 10 November GWR 0-6-2T 6634 left the SVR, departing by road for Peak Rail where owning group The Waterman Railway Heritage Trust is now based.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express sold The Northern Belle, stabled at Kidderminster, to a joint venture between tour promotor David Pitts, owner of Wakefield-based marketing agency D P Publicity, and David Smith, owner of West Coast Railways.
The GWR 813 Preservation Fund staged special full-line brake van rides behind GWR 0-6-0PT 813 on 25 November, the event marking the 50th anniversary of the locomotive's arrival on the SVR.

December 2017

On 10 December all Santa Special services were cancelled in light of heavy snow overnight and complete loss of power at Arley Station.
On 26 December it was found GNR 2701 Composite Corridor and GWR 1146 Full Third stabled at Kidderminster Town station had been vandalised with graffiti
The post-Christmas Festive service saw the four seviceable cars of the Class 108 DMU stood down and replaced by loco and coaches due to higher passenger traffic numbers. Visiting BR Class 33 33108 ran one day (no train heating) before steam took over the remaining days.
On 31 December GWR 7812 Erlestoke Manor came out of traffic at the end of her boiler ticket

2018

45110 at Kidderminster, 4 August 2018
48773 at Kidderminster, 4 August 2018

August 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the 'end of steam' in the BR era. The SVR staged a special event to mark the occasion with two of the locomotives still in use by BR at the time, 45110 and 48773, appearing on display at Kidderminster.

January 2018

On 1-2 January SR 34053 Sir Keith Park completed farewell turns in advance of her departure to the Swanage Railway on 10 January
The SVR announced the hire of diesels 37688 and 40135 for 2018-2019, the former for PWay work and the latter to utilise its steam heat capability. 50026 Indomitable arrived for commercial repairs in the Diesel Depot. Didcot Railway Centre announced 6023 'King Edward II' would be moved by road to the SVR in February for testing of her revised draughting, then operating some timetabled trains and attending the Spring Steam Gala.
Winter works saw track either side of Bewdley Tunnel being cleaned of badly contaminated ballast; the last part of the remedial work to the embankment slippage around the County Boundary area; the partial rebuilding of the platform face at Eardington; lining of the loco water tank at Kidderminster, and at the same location swapping the water column adjacent to platform 1 runround from a fixed column to a standard GWR swing arm type. At Waterworks straight welding was completed to a position that restored line speed following Winter Works in 2017. Permanent Way work also took place at Highley bank and Kidderminster Carriage Shed.[39]
On 16 January the SVR Charitable Trust announced it had reached its appeal target of £10,000 in under a month, for the cost of repairing the vehicles damaged by graffiti in December. A total of £13,000 was raised.
The railway's published fare structure withdrew discounted fares for Seniors (60+), who instead paid the full adult fare. In addition, it introduced a version of the Annual Family Pass for single adults.
On 30 January the polystyrene patterns for the casting of new cylinders for GWR 4930 Hagley Hall were completed at Premier Patterns following comprehensive design work by Stafford Road Design Ltd.
The Kidderminster Shunter Fund transferred BR Class 11 12099 to SVR Charitable Trust.
The footbridge outside Bridgnorth station was closed due to the station end lifting, with Shropshire County Council instigating a temporary repair before the start of the running season.

February 2018

On 16 February the railway announced 2017 passenger numbers of 240,686, a reduction of 11,644 from 2016.
The start of the 2018 season with half-term running was met with heavy snow, despite which the service operated as planned. Temporary withdrawal of the Class 108 DMU for additional maintenance meant an all-steam service was provided for most of the opening week.
Beamish announced that testing of the wheel centres on long-term contract overhaul locomotive Sharp Stewart 0-4-4T Dunrobin revealed many cracked spokes, and the decision to replace all four coupled wheels.
Work started on repairs to the long wing wall at Wribbenhall Viaduct as part of an ongoing programme of investment on this important structure.

March 2018

At Eardington contractors finished brickwork for the restored platform, incorporating around 6,000 GWR bricks reclaimed and donated from the GWR main line electrification.
The Northern Belle stock was rebased at Carnforth by 9 March, by which time the compound was cleared and only two spare vehicles remained on the SVR.[40]
On 11 March the Thompson B1 Locomotive Trust announced that Thompson B1 61624 would be unable to attend due to overrunning winter maintenance. S&DJR 53808 was announced as a replacement visitor on 13 March. The Spring Steam Gala was unusual with only three of the home fleet (1450, 1501 and 7714) timetabled for use, the fewest since 2009 (two), with six visiting locomotives. In the event home-fleet 43106 also made an appearance.
On 28 March BR 4593 Tourist Standard Open‎ was moved to the dock in front of the Bewdley buffet to be used as seating for staff and the public, as a prelude to demolition of the buffet building (but not the more recent toilet block and kitchen.) The building had recently been assessed by the SVR's consultant civil engineer and its increasing external dilapidation led to the decision to demolish it.[41]
The polystyrene patterns for 4930's new cylinders were transported to Shakespeare Foundry in Preston for casting[42].

April 2018

On 10 April the boiler from 4930 moved to Northern Steam Engineering Ltd. at Stockton for overhaul[43]
On 17 April, 82045 became a rolling chassis when the locomotive was wheeled at Bridgnorth[44].

May 2018

The annual Diesel Festival featured 13 guest locomotives in addition to members of the home fleet.

June 2018

The Goods Gala on 2-3 June celebrated to 100th anniversary of 2857 which hauled the Demonstration Goods Train, and also marked the 150th anniversary of the opening of Eardington station on 1 June 1868. A second demonstration 'modern freight' incorporating three GBRf IIA hoppers was hauled by GBRf Class 66 66763 Severn Valley Railway.
On 20 June Small Prairie 4566 and Panier Tank 5764 were moved from storage in Kidderminster Carriage Shed to The Engine House at Highley where they were put on display. They took the place of 8F 48773 which was moved to Kidderminster in readiness for an event to mark the 50th anniversary end of BR steam in August 1968.

July 2018

On 1 July, new cylinders were lifted & installed on Manning Wardle 2047 'Warwickshire.[45]
Prolonged hot and dry weather, coupled with lineside fires, caused an all-diesel timetable to be announced from 10 July. Steam services were reintroduced on 19 July.
On 14 July, Warwickshire's original boiler, smokebox and saddle tank were lifted onto Loriot N 42343 by the 30-ton steam crane in preparation for a planned move of the locomotive chassis and other components to Bewdley later in 2018.
Demolition of the old 'Trackside Buffet' at Bewdley took place during the week commencing 16 July. The building had been closed since March 2018.
On 23 July, Black 5 45110 was moved from the Engine House to Kidderminster in preparation for the August 'End of Steam' events. D4100 provided the motive power.[46]
On 24 July a group of Belarussian children in remission from cancer visted the SVR and Arley Arboretum, organised by the Chernobyl Children's Charity.
The SVR sponsored a Catch Me Who Can sculpture entitled 'Just the Ticket' at the front of Bridgnorth as part of the Bridgnorth Arts Trail 2018, the sculpture being one of twelve locomotives positioned around the town. Statue 2: 'Just the Ticket' was designed by Tania Holland of Tania Holland Gallery using archive material provided by the SVR[47] It was unveiled on 24 June 2018.[48].
The eight-year overhaul of GWR 9654 Restaurant Third‎ was completed

August 2018

On 2 August Class 40 No. 40145 delivered sister 40106 for a short hire period.
On 4 August the SVR staged a special event to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of steam on British Railways. Guests included former footplate crews from Lostock Hall and Rose Grove sheds and members of the 'Master Neverers Association'. 45110 and 48773 appeared on static display at Kidderminster, while an evening special ran to recreate the 'Fifteen Guinea Special'. This was hauled by 43106 due to a delay in the planned arrival of guest locomotive LMS Stanier Class 5 45231 The Sherwood Forester. In the event 45231 was unable to visit and on 21 August LMS Stanier Royal Scot 8P Class 4-6-0 46100 Royal Scot was announced as an Autumn Steam Gala visitor instead of 45231.
The SVR Charitable Trust appeal for Falling Sands Viaduct passed £200,000 towards the £275,000 target[49]
On 11 August the 'Steam on the Road' event featured an return appearance by 'Plimsoll', a rail-mounted Land Rover, which made another return trip between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster during the day.
On 17 August 09107 moved under its own power for the first time in preservation.
On 18 August 50044 was on test, the locomotive has been out of service since July 2012. It had received an overhauled engine and main, ETH and auxiliary generators as well as a host of other work by Fifty Fund volunteers.
On 21 August 7819 Hinton Manor left Swindon to return to the SVR, following a number of years on static display at the McArthurGlen shopping centre.

September 2018

Bernard Rainbow MBE died on 1 September. He had a sixty year railway footplate career, was President of The Erlestoke Manor Fund and Chief Traction Inspector on the SVR.
At the Autumn Steam Gala on 24 September 2857 carried a '100' headboard denoting she had reached 100,000 miles of service in preservation[50]
Construction of Bridgnorth Development Project Phase IIa (car park and access roads) commenced.

October 2018

The SVR hosted from 4-6 October the Class 50 Golden Jubilee, the joint largest operational gathering of one loco type ever staged in preservation (steam or diesel). BR Class 50 50049 Defiance was formally rededicated at Kidderminster.
Social media announced GWR Collett 6400 class 0-6-0PT No. 6430 would revisit the SVR for the 2019 Spring Steam Gala[51]
The Charitable Trust applied to the HLF for funds to repair Falling Sands Viaduct
On 10 October GWR 4786 Full Third was moved to Bewdley Down Yard for restoration work to begin in earnest

November 2018

On 11 November 2857 again carried the '100' headboard, this time commemorating the centenary of Remembrance Day.
6990 Witherslack Hall was hired to provide support to the locomotive fleet for winter services
On 23 November the SVR made a 'Black Friday' discount offer of unsold Santa Special services tickets.
The SVR Charitable Trust announced costs for repairs to Falling Sands Viaduct had risen, and raised the appeal target to £397,000 (originally £275,000).
D1015 was painted into BR blue livery at the Diesel Depot, the first time all three 'Westerns' on the line were blue.

December 2018

On 5 December the SVR Charitable Trust announced an award of £10,000 from the Postcode Local Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to construct an Anderson shelter and covered seating area at The Engine House.
On 6 December during a HLF #ThanksToYou week, the SVR offered National Lottery players the chance to join a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Carriage Works at Kidderminster.
On 11 December, BR Riddles 4MT 75069 made her first light engine test runs following a lengthy overhaul. The locomotive was last in service in 1994.
The Ernest Cook Trust made a £7,000 grant to SVR Charitable Trust to fund training for apprentices at the Heritage Skills Training Academy.

2019

January 2019

On 21 January Rogue Events Limited announced a Kickstarter special on the SVR, Murder on the 10:16. The first event was an all-day 1930s themed event on 8 April 2019, and the organisers commented that should they reach their funding goal they intended to add more dates.
On 23 January BR 3MT 82045 was moved to Bridgnorth Loco Works for continuation of the construction.
On 31 January the project to reinstate the platform at Eardington was completed.

February 2019

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service announced SVR had staff attended a 'controlled burn' course, intended to reduce the number of lineside fires.[52]
On 14 February the Charitable Trust closed its Falling Sands appeal, having passed its (increased) target of £397,000
On 16 February BR Riddles 4MT 75069 returned to traffic after an overhaul costing more than £900,000 and involving more than 25,000 man hours of effort. The locomotive had last steamed in 1994.
With both hired-in 40106 and Class 108 DMU unavailable all services were steam-hauled
On 18 February GWR 6 Wheeled Tool Van 14984 moved to the SVR

March 2019

On 2 and 3 March a Small Engines Weekend featured locomotives 7714, 1501 and doubleheaded 813 and D9551
A mammoth five day shunt at The Engine House moved everything around. Taking up residence were 7819 as the new footplate accessible locomotive, 5764 in its LT guise as L95 and No. 7 'Typhoon' visiting from the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
On 15 March visiting LNWR Webb 0-6-2T Coal Tank 58926 (LNWR 1054) failed on the first day of the Spring Steam Gala. Staff at Bridgnorth MPD pulled out the stops to make sure she was ready to work her scheduled services on the following days. Other visiting engines for the gala were GWR Large Prairie 4144, GWR 5600 Class 5619 and 6400 class pannier tank 6430.
The next day 4144 became trapped on the points outside Kidderminster station, also causing delays. For the following weekend's service No 1 Engine Line at Kidderminster was not available for use and trains using platform 1 required a loco change rather than the loco running round its train. It produced a mini-gala with 2857, 4144, 5619, 6430, 7714, 7802, 34027 and 75069 all in use on the standard 3/4 train, plus Footplate Experience, timetable!
On 20 March 2019 freight operator GB Railfreight and The Class 50 Alliance unveiled 50007 Hercules and 50049 Defiance into GBRf livery, with the locomotives available to operate selected GBRf trains on a ‘spot-hire’ basis.[53][54]
On 25 March the SVR announced a grant of £853,800 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help restore Falling Sands Viaduct and to launch an exciting programme of community engagement and exhibitions that will explore the Railway’s early history[55].

April 2019

On 4 April the SVR staged a special event to celebrate the opening of the new refreshment room at Bridgnorth, attended by around 650 shareholders who had invested in the 2017 share offer. The SVR ran a number of special trains between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth for the event.
On 14 April 33108 hauled the Rag Express. A volunteer at the Diesel Depot sourced an 18-tonne consignment of scrap rags which junior volunteers and ex-SVR Apprentices sorted, then arranged a special train with GWR 'Toad' 17410 and GWR Siphon 2926 to deliver rags up the line, so that other groups could benefit. They also made a 'Rag Express' traditional headboard for the trip.

May 2019

The SVR came into unwelcome publicity when found 'naively' to have resold setts donated to the railway as part of the development of Kidderminster mainline station.[56]
A summer swap with the West Somerset Railway saw 6960 Raveningham Hall return to the SVR with 7802 Bradley Manor enjoying a trip to the seaside. The occasion was a reduced axle loading at the WSR arising from required track and infrastructure works.
The DMU Group issued a statement regarding their Class 108 DMU. Due to required bogie repairs neither unit could run and the 2019 Evening Scenic Specials would be replaced by a heritage diesel and carriages as a substitute[57].
The Committee on Climate Change's report recommended a new emissions target for the UK of net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050, with all emissions from all sectors eliminated or offset with removals. In addition The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) had proposed a Clean Air Strategy to ban the burning of household coal by 2025. Together they excited much media comment on the threat to the future of heritage railways[58].

June 2019

GBRf Class 66 66763 Severn Valley Railway visited for four days accompanied by three GBRf IIA hoppers. The special footplate experience trips, in conjunction with another diesel charter, resulted in the introduction of a previously unannounced 'Timetable C'.
18 Osprey flat wagons visited the SVR, used to deliver a large quantity of rail.
Nick Ralls resigned as General Manager

July 2019

On 4 July Bewdley P-Way laid a panel of track at Chateau Impney, Droitwich Spa. 686 The Lady Armaghdale was extricated from The Engine House by 13201 and transported from Bridgnorth for display at the Chateau Impney Hill Climb Motorsport event the following weekend
On 7 July 7802 Bradley Manor suffered a broken piston rod whilst working on the West Somerset Railway, with significant consequential damage. The Erlestoke Manor Fund announced she would be out of service for a considerable period.
On 8 July BR Class 08 D3022 departed by road to Bristol, St Phillp's Marsh depot for tyre turning
The railway was closed between Kidderminster and Arley from 14 July to 17 July while three days of filming took place. Passenger services ran between Bridgnorth and Highley using a special 'Timetable D'.
A summer promotion offered any family purchasing a £49 Family Freedom of the Line ticket could travel again for £19.70, between 20 July and 1 September. The 'hook' was the SVR has been running steam trains since 1970 and this is to celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary. The Summer theme was 'A Very British Summer!' with a myriad of traditional summer activities.
On 22 and 23 July, due to a fallen tree on the line between Highley and Hampton Loade, trains ran between Kidderminster and Highley only with a vintage bus service operating between Arley and Bridgnorth. On 23 July 7714 offered footplate rides at Bridgnorth[59].

August 2019

On 8 August a donation wall was erected at The Engine House to recognise contributors to the ‘helping hands for Falling Sands’ appeal
On 9 August Class 09s D4100 and 09107 replaced 43106 between Bewdley and Kidderminster. With services running late and the crew's hours up, due to a person on the line at Bridgnorth, the decision was made so as to get 43106 back to Bridgnorth without holding the last passenger service from Kidderminster.
On 20 August out of ticket 45110 was taken by low loader for exhibition at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, there to be towed by traction engines.
On 30 August the SVR launched its Steam in Lights service in the run up to Christmas

Steam locomotives used

A table of steam locomotives used since 2010 is shown below. Where detailed mileage records were not published in SVR News, locomotives used are marked 'X'. For locomotives hired in, the table identifies whether they were present either for the Summer (S) or Winter (W).

Locomotive 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Comment
813 515 X X X Returned to service November 2016
1450 2,110 1,714 1,297 X X X Arrived on SVR March 2014.
1501 X 4,701 5,128 4,356 4,755 X X X Returned to service September 2012
2857 X X 10,624 10,477 10,828 8,216 X X X Returned to service summer 2011
4566 X X X 4,606 5,775 5,644 4,346 Withdrawn at end of 2016 season
5164 X X X 8,556 Withdrawn at end of 2013 season
5764 X Withdrawn January 2011
7714 366 X X X Returned to service December 2016
7802 Bradley Manor X 1,238 9,139 X X X Withdrawn Feb 2011. Returned Nov 2015.
7812 Erlestoke Manor X X X 7,579 9,329 7,725 9,402 X Withdrawn Dec 2017.
34027 Taw Valley 6,265 7,716 X X X Returned to service May 2015
34053 Sir Keith Park X 7,937 8,220 8,130 7,054 X Returned to Swanage at the end of the 2017 season
42968 X X X Withdrawn at end of 2012 season
43106 X X X 5,235 9,597 10,247 6,767 X X X Mid-term overhaul in 2013
46443 X X Withdrawn January 2012
3802 X (S)
6695 X (W)
92212 X (S)
80072 X (W) X (W)
3650 X (S)
44871 X (W)
4936 Kinlet Hall 981 (S+W) 507 (S)
5643 4,130 (S+W)
6990 Witherslack Hall X (Spring) X (W)
73129 3,550 (S)
92214 897 (W)
4144 X (S)
6960 Raveningham Hall X (S)
Total 49,408 55,591 56,147 59,573

See also

References

SVR News unless otherwise stated.

  1. SVR News 169
  2. Hastings Diesel Limited (Retrieved 24 April 2018)
  3. Express Points web round up, August 2010
  4. Express Points web round up, September 2010
  5. The Railway Magazine, September 2010
  6. 'Severn Valley Railway in recruitment boost', Shropshire Star, 18 August 2010
  7. Youtube, 24 June 2011 (Retrieved 28 June 2019)
  8. Express Pionts web round up, August 2011
  9. 'Severn Valley Railway has major expansion plans', Shropshire Star, 9 August 2011 (Retrieved 1 August 2019)
  10. 'Bosses rule out Severn Valley Railway extension', Shropshire Star, 11 August 2011 (Retrieved 1 August 2019)
  11. Lord Faulkner of Worcester's Flickr page
  12. Express Points web round up, September 2011
  13. Midlands Business News, 29 August 2012
  14. SVR Live
  15. 'British Sea Power steam in for Severn Valley Railway show', Shropshire Star, 2 August 2012 (Retrieved 1 August 2019)
  16. Express Points Web Round-Up, September 2013
  17. SVR News 185. p12.
  18. https://www.svrlive.com/Pages/Infrastructure.aspx
  19. SVR Notice Board Issue NBI-H-276 "Purchase of 10 Acres of Land to the West of Bridgnorth"
  20. 20.0 20.1 Express Points Web Round-Up, October 2015
  21. Express Points Web Round-Up, August 2015
  22. Diesel Depot thread on SVRA forum
  23. Shropshire Council web site Link
  24. D Mellor, SVR (G) Company Secretary, 1 July 2016.
  25. SVRA Forum
  26. 26.0 26.1 Express Points Web Round-Up, September 2016
  27. Shropshire Star 6 December 2016
  28. SVRLive (retrieved 3 January 2017)
  29. SVR Noticeboard Issue
  30. SVRLive (retrieved 3 January 2017)
  31. Kidderminster Shuttle 5 January 2017 (retrieved 15 January 2017)
  32. SVR website
  33. SVR website news item 'It’s ‘I Do’ for our newest wedding venue – just in time for Valentines!', February 2017
  34. SVR website
  35. 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 SVRLive
  36. SVR Official Facebook
  37. SVR e-newsletter
  38. SVR Website share offer page (retrieved 1 November 2017)
  39. SVRLive
  40. LNER Coach Fund Newsletter No. 68
  41. Express Points, April 2018
  42. Railway Magazine website
  43. Friends of Hagley Hall
  44. 82045 Facebook page
  45. WILT 2047 2018 Restoration page
  46. Vidoe on Sharpo's World
  47. Bridgnorth Art Trail website
  48. SVR website
  49. Express Points, August 2018
  50. SVRLive
  51. SVR Facebook 10 October 2018
  52. 'Controlled burns at the Severn Valley Railway', Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, 1 February 2019
  53. Class 50 Alliance, 15 January 2019
  54. GB Railfreight Facebook 20 March 2019
  55. SVR Website
  56. 'Gift cobbles to Severn Valley Railway appear on eBay', Kidderminster Shuttle, 2 May 2019 (Retrieved 2 May 2019)
  57. The DMU Group (West Midlands), 27 May 2019 (Retrieved 25 Hune 2019)
  58. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-49237745 'Heritage railway wants government help after coal ban', BBC website, 5 August 2019
  59. Shropshire Star 23 July 2019 (Retrieved 29 July 2019)
SVR Wiki

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Welcome to the Severn Valley Railway Wiki

From this week's featured article
Trimpley Reservoir can be seen to the west of the line between Bewdley and Arley. The reservoir, which is managed by Severn Trent Water, was opened in 1968 and covers 29 acres. It is open to the public and is used by the Trimpley Sailing Club, while other activities include angling, wildlife watching and walking. (Full article...)
Schematic Map of the SVRSevern Valley Railway
BridgnorthEardingtonHampton LoadeCountry Park HaltHighleyThe Engine HouseArleyVictoria BridgeNorthwood HaltWyre Forest LineBewdleyStourport BranchBewdley TunnelConnection to Network RailKidderminsterMaps#Schematic maps of the pre-closure SVRMapandlinks.png
Click on the map for a
larger interactive version

For 101 years between 1862 and 1963, the Severn Valley Railway formed part of the national railway network, running for 40 miles between Hartlebury and Shrewsbury. Established as a separate company, it was mainly operated by the Great Western Railway (GWRGreat Western Railway) and later by British Railways (BRBritish Rail or British Railways).

The present day Severn Valley Railway (SVRSevern Valley Railway) was established in 1965 to preserve part of the line as a heritage railway. Today it has six stations and two halts and runs for 16 miles along the Severn Valley between Bridgnorth in Shropshire and Kidderminster in Worcestershire, following the course of the River Severn for much of its route. Operations involve a mixture of steam and heritage diesel-hauled services.

This unofficial website is a project aimed to collect information and record events relating to the SVRSevern Valley Railway, both past and present.

For timetables, fare information, and news about special events, please visit the SVR Official Website. Other news and information of interest to members, shareholders and enthusiasts can be found on SVRLive.

In April 2023 the SVRSevern Valley Railway announced the launch of a Survival Fund to enable it to overcome the current financial crisis and implement longer-term plans for its future. Information and details of how to donate may be found on the SVRSevern Valley Railway's Survival Fund page.

Categories of article

History of the Severn Valley Railway

Current events on the SVRSevern Valley Railway

Information about the SVRSevern Valley Railway

Miscellaneous


Query Corner

Unsurprisingly, there are a large number of questions about the SVRSevern Valley Railway, both in pre-preservation days and for a number of historical items since then. Take a visit down to Query Corner to see if you have a recollection relating to some long forgotten event, or know of a reliable source (maybe an early edition of the SVR News?) that might have the information we need!

Adding to this Wiki

This site, or "wiki", is a collaborative effort, and anyone who has any knowledge relating to the SVRSevern Valley Railway should feel free to contribute. Once you have created a user account and logged in, you can modify any page by clicking the "Edit" button in the top right hand corner. For some tips on how to format pages, and some guidelines on how to make this wiki accessible can be found on Tips for contributing to the SVR Wiki.

Alternatively, if you don't feel confident editing this Wiki (although there is no reason you shouldn't!!), each article also has a "Discussion" page, which can be accessed by clicking the relevant button in the top left hand corner. This allows you to make additions, suggestions, or corrections to a page without making any change to the article itself.


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