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February 2026
Arley and the Autotrain catching the winter sun. Jason Hood
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
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The countdown to reopening is almost at zero! Tomorrow evening (Friday 13 February) sees the first of the Boogie Lights Express trains, and on Saturday, the Railway is open for half-term services.
It’s very exciting to be on the cusp of the 2026 season, one which we’re hoping will prove highly successful. We hope to see you at the Railway very soon!
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Things are getting off to a flying start with the news that the Railway is freezing fares at last year’s prices, in a bid to encourage even more people to visit the SVR.
71000 Duke of Gloucester has been announced for the Spring Steam Gala, and there’s the promise of yet more guests to come. We’ve news of an exciting display loco swap, the pilot project that’s set to revitalise Kidderminster station and the night 50049 Defiance came to the aid of a very snowy main line.
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All this plus rolling stock news and goings-on from across the SVR, in your February edition of Branch Lines. We hope you enjoy it.
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Lesley Carr, editor
The Branch Lines team is Lesley Carr, Karen Crick, Gary Essex, Amy Baker, Pete Cherry and Nicola Fox.
Contents
Scroll down or click on the item to be taken straight to it
What's new?
SVR freezes fares to give visitor value
The Railway is freezing 2026 fares at 2025 prices, in a commitment to offering great-value heritage experiences in an increasingly competitive tourism market.
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The fare freeze includes Freedom of the Line and Short Journey tickets, as well as Day Rover fares for the SVR’s popular special events.
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By holding prices steady, the Railway aims to ensure that a day out on the line remains accessible to as many people as possible, particularly families, repeat visitors and those making shorter or more spontaneous trips. The decision also reflects an awareness of the ongoing cost-of-living pressures faced by many households.
Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager, said:
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“We know that affordability can play a big part in planning a day out, especially for families. Holding our prices helps ensure the Severn Valley Railway remains an accessible and enjoyable option throughout the season. It also supports loyalty and repeat travel, whether people are visiting for a full day or just hopping on for a shorter journey.”
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Visitors booking in advance can enjoy Freedom of the Line tickets from just £26 for adults, with special family-tickets offering exceptional value.
Shorter return journeys are also competitively priced, with adult return tickets from Kidderminster to Arley, or from Bridgnorth to Highley, frozen at £15.
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The 2026 season will feature a wide range of events to suit all interests, including the ever-popular Step Back to the 1940s weekends on 27–28 June and 4–5 July, the Spring Steam Gala from 16–19 April, and the Spring Diesel Festival from 14–17 May.
Details of all events in 2026, along with timetables and tickets, are available at svr.co.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Duke of Gloucester for Spring Steam Gala
The SVR has confirmed BR 71000 Duke of Gloucester as the first visiting locomotive for its Spring Steam Gala, to be held from 16 to 19 April. This year marks 50 years since the railway had its first-ever Spring Gala, in April 1976.
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The visit will be the first time the unique Class 8P has appeared in public service at a heritage line since its recent major overhaul.
The locomotive returns to the SVR after undertaking a programme of running-in in mid-2025.
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Built at Crewe Works in April 1954, Duke of Gloucester remains the sole example of its class and the final main line express steam locomotive designed for British Railways.
Intended as the prototype for a heavy express passenger class, that ambition was cut short just one year later by the 1955 Modernisation Plan.
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Withdrawn in 1962 and sent for scrap, the locomotive was rescued from Barry scrapyard in a heavily stripped and incomplete condition. Its initial return to steam after a 13-year rebuild became one of preservation’s landmark achievements.
The most recent overhaul, carried out at Tyseley Locomotive Works over a 13-year period, has incorporated refinements intended to deliver the performance originally envisaged for the design.
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SVR managing director Gus Dunster said:
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“It’s an honour for the SVR to be chosen as the first heritage railway to host Duke of Gloucester. We’re extremely grateful to the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group for making the visit possible. ‘Unique’ is an over-used word, but in this case it’s entirely justified. It’s the only one of its type ever built, and the odds against it surviving at all were overwhelming. Its appearance will be a major draw for our gala.
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“It’s especially pleasing for us to host 71000, as the current Duke of Gloucester, HRH Prince Richard, is the SVR’s Patron."
Trevor Tuckley, chairman of the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust, added:
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‘One of our aims is to present Duke of Gloucester to as wide an audience as possible, and the SVR’s Spring Steam Gala represents a premium opportunity to do that. The latest overhaul has carried out the improvements Robert Riddles would have done if he had been allowed the time. We are keen to see Duke of Gloucester put through his paces on the Valley.’
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Duke of Gloucester will appear alongside home-fleet locomotives including GWR locos 813, 1450, 4930 Hagley Hall, 7714, 7802 Bradley Manor, LMS 13268 and BR Standard 4MT 75069. More guest announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Tickets, including money-saving multi-day rover tickets, are available at svr.co.uk.
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71000 Duke of Gloucester during one of its test runs at the Severn Valley Railway in mid-2025. Keith Wilkinson
‘Manor’ and ‘Dukedog’ swap places
The SVR and the Vale of Rheidol Railway have announced an exciting two-year locomotive exchange that will see two iconic Great Western Railway steam engines displayed in new settings from Spring 2026.
The SVR-based GWR 7819 Hinton Manor, currently on display in The Engine House at Highley, will travel to Aberystwyth for static exhibition at the Vale of Rheidol Railway.
In return, GWR ‘Dukedog’ 9017 Earl of Berkeley will be welcomed to the SVR, where it will go on public display until Spring 2028.
This has been agreed with the support of 9017’s owners, the Bluebell Railway.
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The swap reflects a shared commitment to widening access to Britain’s railway heritage, offering visitors in the Midlands and mid-Wales the chance to see historically significant locomotives they might not otherwise encounter.
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Built in February 1939, Hinton Manor was the final member of the first batch of Manor class locomotives. It enjoyed a varied main-line career on the GWR and later British Railways, including regular work on prestigious services such as the Cambrian Coast Express from Shrewsbury, before withdrawal in 1965.
On display at the SVR since 2019, its accessible footplate has proved a major attraction. It is one of nine surviving Manor class engines.
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Earl of Berkeley is the sole survivor of the GWR 3200 ‘Dukedog’ class, created by combining Bulldog class frames with Duke class boilers and cabs.
Widely admired during its preservation career at the Bluebell Railway, it has strong Welsh connections, having worked extensively over the Cambrian network, including services to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli, prior to withdrawal in 1960.
Judith Meredith, chair of the SVR Charitable Trust which owns Hinton Manor, said the exchange would “bring these remarkable locomotives to wider audiences and strengthen the bonds between heritage railways across the UK”.
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Llyr ap Iolo, CEO and chief engineer at the Vale of Rheidol Railway, added, “Hinton Manor was a regular visitor to Aberystwyth in the 1960s working the prestigious Cambrian Coast Express services. The locomotive last visited the town on a special charter in 1991, so its return more than three decades later is particularly significant.”
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Further details about exhibition arrangements will be announced by both railways in due course.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Kidderminster station pilot: shaping the future together
Kidderminster station is the front door to the SVR. For most visitors it is where first impressions are formed, and where the Railway’s heritage meets the modern national rail network.
To help set the SVR up strongly for the years ahead, a development pilot will launch at Kidderminster Station, testing new ideas, building on what already works well, and learning together.
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Running through 2026, the pilot is designed to support staff and volunteers, improve the visitor experience, and make better use of a station that is central to the Railway’s identity.
Nothing is fixed. The intention is to involve people at every stage and to create something that reflects the experience, ideas and passion already present at Kidderminster.
Gus Dunster, managing director, said: “Kidderminster Station matters enormously to the SVR. This pilot is about working with our staff and volunteers to shape a station experience we can all be proud of, while making sure we protect the Railway for the future.”
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As the busiest station on the line and the only national rail interchange, Kidderminster is the natural place to trial changes that could benefit the whole Railway. The pilot will explore ways to create a warmer and more consistent welcome for visitors, provide clearer roles and training for staff and volunteers, and generate income that supports long term sustainability.
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Practical developments will include a refreshed Station Tea Room in the Valley Suite, designed to appeal to visitors, residents and commuters, alongside the introduction of dedicated station hosts. These friendly, visible roles will work alongside existing station and booking office teams to welcome and support visitors. Shared customer-service training will help everyone feel confident and supported, creating a more consistent experience across the station.
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The pilot will be shaped through consultation, real-world trials and careful learning before any future decisions are made. “We will only take ideas forward if they genuinely work for our people and our visitors,” added Gus. “This is about learning together and listening carefully.”
The pilot is planned to start at Easter 2026, with training beginning in February 2026.
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Feedback from you as a close supporter of the Railway would be most welcome when you next visit Kidderminster station. Please send your thoughts to lewis.maddox@svrlive.com.
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Kidderminster station will be the focus of a pilot development project. Keith Wilkinson
A defiant rescue!
Cast your mind back to 8 January, and as Storm Goretti closed in on the UK, a diesel locomotive from the Severn Valley Railway answered a call from Network Rail to help clear snow and debris from the West Midlands main line overnight.
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With an amber weather warning in place and the storm about to strike, the Railway made available one of the SVR-based heritage locomotives, Class 50 50049 Defiance.
Fitted with mini snow ploughs, the loco’s task was to assist with route proving and snow clearance across the West Midlands network.
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Owned by the Class 50 Alliance (C50A), 50049 has clearance to operate on the main line and was an ideal candidate for the task.
Following a very quick response from C50A, 50049 was out on the main line by 11pm under the control of a crew from operators Hanson & Hall. SVR managing director Gus Dunster said:
‘The SVR has a full-on partnership and collaboration agreement with Network Rail, and this is a classic example of that partnership agreement working actively. Thanks to the co-operation of both the Class 50 Alliance and other volunteers and staff on the SVR, we were able to respond to their call for assistance very quickly. I’m extremely proud of and grateful to the SVR team who were involved last night.’
Martin Colmey, operations director at Network Rail's Central route, said:
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‘This is a great example of the strength of our partnership with the Severn Valley Railway, and we’d like to thank them for their support with responding to the impacts from Storm Goretti. The way our teams work together - sharing expertise, resources, and a genuine commitment to keeping passengers safe - demonstrates exactly why this partnership is so brilliant.’
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After working overnight across the West Midlands network, 50049 returned to base at Kidderminster just before 9am the following day.
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The SVR's 50049 Defiance at Birmingham New Street station, ready for snow clearance duties on 8 January. Jason Allen
Strong sales for electrifying experience
2025 sales got off to a dazzling start as customers flocked to buy tickets for the Boogie Lights Express tickets to fight the post-Christmas slump.
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Returning by popular demand, this one-of-a-kind experience blends lights, music, and nonstop energy to create a moving celebration like no other that promises to stave off the winter blues and light the way to spring, and visitors seemingly can't get enough.
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“We’ve seen increased demand for the experience in its second year,” said Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager. “There’s already been an uplift of 15% in total sales, which is still rising, and some services are now fully sold out. This year’s Boogie Lights Express is on course to be a resounding success."
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Boogie Lights has also been selected as a finalist in the forthcoming Heritage Railway Association awards – in the Innovation of the Year category.
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Services depart from Kidderminster Station on Friday and Saturday nights from 13 February to 14 March and are suitable for all the family.
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Also, new for 2026, is the chance to upgrade to a private compartment as well as the chance to purchase a delicious picnic box to enhance the experience.
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For more information and to book, visit svr.co.uk.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Other News
Films charting the history of the SVR on YouTube
A few years ago, the SVR Charitable Trust created a series of films to explain the history of how the Severn Valley Railway was built.
This was done as part of the Falling Sands Viaduct restoration project and was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the interpretation around the restoration.
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Now, those films are being released publicly, on the SVR’s YouTube channel, with associated posts on social media.
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Starting last week, and continuing for six subsequent weeks, each of the films will be released on the SVR’s official YouTube channel.
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The films are based on detailed research into local and national railway archives and include many photographs and images from the Victorian past.
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“These films help us understand the problems around building a railway such as ours,” said Judith Meredith, chair of the Charitable Trust. “It was built under extremely difficult conditions, and we should remember the price that was paid, not just in money, but in human lives.
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“When the restoration of Falling Sands Viaduct was completed in December 2020, we installed a plaque on the side of the structure, in memory of the 10 men who lost their lives building the Severn Valley Railway.”
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The first film released explains how that essential restoration project was carried out, and subsequent films delve back into the Victorian era to discover the story of the SVR’s original construction.
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Commemorative plaque on the side of Falling Sands Viaduct.
HydroShunter up for top business award
Fingers will be crossed next Thursday 19 February at the 2026 Rail Business Awards, where a joint team from the Railway and Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions will be hoping their unique HydroShunter wins the day in the ‘Innovation of the Year’ category.
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Shortlisted as a finalist for the award, the HydroShunter project is now nearing completion with the vehicle undergoing testing at the Railway.
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Dr Alexander Burrows, Vanguard’s chief executive officer said:
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“Our groundbreaking partnership with the Severn Valley Railway to deliver this new Shunter powertrain has demonstrated a truly innovative approach focused on both technology and skills through a unique collaboration between a university spinout and a heritage railway. We are hugely proud of what we have achieved together.​
Meanwhile, SVR volunteer Jack Baldwin, who led the Railway’s contribution to the HydroShunter project, has been named as a Rising Star finalist in the 2026 Heritage Railway Association awards, which take place in March.
The Boogie Lights Express is also shortlisted for an HRA award, as is the restoration of GWR coach No 9581.
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Some of the HydroShunter team with their pride and joy. Vanguard
Free minibus travel to the SVR with Worcestershire on Demand!
Worcestershire County Council has recently launched its ‘Worcestershire on Demand’ transport service in Stourport, Bewdley and Tenbury Wells, and to celebrate they’re offering free minibus journeys until the end of February, including journeys to visit the Severn Valley Railway.
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The service operates 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and accommodates journeys up to 15 kilometres (nine miles) measured as the crow flies.
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You can find out more about the initiative, which is funded by the UK Government, at Worcestershire.gov.uk
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The Worcestershire On-Demand bus
What's coming up?
Half-term is almost here!
February half-term starts this Saturday, and families can step back in time to the golden age of travel with journeys behind steam and heritage diesel locomotives on the following dates:
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Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February
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Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 February
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Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February
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Over at The Engine House Highley, there’s the chance to let off steam in the outdoor play area or get hands-on sorting mail in the travelling post office.
The Engine House is open 10.45am-4.30pm (last entry 4pm) and entry is free, but parking is limited, so the best way to get there is by heritage train.
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Along the line, the cafes and gift shops at Bridgnorth, Highley and Kidderminster will also be open for treats and snacks to enjoy during a visit.
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Purchase tickets in advance and save up to 20%. Freedom-of-the-Line tickets offer travel all day, or there are short journey options available from each end of the line to Highley (for The Engine House) or Arley.
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Tickets can also be purchased on the day from station booking offices, but don’t include the pre-booking discount.
The Itineraries page on the SVR website also has ideas on spending a day at the Railway.
Story time with Paddington™
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For those who haven’t yet bought your tickets for the Paddington™ visit, don’t delay as these are selling quickly! Departures from Bridgnorth are nearly fully booked and there is limited availability for departures from Kidderminster.
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Board a heritage train for a fun-filled ride out to see Paddington™ and listen to tales of his adventures during story time at The Engine House Highley. The visits take place between Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 February. Marmalade sandwiches are not included, but you can bring your own!
Branch Line Weekend will bring the Railway’s past to life
The SVR will be stepping back into classic branch line days on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March during the Branch Line Weekend.
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This special event will be marking 35 years since the arrival of the Railway’s first diesel multiple unit (DMU).
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Across the weekend, visitors will be able to experience how branch line railways evolved, with an enhanced and lively timetable designed to recreate the everyday bustle of a traditional country line.
Short, local trains, autotrain workings and DMUs will all be in action, giving enthusiasts plenty to savour while remaining accessible and enjoyable for families and first-time visitors alike.
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Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager, said: “Branch lines were once the lifeblood of local communities, and this weekend is all about bringing that atmosphere back. Whether you are a lifelong railway enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day out, there will be something here that sparks curiosity and nostalgia.”
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Two DMUs will be working independently throughout the event, operating both local shuttle services and full- line journeys.
An enhanced timetable will allow visitors to travel up and down the line with ease, stopping off at favourite stations or enjoying the scenery from the comfort of different types of historic rolling stock. The award-winning Eardington station will be open on both days, offering another opportunity to soak up the character of a bygone era.
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The stars of the weekend will include Class 101 and Class 108 diesel multiple units, GWR locos 1450, 7714 and 7802 Bradley Manor, which will appear on the Saturday only. 75069 has also been included in the line-up as a new addition to the weekend timetable.​
Freedom-of-the-Line tickets offer unlimited travel all day, while shorter journey options are available from each end of the line to Highley or Arley. Great-value family-ticket options make the weekend an affordable choice for a day out with children.
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The Branch Line Weekend promises a warm welcome, rich history and the simple pleasure of travelling through the Severn Valley as it used to be.
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For more information, including timetables and tickets, visit the Branchline Weekend event page.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Greatest Gathering presentation
It was the rail event of last year, and whether you attended or not, here’s the chance to find out exactly what went into organising the tremendous Greatest Gathering as part of Railway 200.
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Hosted by Richard Bowker of Green Signals podcast, this illustrated talk features SVR managing director Gus Dunster, along with the rest of the core organisational team. They’ll share how they planned and delivered the largest ever railway event in the UK.
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It all happens at The Engine House on Thursday 14 May, with a special charter train to take guests from Kidderminster to Highley, departing at 5.30pm after a meet and greet at Kidderminster Town station and the chance for cab visits.
The outward journey will be hauled by a Class 57, with a Class 50 performing duties on the return trip, which gets back to Kidderminster at 10pm.
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There are just 200 places, and tickets include travel by train. Food and drink will be on sale at The Engine House alongside a selection of bespoke Greatest Gathering merchandise.
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Gus Dunster said, “We always wanted the Greatest Gathering to be about more than the three-day event itself; it’s about creating a legacy. That continuing motivation is to inspire young people to take up careers in rail and volunteer for heritage lines such as ours.”
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Proceeds from the event will be divided between the Greatest Gathering charities and the Severn Valley Railway. To book your ticket, go to Greatest Gathering presentation.
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Greatest Gathering organising team
On-train dining experiences set to be culinary delight
There’s an exciting line-up of on-train dining experiences for 2026 now available for booking.
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From vintage afternoon tea to a gourmet Sunday lunch and the bistro express, there’s something to please everyone who wants stylish dining in first-class comfort.
On-train dining experiences are also a great way to celebrate a special occasion, with friends and family.
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"We are thrilled to offer on-train dining experiences again this year, working with our catering partners Paisley Flour," said Nicky Freeman, visitor experience manager. "Whether you're a lover of vintage vibes, a connoisseur of fine dining, or both, we have the perfect on-train dining experience for you."
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So, if all this talk of food is making you feel peckish, head to svr.co.uk now.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Across the Railway
The SVR’s leaky dam is working hard
Here’s a part of the SVR you’ve probably never seen! It’s a leaky dam, situated in Eymore Woods, between Bewdley and Arley, and it plays a very important role in flood prevention.
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This one was built to replace an earlier leaky dam built around 2014, and it comes into its own during spells of intense rain, as head of infrastructure Chris Bond explains:
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“Believe it or not, this relatively small structure can hold back a large volume of water that has collected in the woods. By doing so, it helps prevent the siphon drain becoming overwhelmed, as the water is released gradually over a longer period.
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“Our permanent way team used locally sourced, natural materials such as tree trunks, branches and other debris to create our leaky dam. This natural flood-management technique reduces downstream flood-risk by storing water. It reduces peak flood levels and increases climate resilience.​
“We think the GWR might have had some sort of dam structure here, because we found the remains of a washed-away stone dam. The tide marks left here by the retained floodwater on our new dam show just how well it works.”
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As well as flood prevention, leaky dams create diverse habitats for aquatic wildlife, including pools and ponds, and provide food and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
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A nice thought to ponder as you pass through the area on your next SVR journey!
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The 'leaky' dam in Eymore Woods. Brent Cleeton
A wheel-y good outcome
The draw for the 'Wheel-y Good Raffle' organised by the 2857 Society in conjunction with the SVR Guarantee Board, was held on Sunday 4 January at Kidderminster station.
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Former 2857 chairman, and life-long member, Bob Kyte drew out the 10 prize winners, who won prizes from £28.57 up to the grand prize of £1,200!
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The total takings were £22,534 and the raffle surplus was a few pence under £20,300. This will be spent on purchasing and fitting the new driving wheel tyres to the locomotive. Chair of the 2857 Society Harry Bradley said:
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“We’ve seen over £1,280 worth of the prizes generously donated back to the Society. This has given us a very welcome boost towards our fundraising for the locomotive’s overhaul.
"We'd also like to thank the SVR Guarantee Board for their assistance with this project.”
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The Society is still fundraising to meet the quote of work to be undertaken at Riley & Sons, including the locomotive’s bottom end which will head there in April. If you’d like to donate, please visit 2857.org.uk.
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Sunrise on 2857 just before the loco was withdrawn in 2023. Alan Corfield
The SVR’s most important locomotives need more help!
Often unseen by visitors, the SVR’s Class 08 and 09 diesel shunters are among the hardest working locomotives on the Railway. In 2025 alone, the shunter fleet at Kidderminster clocked up an astonishing 2,174 hours of engine running time.
That is almost six hours a day, every day of the year, and does not include the equally vital work carried out at Bridgnorth.
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These locomotives quietly keep the Railway moving. From shunting carriages for maintenance, examination and repair to handling daily operational movements, their work happens constantly behind the scenes.
All the SVR’s shunters are now more than 60 years old, with the oldest, 12099, approaching 70. Without them, the Railway would quickly struggle to function.
Martin White, head of traction and rolling stock engineering, said: “Our 08 shunters are fundamental to keeping the SVR running. They work tirelessly every single day, and while most people never see what they do, the whole operation depends on them.”
Caring for these veteran workhorses is a major task. At Kidderminster, their maintenance relies almost entirely on a small but highly skilled group of volunteers at the diesel depot.
The team carries out everything from routine servicing to major mechanical, electrical and cosmetic work, sourcing or refurbishing parts when replacements are no longer readily available.
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“This is real, hands-on engineering,” Martin added. “The volunteers are keeping complex machines going well beyond their original working lives, often with ingenuity as much as equipment.”
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The team now faces a challenge. After 42 years of volunteer service, Trevor Davies is stepping down as leader of the 08 maintenance group, highlighting the urgent need for new volunteers to come forward. With significant jobs ahead, including traction motor removal and refurbishment, there are excellent opportunities for practical learning.
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The 08 maintenance team works every Wednesday and Sunday at the Kidderminster TMD. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to visit on a working day or contact Martin White at martin.white@svrlive.com.
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Even Covid didn't stop them Don Shadwell; Richard Sadler & Trevor Davies maintaining the fleet in 2020. Kenny Felstead
Work continues on the Kidderminster platform extension
The platform extension project is progressing well; Walsh, the contractor, has now completed most of the blockwork and concrete infill. The next stage will be to install the concrete capping blocks, with 250 needed on each side of the extension.
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This work will take place during the half-term running period and the week after. SVR staff will then carry out infilling and surfacing, including new edging stones.
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The project has involved many ancillary works, including the relocation of the vehicle crossing and the relocation of a large amount of point and signal equipment.
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When the extension is complete, it will allow nine-coach trains and their locomotive to fit comfortably on the platform, with the loco stopped in its run round position.
This alleviates the need for the last coach to be set off the platform end, which carries the risk of potential injury to passengers.
The original design for Kidderminster Town station incorporated nine-coach platforms. However, funding at the time of construction did not stretch to this, and the full design was not completed.
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Kidderminster platform extension underway on 26 January, with the brickwork showing the extent of the finished platform. Gary Essex
Despite the downpours, nothing stops the intrepid PWay team
This month’s truly dreadful weather hasn’t stopped the permanent way team, either with ongoing maintenance or the continuing works surrounding the platform extension at Kidderminster.
The paid staff have been carrying out regular maintenance work as well as assisting Inertia Consulting. They have recently performed a structural survey of the Trimpley Waterworks bridge at Eymore cutting.
The work involved the use of a rather slick rail-mounted scaffold tower, which was wheeled into place from the nearby access point. Core samples have been taken as part of the survey to determine a safe vehicle weight limit on the bridge.
Severn Trent are preparing for a project to remove silt from the settlement lakes adjacent to the Railway, which will require a large volume of truck movements.​
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At Kidderminster, whilst the platform extension work continues, the paid staff team has been installing the new vehicle crossing, south of the signal box.
This involved new concrete pads at either end to minimise tyre scrub when taking the telehandler around the restricted corners, and gates to secure the lineside access and TMD.
They’ve also installed a removable fence under the footbridge, where the road width is limited. This can be removed to allow wider loads to access the TMD.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
The Valley on film in 2025
2025 was a remarkable year for the Valley, complete with many highs and a very noticeable low!
You can relive it all with the latest DVD release from Severn Valley Steam, which follows the SVR through an unforgettable 2025 season, marking 60 years of the line.
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The year began with dramatic scenes at Mor Brook, where a washed-away embankment closed the route between Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth, followed by six months of hard work to get trains running again.
The DVD captures the story of the repairs and the exciting July reopening, headlined by the visit of 60103 Flying Scotsman.
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Alongside plenty of classic lineside action from all home fleet and visiting locos, the DVD features first-time visits from seven locomotives, including the return of 45699 Galatea – running as 45627 Sierra Leone, the long-awaited comeback of 7802 Bradley Manor from overhaul, and Stanier ‘Mogul’ 13268 during its visit to the East Lancashire Railway.
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Packed with steam and standout moments from the Valley, the DVD is available now in SVR shops and online at svrshop.co.uk.
Rolling stock
TLC for the SVR’s steam fleet
It’s pampering time for the SVR steam locomotive fleet, as Bridgnorth’s volunteer shed master Martin White reports:
Winter shutdown means it’s maintenance season across the Valley, and Bridgnorth MPD is no exception.
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If you’ve read this column previously at this time of year, you’ll have seen my notes about locomotive washouts, boiler examinations, annual examinations and running repairs.
These activities have been taking place non-stop since the first week of January, when all the operational steam locos were returned to Bridgnorth at the end of the Winter Steam Gala. It’s been a seven-days-per-week operation, with paid staff and volunteers contributing.
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13268 was the first to be dealt with followed by 7714. 7802 didn’t need a boiler washout but apart from that it received the same routine treatment of tube cleaning and checks of the grate and brick arch in the firebox.
7802 and 13268 have both passed their independent boiler exams and 7802 will be kicking off the 2026 season, with lighting attached, on the Boogie Lights Express.
Aside from the routine mechanical and boiler work, cosmetic activity has also been taking place. One example is the chimney on 7714, where the paint had badly deteriorated and was flaking off. When any of the service locos are on a pit, we also take the opportunity when time is available to give the undersides and between the frames a good clean.
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Also receiving cosmetic work of a more substantial nature is 813; by the time you are reading this, it should be complete with ‘Great Western’ back on its tanks. The paint shop team at Bridgnorth have done their usual high-standard finish.
We might almost take it for granted these days, but there is a huge amount of effort that goes into achieving this, again with work carried out every day of the week. I was barred from taking anything other than a few taster photographs to show off their work!
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In the boiler shop now resides Taw Valley’s boiler, undergoing assessment to determine what repairs are necessary. Meanwhile in the MPD yard, 2857 is having the final components stripped ready for its boiler to be removed. And, inside the main loco works, Collett tank 1450 has received attention to renew some rivets around the firehole ring, which were not replaced during its major work off-site.
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Also, within the works, Prairie tank 4150 is the focus of a lot of attention and doubtless a lot of interest, as it nears the end of its restoration.
A vast volume of new pipework is being fitted, much of which had been prepared in advance. The regulator rod, valve, and associated stuffing boxes and linkages are having their functional operation checked and adjusted along with numerous other fitting and machining jobs. Although there is much more to it than just the cab, the photo accompanying this article gives a view of the current status.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
The project that ploughed on!
After several setbacks, a project to return a rather special brake van to operational condition is drawing towards a successful conclusion.
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Purchased for the SVR in 1990, the Shark van saw many years of use by the permanent way department until withdrawal in 2017.
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One of 200 built in 1957 by British Railways (BR) in Smethwick, the van’s true moniker is DB993898 ballast plough brake, with the DB prefix used to indicate that it was BR departmental vehicle, ie one specifically used to support the engineering functions of the railway.
However, it is more commonly known by the catchier term, Shark van. The latter name was derived from its telegraph code-name.
Sharks were attached to the rear of a ballast train and used to spread the ballast after it had been dropped, using ploughs affixed at either end, which could be raised or lowered as required according to the direction of travel.
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Currently owned by the SVR Charitable Trust, who supported the team through the project, work has been carried out since 2019 by a dedicated team of six core Carriage and Wagon team volunteers, with occasional assistance from paid staff.
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There were stumbling blocks along the way, firstly in the form of Covid-19 and then the discovery that the rebuild was going to be significantly more complicated than anticipated.
Work to date has included renewal of the corner posts, waist rail, external cladding, balcony floors and most of the sole plate which sits on the steel frame.
The repainted underframe is in good condition requiring only inspection before entering service. In 2025, air braking was fitted, making it a dual-braked vehicle. Chair of the SVR Charitable Trust.
Chair of the SVR Charitable Trust Judith Meredith said:
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“The shark is looking very impressive. The superb quality of the restoration of this interesting vehicle is a fitting tribute to our previous chairman, the late Ron Treverton-Jones, who gave a generous donation towards the Shark’s rebuild.”
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A decision has yet to made for the Shark’s future as the team weigh-in the balance whether it should continue doing the job it was designed for or go into The Engine House at Highley for display. Leader of the project, Cedric Jameson said:
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‘Work has progressed steadily over the years, and the completion gives me the opportunity to extend my thanks to all those who have been involved, both volunteers and full-time staff, too many to mention here. The only hope, expressed by many, is that the vehicle does not suffer the same fate as the other Shark in the form of vandalism and theft.”
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With the conclusion of this project, Ced will be taking a well-earned retirement, having volunteered on the SVR since 1972.
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Meanwhile, the team has made a start on Southern Railway Luggage van 1174. Designated a Parcels and Miscellaneous Van (PMV) by the Southern Railway, it was built at Ashford in 1936 and used to carry livestock, newspapers, mail and parcels on Express Passenger services.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Dockyard veteran to relocate to the SVR
The SVR is set to welcome a truly distinctive diesel shunter, as BR Class 07 D2996 will soon relocate to the Railway. Its new owners, the SVR Class 14 Company Limited, are launching an urgent fundraising campaign to support its acquisition, transport and future maintenance.
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Built in 1962, D2996 is one of just 14 BR Class 07 locomotives built, designed exclusively for work at Southampton Docks.
Tailored to an extremely specific operating environment, with an exceptionally low overall height, D2996 spent its entire British Rail career quietly but relentlessly moving wagons around one of Britain’s busiest ports.
This was achieved largely out of public view, yet it was vital to the smooth flow of dock traffic.
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D2996 represents a lesser-known chapter of British Rail history, often overshadowed by larger, faster, and more glamorous main line diesel locomotives.
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​Lovingly restored to excellent condition by its current owners, D2996 will take up residence at Bridgnorth, where it will be owned and maintained by the SVR Class 14 Company Limited.
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This secures a long-term future for one of British Railways’ most unusual and highly specialised diesel locomotive designs. Gary Williams, chairman of SVR Class 14 Company Limited, said:
“We have the chance to give D2996 a new lease of life, and we’re looking forward to the challenge. The arrival of D2996 will add further variety to the SVR diesel fleet, fulfilling the role of a compact, low-speed shunter, whilst also serving as an important educational exhibit, illustrating dockside and industrial railway practice to visitors.
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“We need to raise £40,000 to support the acquisition, relocation, and long-term care of D2996, and are inviting people to purchase Class D shares.
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“Purchasing shares in this way allows supporters to play a direct part in preserving this unique locomotive for generations to come. Time is critical and every share counts. Together, we can give Class 07 D2996 a secure future and a permanent home on the SVR.”
Shares cost £1 each and the fundraising deadline is Sunday 19 April 2026. For further information and full share purchase details, email merchandise9551@gmail.com .
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Also, as part of a provisional agreement between the SVR and the SVR Class 14 Company Limited, the Class 14 team has also agreed to take on the care of basic maintenance of the SVR-owned Class 08 D3586, based at Bridgnorth.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Rolling towards completion
LMS Corridor Brake Third 26921 is approaching the end of its extensive renovation and conversion, as volunteer technical advisor Hugh McQuade reports:
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Built for BR and allocated to the Western Region, 26921 enjoyed a notable preservation career, including an appearance at the 1980 Rocket 150 celebrations alongside its Severn Valley Railway duties. Now adapted for wheelchair accessibility, with the addition of an accessible toilet, the coach is almost ready for a new chapter in service.
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Recent work has focused on interior finishing. Decorative internal door planks have been made, varnished and fitted to the two pairs of double doors, complementing the Sapele veneers in the adjacent saloon.
These replace the original coarse pine planks, once painted brown for use in the luggage area. The lavatory has been equipped using components from Kidderminster stores, with specialist disability-related fittings sourced online.
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Water tests have confirmed the integrity of the plumbing system, allowing the ceiling panels to be permanently installed. The replica LMS Open Third seats for the saloon have been constructed entirely from new materials, including veneered sides, sprung seat cages and support frames.
After trial assembly, the spring cages were sent to Kidderminster, where volunteer upholsterers padded and covered them in traditional hessian.
The final stage is the application of ‘red pebble’ moquette, introduced in 1947 shortly before nationalisation and later used on BR-built vehicles such as 26921, constructed in 1950. The SVR Charitable Trust has been funding the costs of materials/components used through this project, including the purchase of sufficient ‘red pebble’ moquette to complete the coach.
The finished seats returned to Bridgnorth in early January and were installed in the saloon, followed by two restored original third-class detachable tables. Miniature coffee tables, matching the profile of the full-size versions, have been made for the wheelchair area to maintain visual consistency.
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Four compartments’ worth of three-a-side seats, stored at Kidderminster during body restoration, were due to be sent to a Bristol contractor in January. However, a failed electric lift meant we had to lower them by rope through the 1870s bag hoist! The delay proved beneficial, allowing the newly arrived moquette from Yorkshire to travel south in the same lorry.
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Minor works to door restraint chains and a newly cast saloon ceiling lamp were completed before parts stocks were exhausted at the end of January. The great news is that enough moquette remains for three further LMS coaches, scheduled for reupholstering this year.
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The team has requested a move to Kidderminster for bogie and brake system overhauls, working with professional guidance. Meanwhile, new castings for compartment sliding door locks and a saloon lamp are still in production in the lock shop.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
v1 12th February
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Any opinions or views expressed in this newsletter are entirely the opinions of the contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Directors of Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) PLC. which owns the Severn Valley Railway, Severn Valley Railway Company Limited, the members of which are responsible for its operation, or the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust.