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January 2026
4930 'Hagley Hall' departs Bewdley, heading for Bridgnorth, at the Winter Steam Gala. ANTHONY CARWITHEN
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
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Were you lucky enough to visit the Valley over the festive period? Things were humming from Boxing Day through till 4 January.
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And what a high we ended the season on! Two days of sunny but cold weather and a Winter Steam Gala as well. What more could we ask for? No wonder all the photographers were happy, and by all accounts, the passengers were too. Coming on the back of our ‘magnificent’ Winter Diesel Day, it certainly felt like a triumphant finale. We’ve reports on both events and galleries of photographs to delight your eyes.
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Now in our winter shutdown, we’re looking forward to reopening for the 2026 season on 14 February, and to the rather special Branch Line Weekend that’s happening at the very end of that month, celebrating the DMUs, the Autotrain and more.
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From across the line this month, we have updates on carriage and wagon work, the permanent way, the hazards of prepping steam locos in cold weather and a nostalgic look at our tiniest station, Eardington, in the dark.
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Keep warm, keep smiling and keep coming back to the SVR – we can’t wait to see you again!
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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
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What's new?
Ending on a steaming high!
The Railway rounded off the season in style with the last of its very successful enthusiast events, the Winter Steam Gala.
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Running over the weekend of January 3 and 4, the gala featured GWR locomotives 1450, 7714, 7802, 4930, as well as BR 75069, LMS 13268, plus the Class 108 DMU.
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At almost 2,400, passenger figures comfortably exceeded the 2025 event, and for the most part trains ran, if not to time, then close enough as to be of no major consequence; the home fleet performed superbly to the delight of crowds of visitors.
Managing director Gus Dunster said:
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“The Winter Steam Gala was the perfect way to close the season, following on the heels of the very successful Winter Diesel Day. Both events featured imaginative timetables and were very well supported by visitors, with feedback again being comprehensively positive, one example being an email I received which simply said, ‘two brilliant events, the SVR is just the best railway ever!’
“I’d like to thank all the volunteers and staff involved, not just in these two events but over the whole season, for their dedication and hard work during what has certainly been a rollercoaster year. In true SVR fashion we have prevailed through sheer determination.
Thank you all!”
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Gasps of admiration at the Winter Steam Gala
The weather gods were certainly on the SVR’s side for the Railway’s first 2026 event, the Winter Steam Gala, which rounded off the 2025 running season rather nicely, as our correspondent Nicky Fox reports:
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Now in its third year, this event provides a chance for families and enthusiasts alike to have one last ‘hurrah’ to finish off the festive season, and this year’s event was no exception. With the stations and carriages still festively bedecked with lights, sparkle and festive cheer, visitors flocked to the SVR in droves.
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Under blue skies and with snow still dusting the valley, packed trains departed Kidderminster and Bridgnorth on Saturday throughout the day, with the atmosphere on board vibrant and convivial.
Quickly, trains became standing room only for those boarding at intermediate stations (likely largely due to the British public’s reticence to sit next to strangers, as there were often several spare seats!) but the mood of passengers remained upbeat.
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While the locomotives may be the stars of the galas, the scenic sights of the Severn Valley did their best to compete.
The sight of silhouetted birds skittering across the iced surface of the reservoir, or the River Severn reflecting a vivid blue and sparkling in the sun, elicited nearly as much joy from the passengers as the sight of passing locomotives and trains. In one memorable moment, I witnessed a spontaneous ‘oh!’ erupt from the carriage as the 11.40 ex-Kidderminster crossed Victoria Bridge!
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Back at the 2025 Autumn Steam Gala, I noticed the presence of families in addition to enthusiasts. The timing of the Winter Steam Gala on the final weekend of the running season of course attracted younger adult parties of enthusiasts and older stalwarts. But once again, a noticeable demographic was families with young children, which tells us much about the cross-market appeal of the event. I must say, the crews of the locomotives did a fantastic job in engaging the youngsters.
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All in all, the Winter Steam Gala was a rather delightful way to start the new year, and round off the 2025 running season!
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
‘Magnificent’ Diesel Day
There may have been clouds in the sky, but 29 December was a ray of sunshine for diesel enthusiasts at the SVR.
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With visitor numbers increasing year on year, 2025’s Winter Diesel Day saw nearly 1,100 attendees treated to a packed timetable, featuring resident Class 17/20/33/46/50/52/101 and 108 plus visiting Class 37s, 37418 and 37508, kindly provided by owner Steve Benniston and operator LORAM UK.
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Visitors praised the friendliness and helpfulness of the station staff as well as the organisation of the event. Many took to social media, using the full range of superlatives to describe the event, from ‘magnificent’ to ‘legendary’.
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While 50007 was unable to appear as advertised, fellow Class 50 50049 deputised in its place, meaning the only blues on the day were the resplendent BR liveries!
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Visiting class 37s 37508 and 37418 proved a big draw, with the 10.15 departure offering standing room only! Managing director Gus Dunster said:
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“The Winter Diesel Day is now firmly established in the SVR calendar, and, once again, thanks to the hard work of staff and volunteers, feedback for this event has been universally positive. Keep up the good work!”
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Feast your eyes on our gallery of photos from the event!
February half-term reopening
The coming weeks won’t see any passenger traffic on the Railway as it’s the annual winter shutdown period, but on Saturday 14 February, it all kicks back into life for the half-term break!
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There are public services on:
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Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February
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Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 February, including pre-bookable Paddington character visits at The Engine House (see separate article)
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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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Remember that you can save up to 20% by purchasing tickets in advance. Freedom-of-the-Line tickets offer unlimited all-day travel, or there are short journey options available from each end of the line to Highley (for The Engine House) or Arley.
On-the-day tickets are available 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.
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There’s also an early reminder about the Branch Line Weekend on 28 February and 1 March, featuring both the DMUs (the first arrived 35 years ago!), plus the popular Autotrain hauled by 1450. GWR 7714 will also appear and on the Saturday GWR 7802 ‘Bradley Manor, and it’s hoped Eardington station will open on both days.
Other News
Permanent way update
As always, the p-way team has been busy over the past few weeks.
Amongst the tasks carried out has been the recovery of 100 tonnes of virtually new ballast kindly donated by Aston University, who also generously covered the transport costs.
This reclaimed material was uplifted from an area previously used for rail training at the university and loaded straight into SVR ballast wagons. This will be dropped at various locations across the line in readiness for the imminent return visit from one of the Colas tamping machines.
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The team has also replaced sleepers at Hampton Loade siding. This site sees regular use during Gala events, and the work carried out will increase its resilience for the future.
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Head of infrastructure Chris Bond told Branch Lines:
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“Our paid-staff team is currently reduced in size following the departure of two members. We’re recruiting a new p-way manager, and in the interim, I’m delighted to welcome back former manager Barry Light, who’ll work with us on a temporary, part-time basis to help tide things over.
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“On another positive note, we had a good response to our call-out for line patrol volunteers in last month’s Branch Lines, and I’m now working to process several applicants. I’m very grateful to everyone who’s got in touch, and their offers of help will put us in a better position to cover this essential aspect of line safety. I will be in touch with those who came forward once the Christmas backlog has been cleared. The photo of a broken fishplate that accompanies this article shows you exactly why we need regular inspections!”
Praise for the Bridgnorth volunteer p-way gang came from shed master Martin White during the Winter Steam Gala:
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“On behalf of Bridgnorth MPD, I would like to express my thanks to Brent Cleeton and the gang, assisted by MPD loco cleaners, who carried out maintenance and remediation work on three sets of points in Bridgnorth yard on the Sunday of the Gala in rather chilly conditions!”
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Going into the new year, the team will have further work to carry out at Kidderminster related to the platform extension project so will be kept busy during the shutdown period.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Kate Hall joins the SVR as financial controller
Chartered accountant Kate Hall has joined the Railway as financial controller, taking over from Louise Whitehouse, who will be leaving the SVR at the end of January to work for a local charity.
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Welcoming Kate, Louise said:
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“It’s great to have someone with Kate’s wealth of experience on board. She’s spent more than 20 years in industry and in practice. She’s from Worcestershire and is familiar with the Railway, having visited with her family, some of whom were volunteers. Please join me in welcoming her and making her feel at home.”
‘Tis the season…to be famous!
The SVR has been picking up a lot of positive coverage in the press recently, across multiple platforms.
Head of communications Lesley Carr appeared on BBC Radio Shropshire. After taking time to reflect with presenter Mark Elliot on the reopening day with Flying Scotsman in 2025, she was able to share with Mark what the Railway is looking forward to for 2026. Available to relisten until 27 January, the SVR segment starts from 2:51:09. Visit bbc.co.uk/sounds/ to listen.
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Elsewhere on BBC online, reporter Andrew Dawkins ran a feature piece, highlighting the role of SVR volunteers and not just the hard work and commitment involved, but also the social side and the opportunities to develop new skills.
Andrew carried out a series of interviews, which were broadcast on BBC Shropshire and BBC Hereford & Worcester, and even featured on BBC Midlands Today’s breakfast bulletins. To read the article visit bbc.co.uk/news
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Meanwhile, managing director Gus Dunster has been busy too; he was interviewed by the Express and Star for an article available at expressandstar.com, and also appeared on an edition of the weekly Green Signals video podcast.
The podcast, led by Nigel Harris and Richard Bowker, covers multiple railway topics, including the UK mainline railway (which is referenced in the video title), and in this particular issue, at 41:07, Gus and his co-organiser James Dobson discuss their experiences of the historic Greatest Gathering, and Gus also deftly manages some profile-raising for the SVR, which played a huge role in the Railway 200 event. To watch the podcast, click on the image.​
And, on 29 December, a fabulous Jack Boskett photograph of 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’ graced the pages of The Daily Telegraph!
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In the heritage rail press, Heritage Railway Magazine published an in-depth interview with Gus, photographer Bob Green’s stunning pictures illustrated a Trackside article about the Railway’s connections with Bewdley, and positive SVR references appeared in Gary Essex’s Trackside article about heritage rail’s moves towards sustainability.
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Commenting on the array of coverage, head of communications Lesley Carr said:
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“After a difficult first half of the year dealing with the aftermath of the Mor Brook landslip, it’s wonderful to see so much interest in the SVR from both regional and national media outlets. We know that our fantastic Railway is worth shouting about, and it’s great to see that others agree!”
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4930 'Hagley Hall' in the winter sun. This photo appeared in the Daily Telegraph on 29 December 2025. JACK BOSKETT
Walk it, train it!
On 27 December, a brand-new experience took place at the Railway which was the result of a collaboration with guided-walk specialists Mountains to the Sea.
In the autumn, the company approached the SVR, to organise a guided walk that incorporated a ride on a heritage train along the beautiful Severn Valley.
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Early in the morning, 15 walkers, led by Mountains to the Sea organizer Martyn Farrington, set out on a seven-mile hike from Bridgnorth to Highley, calling at Hampton Loade station on the way.
When they arrived at Highley, they had plenty of time to look around The Engine House and see the display locomotives and exhibitions, then enjoyed mince pies and hot chocolate before returning on the 3pm service back to Bridgnorth.
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Martyn was delighted with how everything went, and the service they’d received from the Railway:
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“I just wanted to say thanks to the team for organising the SVR side of the guided walk. Everything ran like clockwork and all the staff we met were very helpful and friendly. Our clients had a great day and it’s something that we would like to repeat on a quarterly basis next year.”
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Thanks to Mountains to the Sea for sharing their photos of the day!
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
What's coming up?
Marmalade sandwiches at the ready - Paddington™ character visit
We’re expecting plenty of family fun, with appearances from the much-loved character Paddington™ on Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 February 2026.
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Families can take an exciting heritage train ride out to The Engine House, Highley and see Paddington™, who will be appearing during story time sessions.
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Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Paddington™ to the Severn Valley Railway. This much-loved character is a firm favourite with families of all ages.
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“We’re offering the opportunity for families to create special memories with their young ones as they travel on board a heritage train to The Engine House, Highley. Paddington™ will be appearing during their pre-booked story time session. Don’t forget your camera as this is going to be an amazing photo opportunity.”
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Visitors can pre-book train tickets and make their journey from Kidderminster or Bridgnorth.
Tickets include reserved seats on a heritage train and timed entry tickets to see Paddington™ during story time at The Engine House, Highley. Families can travel back on a train of their choice, with unreserved seating.
As well as seeing Paddington™ at The Engine House, there are plenty of other fun activities to keep everyone entertained, including mini golf and magic shows. Children can let off steam in the outdoor play area or get hands-on sorting mail in the travelling post office.
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For more information and to book tickets please visit svr.co.uk.
We like to Boogie…on a Friday and Saturday night!
The Boogie Lights Express is the perfect choice to blow away those winter cobwebs.
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Tickets for 1,200 people have already been booked for this unique musical party train and we’re extending the early bird offer on tickets for Friday nights!
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After its triumphant debut at the Railway last year, Boogie Lights has been shortlisted in the Innovation category at the Heritage Railway Association Awards.
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This incredible sound-and-light show train consists of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns.
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Passengers on board get to enjoy the fun and take part in an interactive show hosted by the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor).
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New for 2026 is the option to upgrade your seats and travel in your very own private compartment and you can also purchase a delicious picnic hamper, packed with delicious goodies to enhance your Boogie Lights experience!
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The experience is perfect for a lively night out with friends and family. The Boogie Lights Express departs from Kidderminster on Friday and Saturday nights from 13 February to 14 March 2026.
Book today at svr.co.uk.
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2025 Boogie Lights Express. BOB GREEN
Across the Railway
Green Signals 'Jolly Day’ at the SVR
Members and supporters of the Green Signals podcast had a rare chance to see behind the scenes at the Railway and travel on their own specially chartered Class 101 DMU on Thursday 11 December.
In what they dubbed the ‘SVR Jolly Day!’ around 60 Green Signals followers started at Kidderminster, and headed for Bridgnorth. They made an unusual stop along the way at Mor Brook to see the work that had been completed on the landslip in July last year.
At Bridgnorth, the party divided into two, for a guided tour. Volunteer Pete Cherry was one of the guides:
“We started with a look at the locos outside the shed. I naturally gave some prominence to my own loco, Ruston 11511, explaining how on earth I came to own it!
Then into the shed, for an explanation of the wheel drop, the lifting jacks, and some of the machine tools in the workshop. A visit to the Boiler Shop and the signal box followed, and all too soon it was time to board the DMU for the trip back south.”
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A fairly lengthy stop was made at Highley, for everyone to visit The Engine House for a look at the locos on display, and an excellent buffet lunch, followed by a very interesting talk by Gus Dunster on his career in the railway industry, before hopping back on the DMU for the return to Kidderminster.
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Green Signals director Richard Bowker said, “The thinking behind the event was to give our members the opportunity to meet each other, to have a chance to spend a bit of time with my co-presenter Nigel Harris, our co-founder Stef Foster and me, and generally enjoy a terrific day out. It was a wonderful success, and we want to repeat it again in 2026.”
SVR managing director Gus Dunster added, "It was a real pleasure to host the team, Green Signals has been a great advocate for the SVR this year, and we’re delighted that they chose the SVR for their first-ever members' event.”
See the video link alongside this article for Green Signals behind-the-scenes video that inspired the ‘SVR Jolly Day’.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
The magic of Eardington station at night
John Oates is a member of the Railway’s Volunteer Photographers’ team, and volunteers at Eardington station. Here, he recalls his first encounter with the SVR’s ‘best kept secret’ and explains why he finds it such a fascinating place:
In September 1968, I first alighted onto Eardington station via the 14.00 ex-Bridgnorth train pulled by ‘The Flying Pig’ 43106. This was two years before the Light Railway Order was granted, and before the SVR could officially operate as a preserved line.
Hampton Loade was the most southerly destination for passenger trains. The line opened on designated weekends only and were called Members' Days or sometimes Galas. I remember thinking at the time, what a magic place this little station is.
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For many years, I pursued a hobby of sound recording and photography on the SVR. Soon after I retired from work in 2008, I drove my car into Eardington station and enquired whether I could take a photograph there.
I discovered that a small working party met there on Thursdays, and the person I spoke with was none other than Steve Downs who was in charge of Eardington then and remains so now!
What I also found was that the 1868-built station still retained the magic I’d witnessed on my first visit, 40 years earlier.  Since then, I have become a volunteer, seen the working party greatly increase in numbers, and witnessed many improvements at the station. These include the reinstated platform, thriving gardens, and some trains being allowed to stop there during Galas.
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The little station is a superb place to photograph from; I especially like the steam trains as they thunder up the rising gradient. A couple of years ago I engaged in some night photography, which I believe captured the Eardington atmosphere even more so, such as the gas lamps that our superb lamp man Phil Harris had lit, and the glistening platform. The photographs accompany this article, and I hope you like them.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
The CT reflects on resources well spent
After a rollercoaster year for the SVR, the SVR Charitable Trust is reflecting on the impact it’s been able to make with its fundraising.
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From GWR 9581, the beautifully crafted wheelchair-accessible Buffet Car launched at the Autumn Steam Gala, to the Apprentice Scheme, the Trust has funded a wide and varied range of valuable projects.
The Trust has also worked to improve its communication with supporters by holding a Supporters' Event and sending a newsletter out to donors. Commenting on 2025, SVRCT chair Judith Meredith said:
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“There are many highlights from this year. I am delighted that the Trust could offer support so quickly when the Mor Brook landslip happened, as well as support on other vital infrastructure jobs on the Railway. Bringing in a volunteer grants co-ordinator to the Trust, Clive Thompson, has helped those applying for grants, and our administration.
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“It has been enjoyable to work with a wide variety of people from the Railway. The whole Trust team has worked very hard this year, and I thank them and everyone who has helped and supported us.”
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Click on the image for a larger version
Cleaner working at Bewdley and Bridgnorth
Two oil interceptors are being installed on the Railway, one at Bewdley and one at Bridgnorth. The interceptors will work in line with existing drainage, as head of infrastructure Chris Bond explains:
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“The interceptors will skim off oil and other floating contaminants from drainage water that comes from the loco preparation areas. This will prevent these contaminants entering the public drainage network.
It will help us improve the way we carry out our activities in a cleaner way, and high-level alarms will alert us to when the interceptors need emptying via a specialised waste carrier.
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“We’re grateful to the SVR Charitable Trust for funding the purchase and installation of the interceptors.”
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One of the new oil interceptors being installed at Bewdley. RICHARD HERINGTON
Rolling stock
‘Bradley Manor’ to visit ‘Erlestoke Manor’ on West Somerset Railway
The Erlestoke Manor Fund has announced that its locomotive 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ is to spend six months from the end of April at the West Somerset Railway, where its sister 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ is currently on hire.
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The EMF has stressed that this is a short-term hire arrangement, made with the full support of the SVR and the WSR. Before it departs, 7802 will take part in the SVR’s Spring Steam Gala and will return in time for the 2026 Festive Season trains in November and December, including the Winter Steam Gala.
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The EMF has thanked the SVR for condensing the agreed 2026 steaming days into the start and end of the year to allow the hire of 7802 to the WSR to take place.
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The Fund is also grateful to the 2857 Society for their agreement to allow the hire of their ex-GWR tender No 2355, which is normally based on the SVR and currently behind 7802, to travel to WSR to accompany ‘Bradley Manor’.
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Jane Preece, chair of the EMF, expressed the trustees' enthusiasm regarding the forthcoming return of 7802 Bradley Manor to the WSR:
“While 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ previously visited WSR in 2019, this occasion marks the first time it will operate alongside its stable companion, 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’, on WSR tracks. This unique event is anticipated to be of significant interest to EMF shareholders and supporters, who will welcome the opportunity to witness both our locomotives in action together.
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“This announcement illustrates the positive relationship that the EMF has with its host railway, the Severn Valley Railway, as well as other fully operational heritage railways such as the WSR. This hire is to the mutual benefit of not only of the EMF, the WSR and the SVR but also shareholders and supporters who can attend to see the two steam locomotives running in different surroundings.”
Steaming in a Winter Wonderland
Steam locomotives are rightly associated with heat and hot work environments, but how does it affect the locomotives, their crews, cleaners and other MPD staff when the temperature drops below freezing? For this month’s shed notes, Bridgnorth volunteer shed master Martin White provides some behind-the-scenes insight:
What a way to finish off the 2025 season! A Winter Steam Gala, utilising all the available home- fleet locos, in weather which was appropriately wintery. Hard frosts, periods of clear sunshine and occasional flurries of snow.
All very picturesque and attractive to visitors. However, cold, freezing weather, if not properly prepared for, can create havoc for steam locos and their maintenance and operating staff.
Pipework and components, whether for water or steam, need to be drained down as much as possible and protected from the worst of the cold. At the beginning of each winter, we remind all loco staff of the need to take frost precautions. These precautions include ensuring that the locomotive injectors (used by loco crews to put water into the loco boilers) are drained, usually by attaching small weights to the foot valve on the bottom of the injector body.
The injectors themselves are then wrapped in old duvets or blankets to keep the worst of the cold at bay. Failure to do so can result in water collecting in the injector.
If it freezes, this can cause catastrophic, usually irreparable damage to these complex devices. The locomotive steam heat pipework also needs to have ‘frost precautions’ taken because if that becomes inoperable then the carriages will be unheated! And, on some locos, especially those of GW origin, the hydrostatic (water displacement) lubricators need to be refilled with oil at the end of every operating day and wrapped in blankets!​
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Preparing a loco for a day’s work can be extremely uncomfortable in sub-zero temperatures, especially at an early hour. Whilst the loco cab and area around the firebox can be pleasant once the fire is well alight, everywhere else is a hazard and/or uncomfortable. Puddles of water on floors or loco running plates, can turn to ice patches.
Wheels, motion running plates and hand-rails are very cold to touch, and fingers quickly become numbed making it difficult to remove corks etc whilst oiling around the motion. In extreme cold, some pipes from which water cannot easily be drained, may have frozen.This means using braziers or burning rags to thaw them out.
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Additional locomotive checks may be required before the loco moves, such as ensuring that brake blocks aren’t frozen to the wheels and that cylinder drain cocks are working. Even when frost protection is in place, some components may need thawing out.
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For example, at Bridgnorth on Sunday morning at the Winter Gala, the tender water tank sieve boxes on 75069, which had been drained the previous night as part of ‘frost precautions’, needed warming braziers beneath them to remove the ice that had formed on the seals which was preventing them from being re-sealed.
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And, despite what you might think, when locomotives are on the move it’s not always warm and cosy, particularly on tender engines. So, next time, you’re bundled up in a beautifully steam-heated carriage, send your warm thoughts to the crews travelling tender-first up the Valley at 25mph! Brrrrr!
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The Autotrain, hauled by 1450, alongside the river Severn. KEITH WILKINSON
Chocolate is not just for Christmas!
In 2026, the SVR will have two complete rakes of GWR coaches, putting it in a unique position as a heritage line!
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Following an extensive bodywork overhaul and interior refit, Mk 1 Buffet 1853 will be painted in GWR chocolate-and-cream livery to complete the SVR’s second GWR set.
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At present the Railway has enough Great Western vehicles to run two rakes but only one buffet; by enabling the Mk 1 to masquerade as GWR in chocolate-and-cream means it will complete the second set. Head of traction & rolling stock engineering Martin White said:
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“This isn’t the first time we’ve painted MK 1s in this livery, but this time it will allow us to run two uniform Great Western sets. We are aiming to have one of the two sets in use every day and are considering a bit more of a focus on marketing these vehicles, with an emphasis on the number of compartments available.”
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The SVR's GW chocolate-and-cream rake hauled by 7802 'Bradley Manor' in the afterglow of the setting sun on New Year's Day 2026. JOHN TITLOW
What’s in the (carriage) works?
Coaches, carriages or cars - whatever the name, a railway cannot operate without passenger accommodation, and the SVR maintains one of the largest carriage fleets in preservation.
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Keeping this fleet in top condition is a year-round task. Fifty-one carriages currently rotate through mechanical maintenance, examination and brake adjustment on a minimum 12-week cycle. In addition, tyre profile measurements and axle ultrasonic testing are carried out every seven years, carriage door locks are thoroughly examined every five years, and buckeye couplings are examined and gauged every two years.
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During 2026, an impressive 11 vehicles are scheduled to use the Kidderminster Carriage Works lifting jacks. Some visits will last only a few days, while others will involve work taking weeks or even months.
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At Bewdley, Mk 1 Buffet 1853 is nearing completion of an extensive bodywork overhaul, with its interior refit almost finished. As reported elsewhere in Branch Lines, it will shortly be painted in chocolate and cream livery.
Once complete, Mk 1 Tourist Second Open (TSO) 4509 will enter the Bewdley paint shop for major body repairs, including roof and end-corner work, along with an interior refurbishment.
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Meanwhile at Kidderminster, Mk 1 Corridor Composite 16202 is partway through a substantial body overhaul, with attention given to crash pillars, corridor ends and areas affected by corrosion.
TSO 4399 is undergoing a short lift and examination following the 2025 low-speed derailment of empty coaching stock at Kidderminster.​
Subject to minor rectification, it is expected to leave by the end of the week, making way for 1856, which will also be examined following the same incident.
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Several long-term projects continue across the line. These include the 1910-built Churchward Toplight third, 2426, restored by the Great Western (SVR) Association; LMS carriage 26921; and the Gresley Brake Van.
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The SVR’s oldest carriage, 2426, spent many years stabled at Hampton Loade as an accommodation and mess vehicle and requires extensive structural repair. Good progress has been made on the vestibule ceiling framework and internal carpentry, including toplight glazing beads and oak framing.
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At Bridgnorth, volunteers are overhauling the mechanical components of LMS 26921 to match its recently applied maroon livery.
The carriage will move to Kidderminster for bogie overhaul, including suspension, braking, drawgear, steam heat equipment and battery charging systems. Asbestos removal from the underside is required and will be undertaken by a contractor, with funding agreed by the Charitable Trust.
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Finally, the Gresley Brake Van 24068 arrived at Bewdley in late November, marking the start of an anticipated five-year, volunteer-led bodywork rebuild, beginning with roof repairs to keep future work dry.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
v1 8th January 2026
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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.