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March 2026
7802 Bradley Manor passes the DMU at Highley Station. Anthony Carwithen
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
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There’s hardly been time to catch our breath this month, with a tremendous amount of activity at the Railway.
We’re excited to have some fantastic news to share with you; last Saturday, the SVR was given the HRA Chairman’s Special Award for the Mor Brook team, in recognition of the gargantuan task of repairing the damage from the devastating landslip last year and the triumph of the re-opening with Flying Scotsman.
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Plenty of Gala guest news too, covering both steam and diesel, and we’re looking forward to a special event marking the phenomenon that was last year’s Greatest Gathering, with a charter train and fascinating insight at The Engine House from those who made it all happen, including our MD Gus Dunster.
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In this edition, you can catch up on the launch of the HydroShunter, a remarkable project that’s the result of a five-year collaboration between the Railway and a cutting-edge engineering company based in Birmingham. Plus we look forward to the return of the much-loved Severn Valley Venturer and the Railway 200 Inspiration train.
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All this and much more in your March edition of Branch Lines. We hope you enjoy catching up on all the news, and remember to come and see us at the Railway soon!
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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?
Mor Brook repair wins national HRA award!
The Railway is celebrating after receiving the Chairman’s Special Award at the 2026 Heritage Railway Association awards in Llandudno on Saturday 7 March.
This was given in recognition of the tremendous team effort by volunteers, staff and partnership organisations in reinstating the railway after the devastating embankment collapse at Mor Brook bridge last year.
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The Chairman’s Special Award is only occasionally presented at the discretion of the HRA chairman, for a stand-out entry that “no other award can really do justice to.”
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Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, the HRA chairman, said the repair was “A significant achievement and, with remedial works taking just eight weeks, the Railway then welcomed 60103 Flying Scotsman to reopen the line on a date that was thought impossible when the landslip took place.”
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As he accepted the award with other representatives of the SVR team, managing director Gus Dunster said:
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“I’m immensely proud of the whole team across the Severn Valley Railway, who triumphed last year in the face of extreme adversity. We are delighted to have won the Chairman's Special Award for the team of SVR volunteers, paid staff, and the numerous industry partners that achieved the daunting task of reinstating our railway after the devastating damage at Mor Brook in 2025.
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“It was also fantastic that one of our young volunteers, Jack Baldwin, was nominated in the Rising Star Award category and was highly commended for his work in engineering and for his project management and leadership skills working on the HydroShunter project, a joint venture with Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions. Jack is a major young talent who I am certain will go on to make a significant contribution to this industry in his career.”
Another two SVR entries were highly commended; the unique restoration of Great Western Railway coach No 9581 into an accessible buffet and saloon car for the Rolling Stock award, and the Boogie Lights Express for Innovation of the Year award.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.​​
A ‘Pug and Judy' show at the Spring Steam Gala
The SVR has unveiled two more visiting locomotives for its Spring Steam Gala, taking place from 16 to 19 April.
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The Railway has confirmed that diminutive industrial favourite Port of Par Judy and Lancashire stalwart LMS ‘Pug’ 11243 will be joining the line-up.
The pair will operate an intensive shuttle service between Bewdley and Kidderminster throughout the gala, including some double-headed appearances that promise plenty of character in a surprisingly compact package.
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The presence of these two guest locos offers a striking contrast to the mighty BR 71000 Duke of Gloucester, already confirmed as the event’s star attraction. While 71000 is one of the most powerful express passenger locomotives ever built in Britain, Judy is among the smallest standard gauge steam locomotives in preservation; proof that at the SVR Spring Steam Gala, size really doesn’t matter.
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Built by W G Bagnall in 1937 for service at the Port of Par on the Cornish coast, Judy was specially designed with its cab floor dropped between the frames, to fit under a notoriously low bridge.
This distinctive, squat appearance has made it a firm favourite with enthusiasts. Additionally, Judy’s work shunting China clay was immortalised, alongside sister engine Alfred, by Reverend W Awdry in his ‘Railway Series’ as cheeky locomotives Bill and Ben.
Withdrawn in 1969, Judy survived as a static exhibit until returned it to steam in 2008. Now a regular performer in Cornwall, its visit to the SVR is made possible thanks to the Bodmin Railway.
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The equally characterful LMS ‘Pug’ 11243 began life in 1910 at Horwich Works as Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway No 19. After early service in Lancashire, it passed into industrial use, including work extending Southampton Docks, and later spent many years as a static exhibit. The class of loco was nicknamed ‘Pug’ thanks to its short and stout appearance.
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Following a failed steam test in 1970,11243’s preservation career was a static one, until careful assessment and overhaul work culminated in its long-awaited return to steam in 2022. 11243 appears courtesy of the East Lancashire Light Railway Co Ltd and the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Trust.
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The Railway’s managing director Gus Dunster said:
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“After announcing Duke of Gloucester, we’re delighted to follow up with something completely different. Judy and the ‘Pug’ may be small, but they’re full of personality and history. Bringing them together at the SVR, alongside giants like Duke of Gloucester and our superb home fleet, really showcases the extraordinary breadth of Britain’s steam heritage.
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“This year is particularly special for us, as it marks 50 years since our first-ever Spring Gala in April 1976. We’re determined to make the 2026 event one to remember.”
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Judy, the ‘Pug’ and 71000 will appear alongside home-fleet locomotives including GWR 813, 1450, 4150, 4930 Hagley Hall, 7714 and 7802 Bradley Manor, LMS 13268 and BR Standard 4MT 75069. Tickets are available now at svr.co.uk.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Momentum builds for Spring Diesel Festival
The SVR has kicked off announcements for the line-up of guest locomotives at its eagerly anticipated Spring Diesel Festival. Five impressive visitors have been revealed for the event which takes place from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May.
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Following a week of daily reveals that built excitement and sparked lively discussion across social media, the Railway has confirmed that a Class 67, ‘Hymek’ D7018, a Class 57, Class 55 Deltic 55009 and a Class 59 will headline the event alongside the SVR’s strong home fleet.
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The first guest to be announced was a Class 67, courtesy of DB Cargo. Although several Class 67s have visited the SVR over the years on charter workings, they have never hauled a scheduled passenger service on the line or appeared at a gala event.
The debut of this class in full festival service promises to be a major draw, and the Railway has expressed its sincere thanks to DB Cargo for making the locomotive available.
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Next to be revealed was ‘Hymek’ D7018, appearing courtesy of the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group. These hydraulic Type 3 locomotives are perennial favourites with SVR supporters, and D7018 is one of just four survivors from a class of 101 built.
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The third visitor confirmed is a Class 57/0 locomotive, courtesy of West Coast Railways, adding main line pedigree to the line-up and further broadening the range of traction on offer.
Re-engineered from Class 47s between 1998 and 2004, the EMD-powered Class 57s have gained a following of their own. WCR is the only operator to have examples of all three sub-classes.
Guest number four will be Class 55 Deltic No 55009 , courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society. The unmistakable sound and power of a Deltic are guaranteed to be a highlight of the four-day event, and enthusiasts will have multiple opportunities to see and hear this iconic locomotive in action.
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And finally, earlier this week, came the announcement that a Class 59 will join the line-up, courtesy of Heavy Haul Rail. SVR managing director Gus Dunster said:
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“This year’s Spring Diesel Festival perfectly captures what makes the Severn Valley Railway such a special place for diesel enthusiasts. By bringing together main line performers with much-loved heritage machines, we’re creating a truly varied and authentic diesel spectacle.
“We’ve been delighted by the reaction to this year’s guest announcements. Revealing them one by one has really built momentum, and it’s been fantastic to see so much enthusiasm online. We’re extremely grateful to our main line colleagues and preservation partners for their continued support in allowing us to host these locomotives.”
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Further guest locomotives are expected to follow in due course and advance tickets for the event can be booked online at svr.co.uk.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Relive the excitement of the Greatest Gathering!
As part of the Spring Diesel Festival, the SVR is hosting a special event to mark 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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A special charter train takes ticketholders from Kidderminster to Highley on Thursday 14 May, 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.​
Gus Dunster said, “This event is part of the legacy of the Greatest Gathering, and whether you attended over the three days or not, it’s a fascinating look into how this remarkable event came to happen. Ultimately, it’s about inspiring young people to take up careers in rail, and to 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.
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The organising team behind the Greatest Gathering
HydroShunter launched at Kidderminster: UK’s first hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive
Together with Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions, the Severn Valley Railway marked a major milestone in railway decarbonisation with the official launch of the UK’s first hydrogen-powered railway shunting locomotive.
The HydroShunter was unveiled at
Kidderminster Town station on 26 February, demonstrating a practical pathway toward zero-emission rail operations.
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Developed in the SVR’s workshops using the body of a disused Class 08 diesel shunting locomotive, the HydroShunter showcases a pioneering retrofit approach.
Rather than requiring the purchase of entirely new rolling stock, the project demonstrates how existing locomotives can be converted to clean propulsion, offering a potentially cost-effective route to decarbonising rail operations.
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The hydrogen/battery powertrain was delivered through a collaboration between the SVR and Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions, a West Midlands-based SME specialising in hydrogen traction technology.
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Guests at the launch, including representatives from main line railway companies across the UK, heard about the project’s ambition to decarbonise shunting operations and its potential to transform locomotive fleets nationwide.
Attendees also experienced a UK first, riding in the SVR’s vintage observation saloon hauled by the HydroShunter along the heritage line.
Dr Alexander Burrows, CEO of Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions, said:
“This is an exciting moment for our team. Launching the UK’s first commercial hydrogen-battery locomotive powertrain as a retrofit solution is a major achievement and reflects the strength of our partnership with the Severn Valley Railway.
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“We are already seeing strong interest from operators looking for zero-emission shunting with lower noise and improved operating costs.”
The SVR’s managing director Gus Dunster added that the project placed the Railway “at the forefront of innovation within the sector.”
“We’re proud to have helped develop an emissions-free shunting solution and look forward to seeing it in regular use. Our volunteers have shown remarkable skill and commitment in bringing this locomotive to life. We may be a heritage organisation, but this project shows our focus is firmly on the future.”
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It’s expected that the HydroShunter will soon enter service as a shunting vehicle at the Railway.
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Earlier this month the joint Vanguard–SVR team were finalists in the ‘Innovation of the Year’ category at the Rail Business Awards 2026, recognising the project’s significance for the wider rail industry.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
The Severn Valley Venturer is back!
The much-loved volunteer-run Severn Valley Venturer restaurant car will return to service on selected Saturdays this season, launching on 25 April.
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Kitchen car 1682 will operate as part of the maroon Set M on selected dates, serving breakfast on the 10:55 departure from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, followed by an afternoon meal on the 14:50 return from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster.
No reservations are needed – the service will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
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As a trial, just 23 covers will be available per train. This will allow the volunteer on-train team to deliver a quality dining experience, and to refine the operation.
Feedback will be important to ensure the service continues to grow and meet customer expectations.
Executive assistant Victoria Evans is one of the team bringing the Venturer back into service. Alongside managing director Gus Dunster, she will be volunteering on board. She said:
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“There has already been significant interest in the return of the Severn Valley Venturer, and we hope its popularity will continue to build as the offer becomes more established.
"Dining on a heritage train is always something special, and we believe that offering two meal options will appeal to potential customers.
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“We’re grateful to the original Severn Valley Venturer team for their support and encouragement to make this relaunch possible.”
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Back in time: members of the 2010 Severn Valley Venturer team. Bob Warwick
Railway 200’s Inspiration returns for half-term spectacular
The ‘brilliant’ and free-to-visit Railway 200 Inspiration exhibition train is returning to the Railway for a special half-term visit from Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May.
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More than 70,000 people have already explored Inspiration during its 60-stop, year-long tour of Britain, with nine out of 10 visitors saying they would recommend it to a friend.
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Based at Kidderminster Town station, Inspiration will offer an exhibition quite unlike any other. Co-curated with the National Railway Museum, it brings together rare artefacts, surprising stories and fascinating facts to show how railways transformed the world.
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Visitors can discover how the railway reshaped towns and cities, revolutionised travel and trade, and even helped standardise time itself.
There are hands-on engineering challenges to tackle, interactive displays to explore and a whistle-stop introduction to some of the more unexpected, and lesser-known, careers on today’s railways, designed to spark curiosity in the next generation.
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SVR managing director Gus Dunster said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to secure a rare second visit from Inspiration as it approaches the end of its remarkable journey around the UK.
It proved incredibly popular when it launched its nationwide tour here at the Severn Valley Railway last June, and we know there will be huge excitement about its return.
“Its visit this May coincides perfectly with the half-term holiday, offering a fantastic opportunity for families and young people to come to the SVR and experience this inspiring and thought-provoking exhibition train for themselves.”
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Entry to the Inspiration exhibition train at the Railway is free, but you must book a timed slot in advance at svr.co.uk, as availability is limited.
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Other News
‘A lovely atmosphere’ at the first Branch Line Weekend
A new event took place on 28 February and 1 March, marking 35 years since the arrival of the Railway’s first diesel multiple unit.
Recreating the everyday bustle of a traditional country branch line, this event proved popular, attracting almost 1,200 visitors.
Two DMUs operated throughout the event, alongside a strong line-up of steam power, including GWR locos 1450, 7714 and 7802 Bradley Manor on the Saturday.
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“This was truly a lovely weekend,” said visitor engagement manager Lewis Maddox. “Our new concept for proved a real hit, with a fantastic atmosphere along the line. We’ll take on feedback from the event and put some plans in place for what the weekend will look like in 2027.”
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“Huge thanks to volunteers across the Railway,” added managing director Gus Dunster. “Everyone who assisted in planning and delivering this new early-season event, and to all the visitors who attended. There was a lovely atmosphere across the whole Railway to complement the first signs of spring, and the popularity of Branch Line Weekend means it looks set to fit into next year’s calendar very well.”
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The SVR’s smallest station Eardington attracted plenty of attention during the event and celebrated the largest number of weekend stopping trains in its 158-year-old history! Savour the atmosphere at Eardington in our YouTube film.
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Diesel Footplate Experiences now on sale
You can’t bear the sight and sound of a diesel locomotive in full cry! Opportunities to take the controls in the cab are now available. Feel the power and surge of adrenaline on a full-day experience, including a tour of Kidderminster Diesel Depot.
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Travel on board for 10 guests is included, and you can choose from the SVR’s home fleet of Class 50, Class 52 and Class 42 locomotives, as well as Class 55 Deltic No 55009 which is visiting the SVR for the Spring Diesel Festival.
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For dates, locomotive types and more information, visit svr.co.uk, but first check out our short film on YouTube!
7325 ‘steams’ again!
On 28 February, a private charter took place featuring a rather special guest, an ‘in steam’ Collett Mogul 7325.
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Organised by Steam Valley Productions, the nighttime photographic charter took place at Bridgnorth station.
However, the perspicacious reader will have noticed that 7325 is currently awaiting overhaul and has not steamed for many years, having spent many years on display since the mid-2000s! But a recent move to Bridgnorth for future inspection provided the opportunity to create something special.
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So, how was this cold locomotive brought to life without a boiler ticket? The answer lies in a certain amount of trickery.
A bucket of oily rags, an industrial smoke machine, and the implementation of a lamp/hi-vis vest combination to achieve the effect of roaring fire resulted in some stunning photos.
Bridgnorth station was closed to the public and, lit by LED lighting, 7325 was shunted into various positions around the station, with station staff and crew stepping up to provide the human element of the railway scene. Organiser Matt Fielding said:
“It was a fantastic evening, and it’s generated some brilliant results. A dream charter for me, and hopefully one day I’ll be back to photograph 7325 the way she’s meant to be, genuinely in steam!
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“Thank you to everyone who supported the event and helped it run so smoothly, and a special thank you to Jack Boskett for providing the lights and for his help throughout the evening.”
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Work pauses on Kidderminster platform extension
The permanent way staff have been carrying out infilling work on the Kidderminster platform extension.
They’ve used existing rubble and other suitable material from the Railway, including several wagonloads of spoil from the Mor Brook landslip site. The level has now been brought up to the height of the retaining walls, and it’s been compacted and levelled.
However, the project is now having to pause for a few weeks, for two reasons.
Firstly, there is a delay in the manufacture of the bespoke edging slabs that are required. Casting these is a specialist task, and the Railway’s provider has a limited number of moulds, which means this will take longer than first envisaged.
 
Secondly, works cannot restart until after the Spring Steam Gala and Easter running, because these require two platforms to be in operation.
Project manager Antony Bartlam explained more:
“We expect delivery of the edging slabs in April, and work will recommence on 20 April. This will involve laying the edging slabs and adding the tarmac surfacing of the platform.
“Unfortunately, the Railway will not open to the public on 29 and 30 April, because we will need a total possession of both platforms at Kidderminster.
“We expect the project to be completed by 1 May.”
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Hinton Manor and ‘Dukedog’ swap places
Two days ago, a new resident arrived in The Engine House. Ex-GWR ‘Dukedog’ No 9017 Earl of Berkeley came to Highley and took the place of ex-GWR 78xx Class No 7819 Hinton Manor.
A two-year agreement facilitated the loco swap, and Hinton Manor will take the place of the ‘Dukedog’ at the Vale of Rheidol Railway in Aberystwyth for static display in their award-winning Engine Shed Museum.
No 9017 Earl of Berkeley is a member of the GWR 32xx class more commonly known as ‘Dukedog’ locomotives, built by combining the frames of the ‘Bulldog’ class with the boiler and cab of the ‘Duke’ class.
Designed to work on the weight-restricted Cambrian Line, the locos could often be seen working alongside the ‘Manor’ Class, sometimes double-headed.
The only surviving member of its class, Earl of Berkeley has visited the SVR previously for the Autumn Steam Gala in 2008. During the event it double-headed with 3440 City of Truro, giving the unique sight of the two surviving GWR 4-4-0s together.
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Both locos spent their working lives post-WW2 on the Cambrian, based at Shrewsbury and Machynlleth, where they regularly worked on the Cambrian Coast Express, and further afield.
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​No 7819 Hinton Manor has been a popular static exhibit at the Engine House since March 2019, where visitors could stand on the footplate to see how a steam locomotive worked in practice.
Built in February 1939, Hinton Manor was the last of the Great Western-built ‘Manors’ and was withdrawn in 1965, one of nine that were saved for preservation.
Judith Meredith, the chair of the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust which owns Hinton Manor said, “We are thrilled to announce this unique locomotive exchange with our friends at the Vale of Rheidol Railway.
Hinton Manor has been a much-loved part of the Engine House collection and has attracted a wide range of visitors. In turn, we’re delighted to welcome Earl of Berkeley to the SVR. The historically significant’ Dukedog’ perfectly complements our own GWR heritage.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Vale of Rheidol Railway and to the loco’s owners, the Bluebell Railway, whose support and cooperation have made this swap possible. This partnership brings these remarkable locomotives to wider audiences and strengthens the bonds between heritage railways across the UK.”
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
New-look Tea Room
Exciting changes have already taken place at Kidderminster as part of the pilot project to revitalise the visitor offering at the SVR’s busiest station.
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The former Valley Suite has had an impressive makeover and reopened in time for February half-term as the Station Tea Room.
The makeover includes the development of an exciting menu that includes hot and cold breakfasts, lunches and light bites.​
The aim is to attract drop-in customers as well as people visiting for a day out on the Railway. Visitor experience manager Nicky Freeman said:
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“We’d love to welcome you to sample the menu or just enjoy a hot drink. Please spread the word to friends and family and on social media. The Kidderminster Station Tea Room is open for business!”
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Normal opening days will be Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
What's coming up?
Steam trains set the pace for new multi-sport challenge
The Railway is supporting an exciting new multi-sport event, Steaming Down the Valley, taking place at Severn Valley Country Park on Saturday 6 June.
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Hosted by Shropshire Council and organised by a dedicated team of local volunteers, this unique event invites participants to race alongside the much-loved heritage line.
Combining trail running and paddle sports, the event promises a memorable challenge set against the spectacular backdrop of the Severn Valley.
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Competitors can choose between 5 km and 10 km fully off-road trail runs, both starting from the historic Country Park Halt to the stirring sound of a steam whistle.
Runners will follow scenic woodland paths and riverside trails alongside the railway line.
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Every finisher will receive a medal and goody bag. Places in each event are limited and you can enteR at: https://www.entryhub.co.uk/steaming-down-the-valley
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Lewis Maddox, the Railway’s visitor engagement manager:
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“We’re thrilled to be supporting Severn Valley Country Park for the return of Steaming Down the Valley. The heat is on, and not just in the firebox! We’ll be sure to get our steam locomotives in tip top shape to give the participants a run for their money, from platform to podium!”
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With steam, scenery and sporting spirit combined, Steaming Down the Valley is set to be one of the most distinctive challenge events in the region’s 2026 calendar.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Hop on board for Easter family fun
The Railway promises adventures galore for families and friends over the Easter holidays. From 28 March to 12 April (excluding 30 March and 10 April) the SVR is offering an unforgettable experience.
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Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 March (Timetable C)
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Tuesday 31 March – Thursday 9 April (Timetable C)
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Saturday 11 (Timetable C)
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Sunday 12 April (Timetable B)
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Passengers can hop on board a heritage steam- or diesel-hauled train and discover the beauty of the Severn Valley as spring awakens. Families can also test their observation skills along the way with the complimentary Eye Spy booklet available from booking offices.
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Easter fun at The Engine House
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From Tuesday 31 March – Thursday 9 April, there’s lots of Easter family fun for all at The Engine House.
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One of the Railway’s firemen has gone missing, and he just happens to be the Easter Bunny (a white rabbit puppet!) Without him, the trains can’t run and your help is needed to get things back on track!​
After leaving the train at Highley and making your way to The Engine House, enjoy a fun interactive welcome performance where youngsters are recruited as Junior Railway Helpers, with the challenge of tracking down the missing rabbit.
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On the hour (11am to 3pm), our flustered engine driver will be briefing families and setting them off to find the hidden clues. As you make your way around The Engine House, use your detective skills to search for egg-shaped hints and if you manage to find the white rabbit, a small, tasty treat awaits!
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Families can also test their sorting skills in the Travelling Post Office, peek into King George VI's royal carriage and enjoy lunch on the balcony, watching the trains go by.
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Get the best prices by purchasing Freedom of the Line or Short Journey tickets in advance. These are also available on the day from the booking offices. For tickets and information, visit svr.co.uk.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Wackadoo! Bluey storytime visit to kick start the Easter holidays
The Railway is all set for family fun this Easter, starting with appearances from the energetic and much-loved TV character Bluey on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March.
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Families can take an exciting heritage train ride out to The Engine House, Highley, see Bluey and listen to tales of her adventures at regular intervals throughout the day.
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Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager said: “We are excited to have Bluey visiting The Engine House Highley. Families will be able to travel in style by heritage train to Highley and see their favourite character whilst creating memories together. Don’t forget to bring your camera!”
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Families can pre-book train tickets and travel from either Kidderminster or Bridgnorth. Tickets include travel on a heritage train and timed entry ticket to see Bluey during storytime at The Engine House.
Families can travel back on a train of their choice, with unreserved seating.
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While at The Engine House, Highley, families can get hands-on sorting mail in the travelling post office and enjoy mini-golf and magic shows throughout the day. The Engine House is open from 10.45am to 4.30pm with last entry at 4pm.
Tickets are selling quickly for the Bluey storytime event. There’s just a handful of tickets remaining for Bridgnorth departures, but good availability from Kidderminster.
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Pre-book your Bluey visit at svr.co.uk.
On-train dining experiences to tempt the taste buds!
Whether you like savoury or sweet, or maybe even both, there’s an on-train dining delight waiting for you!
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From starting your day with breakfast to a vintage afternoon tea, gourmet Sunday lunch or the Bistro Express, there’s something to please everyone who wants to splash out on some stylish luxury.
2026 dates for Pie Train have just been added to the dining experience menu and the first one takes place on 12 April.
Tuck into a loaded steak-and-ale pie followed by apple tart tatin, whilst dining in our first-class carriage.
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SVR dining experiences are always a popular choice and make for an unusual gift or treat when celebrating with friends or family.
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The full dining experiences calendar with menus are at svr.co.uk.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Grab a crafty present at the Spring Gift Fayre
A host of local artisans will be gathering for the annual Spring Gift Fayre next weekend, 14 and 15 March, at The Engine House, Highley.
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Stalls will be arranged alongside the full-size locomotives on display, in the stunning surroundings of the SVR’s visitor centre, with local and hand-made goods on sale.
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Combined with a restful journey on board a heritage steam or diesel-hauled train, and with spring in the air, it’s set to be the perfect day out.
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The Engine House will be open with free entry from 10.45am to 4.30pm on both days, with last entry at 4pm.
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Parking at the Engine House is very limited so the best way to get there is by heritage train, using either a Freedom-of-the-Line or a Short- Journey ticket.
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Check out the exhibitor list and plan your visit at svr.co.uk.
Across the Railway
More archive films released on YouTube
A further four films explaining the history of how the Severn Valley Railway was built have been released on the SVR’s official YouTube channel.
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Commissioned as part of the Falling Sands Viaduct restoration project by the SVR Charitable Trust, these were funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the interpretation around the restoration.
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Click on the images here to find out more about the fascinating story behind the Victorian construction of the Railway.
Rolling stock
Know your regulator!
In this month’s shed notes, volunteer shed master Martin White brings us the latest goings-on from Bridgnorth Motive Power Depot and some insight into what a steam engine’s regulator is used for:
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The 2026 operating season has now commenced, with locomotives 7802, 7714, 1450 and 75069 all having operated revenue-generating trains. 4930 is available as a spare loco if needed, at Bridgnorth.
By the time you read this, 75069 will have departed on a visit to the Bluebell Railway for a few weeks.
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The freshly repainted 813 hasn’t yet appeared in public, primarily because a couple of mechanical jobs need to be completed at Bridgnorth.
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The first of these requires the trailing wheelset to be lowered using the wheel-drop within the works to enable some packing pieces to be installed in the springing arrangement.
This will lift the loco fractionally at the rear end, because it is running a little low now that it has settled down following the major works to the framing previously completed beneath the cab and bunker.
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The second job on 813 is the machining and fitting of a new regulator valve of a modified design. It sometimes occurs to me that readers of these notes may have minimal understanding of some of the locomotive terminology used – so I’ll try to briefly explain the workings of a steam locomotive regulator.
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The regulator is the valve which the driver uses to control the flow of steam from the boiler to the cylinders. It can be closed completely, such as when the loco is stationary, coasting or being brought to a halt, or it can be opened in varying amounts, as required, by the driver. Regulators on locomotives used on the SVR normally have two openings in the valve mechanism. These are usually termed ‘first valve’ and ‘second valve’ or sometimes ‘pilot valve’ and ‘main valve or ‘big valve’.
Typically, on the SVR, ‘first valve’ is used for starting away from a standstill and initially getting the train on the move. On some of our larger locomotives, depending on the weight of the train, ‘first valve’ is sufficient to operate the train, even when climbing our gradients. With heavy trains or on our smaller locomotives it is necessary to move the regulator handle further to use ‘second valve’.
To those riding on the train the use of ‘second valve’ is usually noticeable by a sudden increase in the noise from the chimney, and hopefully a noticeable acceleration, as its opening gives an increase in the amount of steam being admitted to the cylinders.
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For decades, the regulator on 813 has been difficult for drivers to finely adjust. ‘First valve’ allowed just a small volume of steam to the cylinders, enough to get the train away, but not sufficient for accelerating to normal speed, especially when climbing a gradient. The use of ‘second valve’ however usually resulted in a cacophony of noise from the chimney and considerable use of steam.
The modifications currently being completed will, we hope, enable drivers to more routinely manage the loco and avoid the previous all-or-nothing performance!
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813, fresh out of the paint shop in late February. Ronan O'Brien
Behind-the-scenes film at Bridgnorth MPD
A new film launched recently on the SVR’s official YouTube channel by videographer Tom Wellings.
Tom spent an early morning with the crew prepping GWR Pannier Tank 7714 for service ahead of the first regular running day of the 2026 season.
It’s a fascinating insight into the normally unseen hard work that goes on to make the SVR magic happen!
Pre-war coach to get new lease of life
The Great Western (SVR) Association is now actively seeking volunteers to assist with the restoration of the SVR’s oldest carriage, Churchward Third 2426.
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Turned out on 22 January 1910, it was withdrawn May 1952 and converted into a camp coach to be used by holidaying families, mainly on the Cambrian Coast.
The conversion was substantial in that all the compartments were removed including the two lavatories, which were replaced with two large bedrooms, a kitchen area, and living area.
The fullness of the conversion presented the Association with its most complex restoration to date. 
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Progress to date has been significant and includes rebuilding both ends of the carriage with new corner posts, end bar and bottom sides.
All but one of the eight compartments has been reinstated along with both lavatory walls. In addition, internal doors, seat bases, backs and vestibule ceilings have been manufactured or refurbished. Work now turns to repairs to the town-side compartment frame.
The restoration is being carried out with the utmost attention to detail, and, for the first time, the association will install GWR pattern blinds to each compartment. Additionally, most notices are intended to be brass castings rather than transfers.  Great Western (SVR) Association volunteer Mike Haynes told us:
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“When finished, 2426 promises to be a most attractive vehicle, illustrative of the pre-first world war build. We are grateful for any offers of help. Please see our website at gw-svr-a.org.uk for details of the project and how to make donations. People are also welcome to pop into Bewdley to view progress too!”
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To volunteer actively as part of this special restoration, email mick.haynes@svrlive.com or bobmassey@live.com for further details.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
v1 12th March 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.