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May 2025
Ffestiniog special Double-headed Manors. BOB GREEN
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
The SVR might be compromised by the landslip at Mor Brook bridge, but that hasn’t thwarted its efforts to deliver enthusiast events. With the Spring Steam Gala already under its belt, and the Diesel Festival coming up very soon, the Railway continues to prove it’s more than capable of delivering top-notch events against the odds. We lead Branch Lines this month with the latest news on efforts to get the landslip repaired so that the full line can be reinstated as soon as possible.
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The Annual General Meeting for SVR (Holdings) Plc takes place next month; this year, shareholders will be voting on the special resolution regarding the One Railway project. The day before the AGM, shareholders, members and SVR Charitable Trust guardians and patrons are invited to attend a special SVR Supporters’ Day at the Railway. We’ve details of both these important events in this month’s Branch Lines.
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We also look ahead to the Spring Diesel Festival, enjoy a superb gallery of photos from the recent Spring Steam Gala, welcome ‘Duke of Gloucester’ to SVR metals for testing, and we share a new promotional film with you, celebrating the Railway's 60th anniversary and our wonderful volunteers!
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Plus, there’s lots of other news from across the Railway – we hope you enjoy reading it! 
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Lesley Carr, editor
The Branch Lines team is Lesley Carr, Karen Crick, Will Scott, 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?
Significant progress towards repair for Mor Brook landslip
Although a start date for repairs to the landslip at Mor Brook bridge is still not known, huge progress has been made in recent weeks, and the Railway has shared details of how the work will be undertaken.
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Last week, the Railway signed a contract with civil engineering contractor CML, and the design work is now almost complete. Soon, work will begin to remove track around the site, ready to for the contractor to start. However, the SVR must resolve a number of outstanding approval issues before work can begin.
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‘The main issue is getting approval for works in Mor Brook itself,’ explained Antony Bartlam, the SVR’s consultant civil and structural engineer. ‘Shropshire County Council manages this, and the approval process requires substantial documentation, including ecological reports and flood risk analysis. There is no set timescale for the approval and it could take weeks or months.
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‘Shropshire South MP Stuart Anderson visited the site recently. He has urged the council to resolve the approvals quickly, and we are very grateful for his help with this.
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‘We’re in the final stages of getting approval for land-access across the field, and from National Grid for access under their high-voltage cables.’
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Meanwhile, CML’s designers have been working on the solution. ‘It’s a very complex engineering problem,’ explained Antony. ‘CML tell us it’s one of the most difficult reinstatements they have had to deal with.
'The brick arch has to have a balanced load applied, so in order to reinstate the collapsed side, the earth on the opposite side must be removed, then put back equally.
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‘The new wing wall will be formed of Legato blocks with geotextile membrane to anchor the blocks into the embankment. There’ll be concrete panels over the bridge and landslip to spread the load evenly once the works are completed. CML’s designers have produced some impressive 3D models of the works, which we hope to share in due course.
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Managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster added, ‘CML are already procuring the materials, and as soon as we get the approvals in place, they’ll start on site. I appreciate it has taken a long time to get to this stage, but it was essential that we waited for insurance approvals.
‘Had we made a start without insurance agreement then the claim would have been invalidated immediately. Our insurers have gone through due diligence to ensure our claim was valid, carrying out their own structural surveys.
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‘Naturally, the SVR must pay an excess, and also pay for works that are not covered under the insurance policy. However, we are confident the monies raised so far will cover this.
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‘Please keep away from the area, which is a construction site. Only authorised personnel can visit, and we don’t want the contractor or our own permanent way team distracted by dealing with sightseers.
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‘We will post regular updates with videos and photographs to keep you informed. Be assured, we’re doing everything possible to get the Railway fully reopened as soon as possible.’
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
AGM for SVR (Holdings) Plc
The Annual General Meeting for Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc will take place at St George’s Hall, Load Street, Bewdley, DY12 2EQ, on Saturday 21 June. It will start at 1.45pm, which is earlier than in previous years.
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In the coming weeks, shareholders will receive a notice and agenda for the AGM by post, and will be able to view further relevant documents online, as in previous years.
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This year, after the conclusion of the usual AGM business, shareholders will vote on a special resolution regarding the One Railway project – the conversion of SVR (Holdings) Plc into a Charitable Community Benefit Society.
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Chris Walton, the chair of SVR (Holdings) Plc said:
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‘The Board strongly hopes that shareholders will choose to vote in favour of this special resolution. We unanimously support it, as do many of our stakeholders, as it will strengthen the Railway’s financial position by saving costs and enabling access to new funding streams.’
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​6880 Betton Grange working normal services. BOB GREEN
SVR Supporters’ Day on 20 June
The Railway will be open exclusively and free-of-charge to SVR shareholders, members and SVR Charitable Trust Patrons and Guardians on Friday 20 June, the day before the Annual General Meeting for SVR (Holdings) Plc.
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‘This day is intended to say ‘thank you’ to our core supporters, who’ve stuck with us through some very tough times in recent years,’ said managing director Gus Dunster. ‘It’s also about celebrating everything wonderful about this very special place.
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‘On the day, you’ll have the chance to travel the line on steam- and diesel-hauled services, and book onto behind-the-scenes tours.’
Tickets will be complimentary and available only to shareholders, members, working members and CT Patrons and Guardians. Each entitled person/couple/family will be able to bring one guest only, and places must be pre-booked, in order to prevent overcrowding.
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To secure your tickets, please go to svr.co.uk/supporters-day and follow the instructions.
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1450 is one of the locomotives in service for the SVR Supporters Day on 20 June JOHN SHERRATT
More diesel traction announced for the Spring Diesel Festival 
The guest list for the Spring Diesel Festival between 15 and 18 May has expanded further, with confirmation of three more guest locomotives.
By agreement with Locomotive Services Limited, 57003 will visit for all four days; on Saturday and Sunday, a Class 69 will appear courtesy of GB Railfreight; and West Coast Railways have very kindly agreed to supply one of their Class 37 locos for the event!
 
Colas are sending two of their Class 56s, and Freightliner are represented by a Class 66 and Class 70, and a pair of HST power cars from Rail Adventure will also be appearing. The extensive SVR home fleet will feature examples of Classes 17, 20, 33, 37, 40, 42, 46, 50 and 52. 
 
‘Our spring diesel event is always about gathering together examples of the best heritage and modern diesel traction,’ said Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster. ‘We’re extremely grateful to all our partners for their continuing support.’ 
 
Services will be operating between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade to an intensive timetable, including late services on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Although Bridgnorth is still cut off from the rest of the line due to the landslip at Mor Brook, the station will still be involved in the diesel festival, with footplate rides available on the Class 08 based at Bridgnorth, D3586.
Availability for footplate rides is limited so booking in advance is recommended. Online sales close at 4pm the previous day and any remaining places will be sold on the day on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are £20 for pre-book slots and non-Festival ticket holders. £5 for Festival ticket-holders on the day.
 
At Kidderminster, tours of the Traction Maintenance Department and the Carriage Shed will be bookable on the day, at the Fifty Fund stand on the station concourse. 
For more information, timetables and tickets, please visit svr.co.uk.
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Celebrating the SVR’s 60th anniversary
The Railway is launching a short promotional film, celebrating its 60th anniversary and marking its involvement with the Railway 200 celebrations that are also taking place in 2025-26.
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The film features some well-known faces from across the Railway; there’s founding father Columb Howell, managing director Gus Dunster, Amy Baker from the station staff team at Kidderminster, Sarah Gadsby of ESMP Bridgnorth, signalman Howard Bowling and guard/TTI Alex Cleall.
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‘The film showcases the depth of talent and skill across the Railway,’ explained head of communications Lesley Carr. ‘Our volunteers talk about their passion for the SVR, and what makes it so special to them. We wanted to show our visitors the amazing effort that goes into running a heritage railway, and entice them to come and see us.
​‘We’re very grateful to everyone who took part in the filming, and to Tinker Taylor, a Birmingham-based production company, who made this film for us at no cost. We’re very proud of the result!’
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A special weekend to celebrate the SVR’s 60th anniversary takes place on 26 and 27 July, with a Swinging Sixties event.
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Railway 200: Trains through the Ages takes place earlier in the month on 5 and 6 July.
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Details of both events are at svr.co.uk.
Other News
‘Duke of Gloucester’ arrives for testing
71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’ arrived at the Valley earlier this week, fresh from Tyseley locomotive works where its overhaul has been taking place.
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Matt Robinson, the SVR’s operations manager said, ‘Staff from Locomotive Services Group, who will operate the loco, are carrying out some final finishing so that testing can start. This will be initially light-engine, followed by loaded testing.
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‘We last saw 71000 as a visitor to the SVR in spring 2009, so it’s a great honour to host the testing of the locomotive before it returns to service on the main line. It feels particularly appropriate to have it with us, as the current Duke of Gloucester, HRH Prince Richard, is the SVR’s Patron!’
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The first scheduled day of testing, Wednesday 7 May, had to be cancelled, and as we go to press, there’s no further information about when testing will start, although it is scheduled to go ahead on days when the line is not running public services.
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‘Duke of Gloucester’ is owned by the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust, which has entered into a 10-year partnership with the Royal Scot Locomotives & General Trust to facilitate the operation of the loco on the main line.
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Duke of Gloucester arriving at Kidderminster..GARY ESSEX
Fifty Fundraiser
On Saturday 12 April 2025, in partnership with the Class 50 Alliance, the SVR hosted a day of ‘diesel thrash’ behind Class 50 50049, ‘Defiance’, in support of the SVR Resilience Fund.
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This special one-off running day provided over 100 miles of diesel-hauled travel in one day. The event was organised by two of the SVR’s youngest volunteers, Ted Dunster and Jack Summerfield, in response to the effects of the landslip, on diesel-hauled round trips. Ted explained more:
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‘Because some of the diesel diagrams on the railway are only one round trip per day, we’d noticed that many people from farther afield felt they couldn’t justify coming to the Railway for a day out. In some cases, they’d only get one round trip behind their desired type of locomotive.’
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Rather than an obstacle, the young organisers saw this as an opportunity and began planning. The result was an event that provided the chance to travel behind a locomotive normally reserved for railtours, all while raising money for the SVR Resilience Fund. Jack said:
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‘Given the fact that we are quite young to be involved in the organisation of an event of such scale, there was a little scepticism, but when it became clear the event was going ahead, everyone was very encouraging.
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‘We felt that using the premise of a higher mileage day out would be quite an attractive concept for an event like this, which it did turn out to be!’
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In addition to coordinating the event’s many operational requirements, Jack and Ted also wisely made provisions for catering, including rebadging two Bewdley beers especially for the theme of the day.
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Despite a few nerves from the young organisers ahead of the day in question, the event was a great success, with the diesel enthusiast community turning out in numbers to enjoy the day. Ticket sales brought in £2,500, and 50049’s on-train buffet took a further £1,300. Managing director Gus Dunster said: ​
‘In these trying times, it’s heartening to see not only our younger volunteers stepping up and taking the initiative to run a successful fundraising event, but also the willingness of the enthusiast community to help support the Railway get back on its feet. Our heartfelt thanks go to all involved.’
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The hot curry on board the train proved so popular that it sold out. As a result, the Railway will provide this option again on selected days this season, starting with the Friday and Saturday of the Spring Diesel Festival, on the ‘Travelling Tavern’.
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To donate to the Resilience Fund, visit svr.co.uk.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
‘Top notch’ firsts at Spring Steam Gala
The SVR's Spring Steam Gala impressed visitors, despite the difficult circumstances brought about by the landslip and consequent closure of the northernmost four miles of the line.
Much preparation was needed for the successful operation of the four-day gala, to account for the shortened line but the hard work proved effective in keeping the packed schedule moving and mostly on time. The only serious delays over the whole weekend were caused by the combination of the recent dry weather and some stray sparks, resulting in a lineside fire near Bewdley Tunnel that required attendance by the Fire Services.
Highlights from the event also included many firsts! In a heritage-era first, 1450 appeared in its newly applied BR lined-green livery, while new-build GWR 4-6-0 No. 6880 Betton Grange made its first visit to the SVR. Additionally, 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ and 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ were seen operating together for the first time since 2017, in a rare double-header that is believed to be the first time that both EMF Manors have worked together with 3500-gallon tenders.
The pairing required some special dispensation as weight limits on the SVR bridges usually prohibit double-heading with tender locomotives. However, thanks to some strictly-observed speed restrictions, the two locomotives were successfully paired for a nostalgic recreation of their leg of the 1965 Ffestiniog Railway Special, which they hauled along the Cambrian almost exactly 60 years ago on 1 May 1965. This Gala-exclusive certainly got visitors talking and camera shutters clicking!
If that wasn’t enough, visitors were treated to a pair of Jubilee-class locomotives and the chance to explore the footplate of Hagley Hall.
'I'm delighted that we've delivered another well-planned and well-executed event,’ said managing director Gus Dunster. ‘As always, everyone across the Railway has worked extremely hard to produce a highly enjoyable Gala. We had a splendid line-up of guest locomotives and there was no shortage of wonderful sights and sounds throughout the four days of the event.
‘Visitor numbers were somewhat lower than we would normally have expected for a premium event such as this, but given the current circumstances it was perhaps not surprising. A real positive was that, with the exception of Bridgnorth, which is isolated from the rest of the line, our secondary-spend figures were up on last year’s event at all locations.
 
'In true SVR-style, we delivered an absolutely top-notch enthusiast-event along 12 miles of line, and I think everyone who came would agree that it was well worth their time and money. We're very grateful to them for their support.'
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
What's coming up?
Rip-roaring fun as the SVR steps back to the 1940s
The hugely popular ‘Step Back to the 1940s ‘event returns across two weekends in June, recreating the spirit of the British Home Front.
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On 7/8 June and 14/15 June, there will be a whole host of forties-themed fun, with music, dancing, food, displays, vehicles, costumed re-enactors and more, to whisk visitors back in time to the 1940s.
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The SVR line will be operating along the 12 miles between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade, and a busy timetable has been planned for a full-day visit. Exciting and engaging activities will be taking place at stations across the line, including speeches by Winston Churchill, 1940s singers and dancers, a wartime wedding, vintage vehicles and fun jitterbug sessions.
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The Engine House at Highley will be chock-full of vintage traders, ensuring visitors can fully look the part and experience the era in style. Meanwhile Kidderminster Town station will host a series of living-history displays, including a wartime police station, shops and domestic interiors. ​
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At 1.20pm on Sunday 8 June, subject to operational availability, there’ll be a flypast of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota. The best place to see this will be at The Engine House, Highley.
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‘Our 1940s events are always a joy to visit,’ said Lewis Maddox, the SVR’s visitor engagement manager. ‘It’s all about celebrating the spirit of the Home Front during wartime and capturing the glamour and style as well as the grit and determination of the country during the 1940s. ​
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‘Of course, nowadays, most of our visitors are too young to have experienced those years for themselves, and our events are helping to promote awareness of the Second World War, as a defining period of British history. But naturally, we make sure it’s great fun for all the family!’
On the evenings of Saturday 7 and 14 June, Kidderminster Town station hosts a Big Band Show for a party on the platform. We suggest getting your tickets early, as this popular show usually sells out and tickets are selling quickly.
Bridgnorth station is not able to take part in the year’s 1940s events, as it remains cut off from the rest of the line by the landslip at Mor Brook bridge.
See what’s going on at which station on the website.
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https://svr.co.uk/event/step-back-to-the-1940s-svr/2025-06-07/
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Swinging Sixties weekend in July
To celebrate the Severn Valley Railway’s 60th anniversary, the Railway will be heading back to the 1960s on the weekend of 26 – 27 July.
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Steam and diesel trains will be operating along the line, representing the ‘changeover years’ on Britain’s railways.
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There’s also the chance to get your groove on with live music, fairground attractions at The Engine House, a real-ale festival at Kidderminster and classic cars from yesteryear.
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Plus, on Saturday night, Kidderminster Station will be welcoming The Jaguars for a live-music concert, taking place on the concourse from 7.00pm.
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Tickets are on sale now at svr.co.uk.
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46443 and 3205 Bridgnorth 7 May 1967. DAVID C WILLIAMS
‘Kids for a Quid’ offer this May half term
We’re making family adventures more affordable with a fantastic ‘Kids for a Quid’ offer during the May half-term holiday. The offer applies from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June inclusive.
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Families can enjoy an unforgettable heritage rail journey through the stunning Severn Valley countryside.
With every adult Freedom of the Line ticket purchased, up to four children (aged 4–17) can travel for only £1 each, offering amazing value for a full day of heritage railway excitement.
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Whether it’s spotting wildlife, exploring the authentic period stations along the route, or enjoying the charm of steam and heritage diesel locomotives, there’s something to delight passengers of all ages.
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With attractions at every stop, including The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley and riverside walks in Bewdley, the Severn Valley Railway is the perfect destination for a half-term day out. ​
‘Our offer is all about making it easier for families to create lasting memories together,’ said Lewis Maddox, the SVR’s visitor engagement manager. ‘We want as many people as possible to experience the magic and excitement of heritage rail travel without breaking the bank.
‘Plus, between 26 and 30 May, Train Time UK is back at The Engine House. This giant-sized children’s train set was a huge hit during the Easter holidays, and we’ve brought it back again to entertain and stimulate young minds.’
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The SVR is running services along a 12-mile route between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade, with Bridgnorth station still cut off following a landslip earlier this year.
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Tickets for the half-term holiday are available to pre-book online now at svr.co.uk, and the discount will be applied at the checkout stage. Tickets are also available to purchase on the day at any SVR booking office. The offer is valid for travel on any day from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June 2025, and as always, children aged three and under travel free.
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Hop on board at the Severn Valley Railway this half term for history, adventure, and great-value family fun!
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Across the Railway
Recycling ‘can’ make a difference!
A recycling scheme run by the Coalyard Miniature Railway at Kidderminster is generating funds for the SVR Resilience Fund.
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In terms of protecting the planet and supporting the SVR, the CMR is proving that every little does help. The group is collecting aluminium cans in a bin on site, to send for recycling. After weighing, a recent load of approximately 2,700 cans generated £15. Richard Shaw of the CMR is coordinating the scheme and explained:
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‘Every can counts. I supplement those deposited in the bin located by the miniature railway with some from my paid job, before transporting a carload to be recycled. It is interesting to note that recycling the cans has saved about 300kg of carbon dioxide and 150kg of bauxite (aluminium ore) which would have been required to make the equivalent number of new cans.’
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Richard can provide recycling cardboard boxes for aluminium cans to anyone wishing to instigate the scheme in another area of the Railway. Contact him on richard.shaw@svrlive.com
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
A warm welcome for all ages at Bridgnorth
Despite its isolation from the rest of the line because of the landslip, Bridgnorth continues to attract visitors.
Volunteers at the northern terminus are making the best of things, even using the change of pace as an opportunity to engage the younger generation.
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Permanent-way volunteer Spencer Cooper brought his four-year-old grandson Finley to the station for a visit a few weeks ago, that left quite the impression on the youngster. Spencer said:
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‘The volunteers were very patient, attentive, and kind to him and their ability to not only welcome him but also bridge the age gap to engage with him and explain in terms that he could understand was very much appreciated.
'We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in keeping SVR going.’
Commenting on the visit, visitor engagement manager Lewis Maddox said:
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‘It’s brilliant to hear how much Finley enjoyed his visit to Bridgnorth, and it just goes to show that even in these trying times, we can still connect with visitors of all ages and make a difference to their day. We’ll keep up the good work!’
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Footplate rides within station limits at Bridgnorth continue to prove popular at weekends, and these will carry on throughout June.
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Railway helps local aid charity
Bridgnorth paint shop had an unusual visitor recently, in the form of a Mitsubishi 4x4 pickup. The Railway was assisting a local charity, Wyre Forest 2 Ukraine, with their efforts in sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
The charity recently purchased a second-hand Mitsubishi 4x4 pickup truck and is converting it to become a front-line ambulance.
The vehicle needed repainting in matt black to camouflage it when in service. The SVR stepped in to help, and it was prepared and painted by volunteer staff, ready for its new role in Ukraine.
SVR managing director Gus Dunster said, ‘We are very pleased to be able to assist Wyre Forest 2 Ukraine, who are a locally based volunteer organisation doing great work for a humanitarian cause, which we fully support.’
Bewdley-based Wyre Forest 2 Ukraine have been supporting the Ukrainian people with deliveries of humanitarian aid since the Russian invasion in 2022. Several of their members have also hosted Ukrainian refugees in their homes. They have so far raised over £10,000 for aid items, including generators, battery-powered lamps, and medical items, including handheld scanners to be used by frontline medics to locate shrapnel in casualties.
Wyre Forest 2 Ukraine chair Dr Brian Smith said, ‘We're very grateful to the Severn Valley for their assistance with the ambulance. The camouflage colouring is invaluable, as even ambulances and medical staff are being targetted by the Russians in this brutal war.’
The charity will be equipping the ambulance with stretchers, lights and other equipment for its new role, saving lives in the northeast of Ukraine. In the coming weeks, volunteers from the charity will load the finished vehicle with essential aid items and drive it to Ukraine.
There is a list of urgently needed items on the group’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Wyreforest2Ukraine
The pickup with L-R Ian Latimer, Mayor of Bewdley, John Charuk, Gus Dunster, Dr Brian Smith, Rod Stanczyszyn. GARY ESSEX
SVR Explained: Track ballast
In the latest part of our ‘SVR Explained’ series, permanent way volunteer Gary Essex digs deep into a vital part of any railway – the ballast:
Ballast is seen all over the Railway, and is vital to the operation and safe running of trains, but most people barely give a second glance to what keeps our track in place and allows drainage. There's quite a lot more involved than it just being a pile of stones!
Early railways used a variety of materials to lay their track on, although the name ballast is believed to have originated from the use of redundant ships’ ballast stone, which was loaded in the bowels of ships to stabilise them. Often ash and clinker have been used, especially on industrial sites and sidings. Some siding areas of the SVR use these materials.
However, the current standard material is crushed granite, with stones sized between 32 and 50mm. The sharp edges of the hard stones lock into each other to help prevent movement. The stone is screened at the quarry to clear it of debris and smaller stones. Sometimes smaller-size materials are used, such as with the Harsco Stoneblower that is resident on the Railway. This uses smaller stones and literally blows them into voids under sleepers, using compressed air.
Track ballast performs several functions. It forms a stable base for track to be laid on, distributing the load from the sleepers to the formation, and prevents track movement, whilst allowing water to drain away. It also acts as a convenient medium to allow for packing and levelling of the track and helps to suppress weed growth.
The Railway's permanent way team use Seacow ballast wagons for distributing the stone alone the line. These have discharge chutes underneath and at the sides that are operated by handles on an end-platform, allowing controlled laying of ballast where required. The ballast train uses a Shark brake van which has a large plough-type blade underneath, to spread the freshly laid ballast evenly on the track. Once laid, the ballast needs to be packed, a process known as tamping. This can be done in various ways, from hand-packing with shovels, using handheld motorised packers known as Robels, or using the large tamping machines that also lift and level the track whilst packing it.
Tamping machines owned by Colas Rail are regular visitors to the SVR. These are usually new machines that need commissioning and testing as part of a partnership arrangement between the Railway and Colas. This allows the company to prepare their machines for mainline use and gives expert attention to the SVR’s track from state-of-the-art machines.
Once laid, levelled and tamped, the ballast still needs regular attention due to movement, and from the weedkilling train. Although ballast does noticeably slow weed growth, many do still take root and hinder drainage, so need dealing with on a regular basis. Regular line patrols by the permanent way department will note any areas where ballast needs attention, along with other maintenance issues.
The regular movement of trains and the effects of heavy rainfall cause movement and settlement, so ballast needs repacking and topping up. In 2024, the SVR laid over 800 tonnes tonnes of ballast along the line, with plenty more due in 2025!
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Fouled-up signal wires at Bridgnorth
It’s not all plain sailing in the S&T!  During routine signal maintenance, the team identified some signals that were not operating correctly at the southern end of Bridgnorth signal area. 
Those in question are operated by wires, run from levers in the signal box down the side of the track through guides and pulleys to the signal post, then up to the signals themselves. Anything impeding free movement of the wires could cause incorrect operation of the signal arms.  
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Initial investigation revealed that some of the guide stakes holding the wire support wheels were not in correct alignment with each other causing a ‘kinked’ wire run.  These were corrected, making the wire run straighter. 
An inspection of the entire length was undertaken, with an area of concern highlighted at the southern end of Platform One, where the wires are supported on the platform wall beside the track.  This is where locomotives stand when a train is in the platform.
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There is a large area of what can best be described as tarlike substance on the track here, comprised of oil, sand, grease and contaminants, which forms when steam is ejected as locomotives stand and pull away from the platform. 
The contamination covered the signal wires and support wheels and was caked on so thickly that the support wheels did not turn at all when the signal wires moved. This caused a lot of drag on the signal wires impeding their free movement, which can lead to heavy lever pulls, signals not being fully pulled off or returning completely to danger.
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Over a few days, the volunteer team stripped the old wheels and supports off the wall, cleaned the wires and fitted clean wheel sets. Most of the wheels were so contaminated that they were trapped in their support brackets and had to be levered out.  This dirty, messy job had to be undertaken in a kneeling position in the tar next to the track, when no trains were operating.
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Additionally, reminder devices known as collars were added to the relevant levers in the signal box to prevent them being operated while the work was undertaken. With the eight replacements installed, the contaminated wheels and carriers will be cleaned, inspected and returned to stock for future use. 
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The preventative maintenance programme highlighted this fault before it became a real issue, underlining the importance of the ongoing unseen work contributing to the safe operation of the Railway.
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Meanwhile, at Kidderminster, work has started on the ex-Radyr bracket signal that will replace the two separate starting signals at the end of Kidderminster platform. After being disassembled, the components have been shot-blasted ready for painting. A lot more work is involved in the replacement, including providing a mass concrete base for the signal.
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Plenty going on for the permanent way teams!
Along with the regular maintenance jobs on the track, the SVR’s full-time permanent way team has dealt with a large pile of scrap materials at the Stourport Triangle. The team has cut up worn-out rails and other track materials that are life-expired and prepared them for weighing in as scrap. This will bring several thousand pounds of income to the Railway.
They have also been preparing the annual weedkilling train for its journeys along the line, which will take place in the next two weeks.
Further clearance took place in April of the trees that came down in the December storms. They were cleared back from the lineside to allow safe passage of trains, leaving the remainder to be removed during a break in services.
The volunteer teams have completed clearing vegetation at the Mor Brook landslip, in preparation for work to commence in the coming weeks.
Other volunteers from Bridgnorth Carriage and Wagon and permanent way teams continue to work on 993898, the 'Shark' Ballast Plough Brake van being refurbished in Bridgnorth MPD. It has received its first coat of BR Engineer’s Black and is expected to be back in service by the autumn.
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Rolling stock
Pannier tank 7714 - 95 and still going strong
It’s said that good things get better with age, and the SVR’s GWR Pannier 7714 demonstrated that by celebrating its milestone 95th birthday last month.
Charles Collett designed its distinctive riveted pannier tank in the 1920s, and the engine has been a popular attraction at the Valley since 1992.
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Originally created in 1930 in Stoke on Trent by Kerr Stuart, 7714 started its life working around Tyseley, moving around sheds until 1959, when after racking up half a million miles, it was withdrawn from service and sold to the National Coal Board.
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For around 14 years, 7714 was a ‘spare’ at Penallta colliery in south Wales, but still worked enough to be in a well-worn condition by the time it was rescued by the SVR Pannier Tank Fund in 1973.
Following a lengthy restoration, two overhauls and a stint on display at The Engine House, this long-time favourite has recorded more than 85,000 miles on the line in preservation.
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Peter Hudson of the SVR Pannier Tank fund noted:
‘The locomotive’s riveted pannier tanks can be distinguished from the ones Swindon built, which were smooth and welded. This can be clearly observed on the active 7714 as whilst its pannier tanks aren’t original, they perfectly resemble those fitted by Kerr Stuart.’
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Charles Collett’s design was versatile and successful, and 863 locomotives were outshopped between 1929 and 1950. The SVR-based 7714 is one of only 16 that survive today. Primarily made for light goods and shunting, this all-rounder is now on duty for footplate rides at Bridgnorth, where the station is temporarily cut off from the rest of the line because of the landslip at Mor Brook bridge.
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Peter added, ‘Congratulations to 7714 on being a working SVR steam locomotive at the ripe old age of 95!’
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Why not celebrate this exceptional milestone, and book a footplate ride at Bridgnorth, in May or June?
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
New buffers for Toplight 2426
The Great Western (SVR) Association is currently restoring the oldest carriage on the Railway, GW Toplight Third 2426.
The group is restoring it to 'as built' condition, and this includes the buffers. Originally fitted with oval buffers at both ends, those at one end were changed at some point in its history to a round pattern.
Oval pattern buffers were used due to the large variety of old rolling stock it may have been coupled to. This reduced the risk of lock buffering, where a buffer slipped past the other buffer interlocking the vehicles.
For a number of years, the group has been searching for a set of oval buffers to install, but eventually decided to order new forgings from Somers Forge Limited of Halesowen.
These were the first set made to this pattern for over 100 years, and they’re now with the group for installation very soon.
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The carriage was built at Swindon in 1910 as part of Lot 1167 to Diagram C30. Originally seating 64 passengers in eight compartments, it included a toilet at each end and eight doors per side, located in and opposite each compartment.
In use on passenger services until May 1952, the carriage was converted to a camping coach and renumbered W9918W. Four of the compartments became sleeping accommodation, with the others being removed to create kitchen and living areas. Many of these camping coaches were withdrawn in the 1960s, and 2426 was then used by the BR(W) Signal and Telegraph department, before its withdrawal from service in the early 1970s.
In 1972, SVR (Holdings) Plc purchased it for use as volunteer dormitory accommodation, initially at Bridgnorth, and from 1988 to 2016 at Hampton Loade. During this time, ownership was transferred to the Great Western (SVR) Association.
The carriage went into storage at Kidderminster pending overhaul, and restoration commenced in 2022; since then, the group has carried out extensive work on the framework and interior, building complete new compartment walls and doors. Extensive work is required on the underframes and bogies, and the group has set up an appeal page on its website at gw-svr-a.org.uk.
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Planning and preparation is key for the MPD
The impact of the landslip is truly being felt at Bridgnorth MPD as Bridgnorth volunteer shedmaster Martin White reports:
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We successfully completed locomotive operations for the Spring Steam Gala, despite the severing of the running line.
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Three visiting locos operated from Kidderminster to Hampton Loade alongside the SVR’s pair of Manors and BR standard class 4.
Meanwhile, in isolation at Bridgnorth, 7714 and 1450 shared footplate-ride duties within station limits, with 1450 appearing in public for the first time in its newly brush-painted early-BR livery.
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The logistics of preparing and disposing of six large locomotives at Bewdley MPD each day, along with the management of the coal and water supplies at Kidderminster, was a challenge that required considerable advance planning and day-to-day management.
Nevertheless, all the staff involved did a terrific job without any major issues occurring.
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Shortly after the gala, 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ was moved by road to the West Somerset Railway, where it will stay on a prolonged period of hire. The two visiting mainline engines also left, returning the Valley to its more usual, quieter state. For the locomotive department however, the split line is starting to have a significant impact.
75069, the aforementioned BR standard class 4, is due its annual boiler exam, which is carried out by an independent surveyor.
Normally this would be undertaken at Bridgnorth, but in the current situation, this and other work is having to be completed at Bewdley.
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To prepare for the annual exam, we drain the locomotive boiler of water and wash it out, then remove the safety valves and various other components for inspection. In order to carry out the washout, we’ve had to move the high-pressure water pump from Bridgnorth to Bewdley along with the various hoses, fittings and nozzles, and the special washout-plug spanners. Bewdley volunteers completed the work needed. In fact, such was the standard of the washed-out boiler and the well-cleaned smokebox and firebox that the boiler inspector commented on it!
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Other work associated with the annual examination, such as the removal and stripping down of safety valves, also had to be carried out at Bewdley with Engineering Services paid staff undertaking the work remotely from their Bridgnorth base. This will continue to be the case in the coming weeks and months as and when any faults and running repairs become necessary.
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1450 will be joining 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ and 75069 at Bewdley in the near future. It is scheduled to visit the Bodmin Railway first to appear at their gala. Its return to SVR will see it delivered to Kidderminster. An appearance on public SVR trains will hopefully occur in the not-too-distant future.
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7714 gets its paintwork attended to before visiting the Bodmin Railway Gala. GARY ESSEX
813’s new tank progresses
The production of the new saddle tank for GWR 813 is underway at the Ffestiniog Railway's Boston Lodge works, with the intention that it will be finished by the end of June. It will still need painting and refitting to the loco after delivery to Bridgnorth.
In the meantime, the loco is in Bridgnorth MPD for other work, including a boiler exam. The boiler fittings and cladding have been removed along with a handful of tubes so that an independent examiner can carry out a non-destructive test (NDT) on the boiler to determine its condition. The insurance inspector has examined the tubes with satisfactory results, and will need replacing, along with a few other minor repairs undertaken before a hydraulic test can be arranged. The GWR 813 Preservation Fund anticipates that a fresh boiler ticket will be issued and the engine re-assembled ready for a test steaming in time for the Autumn Steam Gala. 
The Fund is appealing for donations and has set up a crowdfunder to pay for the replacement tank at
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/locomotive-gwr-813s-replacement-saddle-tank
They also collect used aluminium drinks cans to raise funds, which you can leave at the 813 Fund’s sales coach in Bewdley.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
‘Warwickshire ‘restoration update
One of the earliest locomotives to arrive at the SVR in 1967 has been receiving a lot of TLC from volunteers and SVR paid staff alike.
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Completed in 1926, Saddle Tank No 2047, ‘Warwickshire’ was the last locomotive built by Manning and Wardle & Co. It operated on the SVR over a period of a decade until its withdrawal. A cosmetic restoration followed so the loco could go on static display.
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Fast forward to 2025, and a complete and thorough overhaul is in progress.
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Re-wheeling and the installation of brand-new cylinders has been carried out at Bridgnorth. Most of the loco is located at Bewdley, where all sorts of activity has taken place. This has included:
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Replacement of brake pull-rods and overhaul of the steam-brake cylinder and gear
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Manufacture and fitting of new buffer beams, and a new fully welded bunker
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Repair of cab and replacement of other corroded plate-work
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Re-white-metalling and machining of multiple components
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Regrinding of piston and valve rods, manufacture of all new glands, fitting of new piston rings and pistons in cylinders
Away from the Railway, the valve-gear rods are receiving attention at Statfold Engineering, and manufacturers Israel Newton have made progress on the new boiler. MPD volunteer and WILPT trustee, Carl Jones said:
‘Tucked away in a corner of Bewdley Yard, a small group of volunteers have achieved a great deal backed by generous donations and with the support of various subcontractors and suppliers, including the SVR’s ESMP, who have given excellent engineering support behind the scenes.’
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It was hoped that a return to steam for the locomotive’s centenary year would be possible, however the complexity of the full restoration means this is unlikely. This does not appear to have dampened the WILPT’s drive however, and the group has welcomed new trustees to the fold in recent years. Speaking of the locomotive’s future, Carl added:
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‘While ‘Warwickshire’ will not be hauling seven-coach trains up the Valley, the rise in recent years of small-locomotive hire means it will certainly have a part to play. The locomotive is part of the UK’s industrial steam railway heritage and part of the Severn Valley story; if all goes to plan it should continue to be a source of interest in steam for years to come.’
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For further information and updates visit https://wilt.jimdoweb.com/
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
People
Sixty years’ service with WILPT
After an impressive 60 years of voluntary service, Robin Jones has stepped down as treasurer of the Warwickshire Industrial Locomotive Preservation Trust (WILPT).
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Founded in 1965 as the Warwickshire Industrial Locomotive Preservation Group, the WILPT is a charitable trust set up to preserve steam locomotives of industrial and historic interest.
The organisation has two locomotives based at the SVR: 686 ‘The Lady Armaghdale’, which is on display at The Engine House, and 2047 ‘Warwickshire’.
This locomotive, a Manning Wardle, is at present in the middle of a complete rebuild at Bewdley. ​
After attaining his diamond ‘jubilee’, Robin formally stood down at the WILPT's AGM on Sunday 13 April, having held the post since the organisation began in 1965. A packed meeting saw him presented with a commemorative plaque. Robin said:
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‘I’ve been asked how I was persuaded to take on the role. Well, the organisation was formed by a group of friends and needed a treasurer. They suggested that I could do the job, but carefully avoided mentioning for how long! I had no idea what was involved, but I learnt quickly how to organise a paper ledger system before taking on the complexity of VAT and Gift Aid.’
Robin is not retiring completely as he has agreed to continue as a trustee to help his successor, Ben Shaw, into the role of treasurer.
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Robin Jones left is presented by his successor Ben Shaw with a plaque commemorating 60 years as treasurer. NIGEL CRIPPS
New stationmasters for two stations
Rob Jones has taken on the role of stationmaster at Kidderminster, and Catherine Martin is the stationmaster at Arley.
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Welcoming them into post, Steve Wainwright, the SVR’s head of operations said, ‘Both Rob and Catherine have shown much dedication to the Railway, and we’re thrilled to see them step into these well-deserved roles. We know they’ll do a fantastic job leading their stations with enthusiasm and care.
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‘Please join us in congratulating Rob and Catherine – and wishing them all the best as they take on their new adventures!
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‘On behalf of the Railway, I would like to offer sincere thanks to Former StationMasters Geoff Smith and Ian Latimer for their huge contributions to the Railway over the years.’
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
v1 8th May 2025
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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.