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November 2026
75069 catching a glint. Bob Green
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
We’ve reached the end of the main running season for 2026, and there are just a couple of weeks to go until we begin our very important revenue-earning Christmas services. Nothing is ever quiet at the SVR though!
Firstly, we’ve news of another monumental milestone in the One Railway project, as the former SVR Guarantee Company is acquired by the Severn Valley Railway Society.
Visitors won’t see much visible difference, but behind the scenes it’s going to lead to greater efficiency, cost savings and open up new income possibilities.
There’s a very positive development for the Railway’s flagship loco Hagley Hall, plenty happening with the Raise the Roof project and we’ve even announced the first guest for next year’s Spring Diesel Festival!
All this and more coming your way. We were extremely grateful to reader John whose kind words about Branch Lines warmed us up as temperatures drop.
He said, “The range of topics, the quality of the reporting and photos and the immediacy of the news is all absolutely first class.”
Thank you to John and to all our readers; we really do love to hear from you!
Lesley Carr, editor
The Branch Lines team is Lesley Carr, Karen Crick, Gary Essex, Amy Baker,
Pete Cherry, Athelyn Hackney and Nicola Fox.
Contents
Scroll down or click on the item to be taken straight to it
What's new?
One Railway reaches a landmark milestone as organisations come together
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has completed the structural elements of its landmark One Railway project, with the formal acquisition of Severn Valley Railway Company Limited (the Guarantee Company) by Severn Valley Railway Society Limited (SVRS).
The transaction was authorised through a joint signing by Charlie Wright, chairman of the SVRS, and Diane Malyon, chairman of the Guarantee Company.
Completed for a nominal sum, it means that all the Guarantee Company's assets and liabilities have now transferred to the SVRS, bringing the railway's two principal organisations together under one structure.
This follows the successful conversion of the former Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc into a Charitable Community Benefit Society (CCBS) in June 2026, following approval by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The new structure creates opportunities to access charitable funding and benefit from Gift Aid. Donations to the SVRS are now eligible for Gift Aid, subject to the usual conditions, providing additional income for the railway at no extra cost to eligible donors.
Charlie Wright said: “This is a hugely important moment for the SVR and the culmination of several years of work and shared ambition. Bringing the two organisations together creates a simpler, stronger and more sustainable structure, reducing duplication and allowing us to make better use of our resources.
“I'd like to thank everyone who has helped make this possible, particularly our volunteers, members and shareholders, whose support has been essential throughout. We can now look ahead with renewed confidence and focus on securing the railway's future for generations to come.”
The Guarantee Company was formed in 1967 and acquired a section of the railway line ahead of the first preservation services in 1970. Since then, it has played an important role in the SVR's history, including its membership activities and the support of its volunteer community.
Diane Malyon said: “The Guarantee Company has a proud history at the heart of the SVR, and completing this acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter. We can build on the experience, expertise and enthusiasm of our existing volunteers while creating opportunities for future generations to enjoy and support the Railway.
“Although the legal transaction is complete, further work is needed to integrate the activities and responsibilities currently covered by the Guarantee Company. During this transition, membership renewals will continue as usual, and we will ensure that arrangements are handled carefully.”
The completion follows extensive consultation, member and shareholder votes, and regulatory approval. While some integration work remains, this is a significant step towards a more straightforward, resilient and sustainable organisation, better equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Chairmen Charlie Wright and Diane Malyon sign the One Railway documentation, witnessed by SVR chief executive officer Gus Dunster
Good news for Hagley Hall
There’s good news for 4930 Hagley Hall, which has been declared fit for service following the incident at Bridgnorth motive power depot in July.
However, its tender will need repairs before it can return to service.
Technical examinations and boiler testing have confirmed that the locomotive itself is fit to return to traffic.
Duncan Ballard, head of steam engineering, said: “We’re very pleased with the outcome of the examinations and tests. It’s excellent news that the locomotive has come through this process and been declared fit for service.”
The tender sustained damage to its tank and buffer beam, and arrangements have been made for a specialist contractor to undertake the repairs.
It is expected to return to the SVR in the spring.
In the meantime, a temporary solution will enable Hagley Hall to get back into service.
A 4,000-gallon tender from 7903 Foremarke Hall has arrived on loan and will be paired with the locomotive.
This will recreate an interesting part of Hagley Hall’s preservation history, when it initially ran with a Hawksworth tender.
Duncan added: “We’re extremely grateful to our colleagues at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway and the owners 7903 Limited for making the tender available. It means we can get Hagley Hall back into service without having to wait for its own tender repairs to be completed.”
The locomotive and its temporary tender are expected to join the pool of engines operating services over the Christmas and festive season.
The incident happened on Sunday 12 July, when the locomotive made contact with a door at Bridgnorth motive power depot. Fortunately, no one was injured.
The SVR notified the Office of Rail and Road and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, and its own investigation remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, repairs to the building are progressing. The former roller shutter door opening has been fully clad, repairs to a damaged crane are due to start shortly and be completed by the end of November, and further work will be needed to repair a floor slab.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Raise the Roof takes a historic step forward as fundraising continues
A piece of GWR history is set to become part of the SVR’s future, as the first salvaged steel components for the new canopy at Kidderminster Town station have been collected for refurbishment.
Walsh Construction has collected the components, which were saved by SVR volunteers many years ago from the former Wolverhampton Low Level Station and have been stored at the Railway ever since, in the hope that they might one day find a new purpose.
(NB: The team from Walsh were supported by SVR staff and equipment for the lift – see separate article, Dispatches from the Diesel Depot.)
Now, that day has arrived.
The historic steelwork will be refurbished by a specialist company before being incorporated into the new GWR-style canopy, helping to preserve an authentic piece of railway heritage within the structure.
Chief executive officer Gus Dunster said: “It’s fantastic to see these historic components finally making their way towards a new lease of life.
“This is a small but significant step towards turning a long-held ambition into reality, and a fitting example of how we can bring the past into the SVR’s future.”
Walsh Construction is due to take over the Kidderminster site in early January to begin the first phase of work.
This will include foundations, drainage, the steel framework incorporating the restored components and resurfacing the platform. Further phases, completing the canopy, are planned for November 2027 and January 2028.
Meanwhile, the fundraising challenge continues.
The SVR Charitable Trust’s ‘Raise the Roof’ appeal has raised more than half of its £1million target, and is now renewing its appeal to everyone who cares about the SVR to help secure the remaining funds.
Judith Meredith, chair of the SVR Charitable Trust, said: “Passing the halfway point is a tremendous achievement, and we're hugely grateful to everyone who has contributed so far. But we still have a significant amount to raise to deliver the complete project.
“Every donation, whatever its size, brings us closer to providing the shelter and striking heritage feature that Kidderminster Town deserves.”
To support the appeal, please visit svrtrust.org.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Bewdley Express attracts more than 1,300 passengers
The SVR has completed its eight-week Bewdley Express trial, with more than 1,300 passengers using the service to connect Bewdley with the UK’s main line rail network.
The last of a total of 96 trial services arrived at Bewdley at 7.02pm on Thursday 22 October.
Primarily aimed at commuters travelling to work in Birmingham and Worcester, the service offered two morning and two evening connections with main line trains towards Birmingham and beyond, and also attracted passengers making journeys to a wide range of destinations such as London, Plymouth and Glasgow.
The trial brought together the SVR, West Midlands Railway (WMR) and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) to explore how heritage railway infrastructure could help improve modern rail connectivity.
It offered people in Bewdley and the surrounding area an alternative to travelling by car.
The SVR used several steam locomotives alongside its diesel multiple unit (DMU) during the trial, demonstrating how heritage railway assets could play a role in connecting local communities with the wider rail network. Gus Dunster, the SVR’s chief executive officer, said:
“We end the trial with a smile on our faces and a tremendous sense of pride in what we’ve achieved. It has been so rewarding to provide a service that has made a real difference to people in Bewdley and the surrounding area, and to see passengers taking the opportunity to use it.
“I’m immensely proud of the way the SVR, WMR and WMRE have worked together to make this happen. It has been a genuine partnership, with everyone bringing their expertise and commitment to a shared ambition. The trial has shown what can be achieved when heritage and main line railways work closely together.
“The SVR’s part in delivering the service was provided largely by our volunteers, many of whom took on very early starts and late finishes to make the timetable work. Their dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm have been outstanding, and I’d like to thank everyone who played a part.
“The trial has given us invaluable information and data, as well as demonstrating to potential passengers what is possible. There is still a great deal to consider before we can say whether this service could become a permanent fixture, but we have made an important start.
“Whatever happens next, we can be proud of what we have delivered together and of the possibilities it has opened up for the future.”
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Tulyar returns for 40th anniversary diesel celebration
The SVR has announced that Class 55 Deltic locomotive D9015 Tulyar will be among the special guest attractions at its Spring Diesel Festival next year, marking 40 years since the Railway’s very first diesel gala.
Taking place over four days, from 13 to 16 May 2027, the festival will welcome Tulyar courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society.
The locomotive has a particularly special place in the SVR’s history, having been one of the stars of its inaugural diesel gala back in 1987.
One of only six surviving members of the famous Deltic class, D9015 returned to passenger service earlier this year following an extraordinary 30-year restoration project, involving extensive bodywork and mechanical repairs.
The locomotive was named Tulyar after one of the Aga Khan’s champion racehorses and has become a much-loved part of Britain’s railway heritage.
“This is a really special announcement for me,” said the Railway’s CEO Gus Dunster. “I’ve been involved with the SVR for more than 30 years, both as a volunteer and as a driver, and our diesel events have always been a hugely important part of the Railway’s story.
“To be celebrating 40 years since that first diesel gala in 1987 is quite something. I remember well how exciting and pioneering those early events felt, and to be welcoming Tulyar back, one of the stars of that very first gala, makes this announcement all the more special.
“I’m absolutely delighted that we can share this news so early. There’s a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes to put together a memorable four days, and I can promise that this is just the beginning. We have plenty more exciting guest announcements to come, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve for this very special anniversary.’
The SVR’s 2027 Spring Diesel Festival will celebrate four decades of diesel events at the Railway, bringing together an exciting mix of home-fleet locomotives and special visiting guests.
Tickets for the event will go on sale soon at svr.co.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Other News
Improved visitor access to Kidderminster station
Next time you visit Kidderminster Town station, you’ll find a very smart new footpath alongside Kidderminster Railway Museum and round to the front of the station building.
The construction of the footpath was funded by the SVR Charitable Trust and is set to improve the experience of visitors as they walk between the SVR car park and the station.
The CT chair Judith Meredith said, “This project ticked a number of boxes for us as funders. It links the Museum and the station, and is benefitting the whole Railway community. Visitors will have a safer walking route to get from the car park to the front of the station. It’s so important that we give our visitors the best experience.”
David Postle of Kidderminster Railway Museum explained that creating the pathway was not as simple as might have been thought:
“We had to shift 200 tons of earth and deal with a gas main that was in the wrong place. As well as this we felled 13 trees with roots entwined around the gas mains! However, it’s all been worth it as the path is making a big difference. We’ve used traditional materials in its construction, and it looks just the part.”
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
SVR features in Steam Train Diaries
This evening (Thursday 12 November) sees the first episode in a new series of Steam Train Diaries on More4, at 9pm.
Parts of episode three, due for transmission on Thursday 26 November, were filmed at the Severn Valley Railway.
Presenter Paul Middleton, better known as ‘Piglet’, interviewed CEO Gus Dunster and made a trip along the line from Bewdley to Bridgnorth with the footplate crew on a steam locomotive.
The cameras also filmed at Bewdley yard, with the volunteers restoring the former camping coach.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
SVR shares its expertise at the HRA conference
At the recent gathering of leaders from across the country at the Heritage Railway Association conference in Birmingham, the SVR’s CEO Gus Dunster led a session on how the Railway is responding to the challenges of climate change.
He spoke about last year’s devasting Mor Brook landslip which cut off the northern section of the line for many months.
He also explained how the SVR is now taking proactive steps to be ready, whatever the weather.
This has included setting up the Emergency Weather Advisory Team or EWAT, which brings together expertise from all parts of the Railway.
Its core group can meet at very short notice to take important, and often difficult, decisions on operational matters to ensure safety and resilience. Together with infrastructure director Antony Bartlam, Gus answered many questions from delegates
Gus said, “We’ve certainly had more than our fair share of problems, courtesy of changing weather patterns, and it would be foolish to think that this won’t continue.
“Now we’re in a much better place to respond swiftly to weather warnings and to make those all-important decisions before it’s too late.”
Gus speaking at the recent HRA conference. Dave Redbourne
Celebrating 75 years of preservation
Heritage railway pioneers, volunteers and enthusiasts from across the UK came together on Monday 2 November for a special commemorative steam tour celebrating 75 years of railway preservation.
Organised through a partnership between the SVR, the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) and Vintage Trains Charitable Trust, the not-for-profit journey aboard The Volunteer honoured the people whose passion, dedication and hard work have built Britain’s heritage railway movement.
Departing from Birmingham Snow Hill behind preservation pioneer 7029 Clun Castle, the train travelled to Stratford-upon-Avon and then to the SVR where GWR large prairie 4150 took over haulage duties.
While Clun Castle was serviced and turned at Kidderminster in preparation for the final leg of the journey later in the evening, The Volunteer continued to The Engine House at Highley, and afterwards to Bridgnorth, hauled by 4150.
Fittingly, the hand on the regulator was driver Terry Jenkins, who after a long career as an SVR volunteer driver is approaching his retirement.
On board, the occasion brought together people from across the heritage railway world, reflecting the strong sense of community that has sustained railway preservation for three-quarters of a century. Gus Dunster, the SVR’s CEO, said:
“It has been a privilege for the SVR to be part of this special celebration. Volunteers are at the heart of what makes heritage railways possible, and the dedication of generations of people has created something extraordinary that millions of visitors can enjoy today.
“The Volunteer has brought people together to celebrate that achievement, share their experiences and look ahead to the future. It has also demonstrated the value of organisations working together to celebrate our shared heritage.”
The journey was run on a not-for-profit basis, with the SVR and HRA waiving their costs and Vintage Trains seeking to cover only its direct operational expenses. This collaborative approach helped keep fares as affordable as possible.
Scheduled to coincide with the HRA Autumn Conference in Birmingham, The Volunteer celebrated not only the achievements of the past 75 years, but also the relationships, shared knowledge and volunteer commitment that will help secure the future of heritage rail for generations to come.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
O Gauge Get Together chalks up six years
The SVR held its sixth annual O Gauge event on 17 and 18 October with a range of 11 different layouts, supported by the Bridgnorth station team.
Alongside the layouts, which ranged from Eastern Region Steam Era to 1980s Black Country, there were more than 20 sales stands.
For the first time, the O Gauge event held a ‘bring and buy’ sale with 10% of proceeds going to the Bridgnorth Yard Phase 2 appeal, and there was also a raffle.
Together, these raised nearly £2,500. First raffle prize was a Dapol Lionheart small prairie.
It was won by six-year-old Harri who came to the Railway the following week and even managed to get a footplate ride at Bridgnorth station.
On Saturday evening (17 October), a fundraising steam-hauled train was run for the exhibitors but was open to all, including discounted travel for volunteers.
This raised an additional £1,000 for the Bridgnorth Yard appeal.
There was an exclusive limited run of Dapol Bennett Coal Merchant wagons.
Bennett’s was based in Worcester and Bromyard, but used Alveley colliery, meaning the wagons would have used the SVR in the past. Some of these are still available at £55.
Please contact harry.bradley@svrlive.com or tomclarke7802@yahoo.co.uk for more information.
Co-organiser Tom Clarke said: “We want to thank everyone who assisted throughout the weekend. The Railway and The Engine House at Highley were exceptionally busy for both days, and the atmosphere was fantastic.
"Special thanks go to Dapol, Ellis Clark Trains, Roger Scanlon, Footplate of Kidderminster, Colin Harsley, and the 2857, 4566 and EMF Groups for providing raffle prizes."
Date for your diary: next year’s O Gauge event is 16 and 17 October 2027.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
SVR shortlisted for national railway heritage award
The SVR has been shortlisted for a National Railway Heritage Award (NRHA) 2026, recognising the work to extend the platform at Kidderminster and install a restored heritage bracket signal.
The project, completed in spring 2026, has increased the platform’s capacity to accommodate eight coaches and a locomotive, improving operational flexibility, safety and the visitor experience.
It also saw the installation of a semaphore signal originally used at Radyr in South Wales, which had been in storage for around 40 years.
The judges praised the scheme as an ‘excellent’ project, highlighting the SVR team’s efforts to reuse original materials wherever possible and the attention to detail that has created an authentic finished result.
They also commended the high standard of the signalling restoration and the sympathetic approach to matching the new platform construction with the existing structure.
Project manager and SVR director Antony Bartlam said: “It’s fantastic to see this project recognised by the judges.
“It has taken a great deal of planning, teamwork and specialist knowledge to bring together the platform extension, track remodelling and heritage signalling.
“I’m particularly pleased that we’ve been able to combine practical improvements for the Railway with such careful attention to its historic character.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to making it happen. Being shortlisted is a real credit to all involved.”
The winners will be announced at the National Railway Heritage Awards ceremony at Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London, on Wednesday 2 December 2026.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
What's coming up?
Bewdley Lights Special Train
The Bewdley town lights switch-on event takes place on Saturday 21 November 2026.
If you’d like to attend the festivities, you can travel in style to see the Christmas lights switch-on with a special heritage train service operating between Kidderminster and Bewdley.
Bewdley Station is a short walk from the town centre, where you’ll have the chance to do some Christmas shopping, before joining the Mayor and Father Christmas in the countdown to the lights switch-on.
There’s ample parking at Kidderminster Station, so why not leave the car there and hop aboard a special heritage diesel train to Bewdley station?
Kidderminster departure times: 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm, 4.15pm, 5pm.
Bewdley departure times: 6pm, 6.45pm, 7.30pm, 8.15pm.
The festivities start at 11am in Bewdley, so there’s plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and do some Christmas shopping before the lights get switched on at 5.30pm.
Tickets cost £5.00 per person for a return ticket (seats are not reserved on the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) and are available on a first come, first serve basis).
More information at svr.co.uk.
Festive season is almost here!
The festive season is approaching quickly with just two weeks until Santa’s Steam Specials and The Elf Express start on Saturday 28 November.
Santa’s Steam Specials depart from Kidderminster for Arley. The Recipe for Christmas is a heart-warming show for all the family and then the adventure continues on board the return train journey with a Christmas gift for every child.
Relaxed Santa’s Steam Specials are on 6, 13 and 20 December and there are just a few tables for two or four people available on these trains.
For those looking to meet Santa and his elves, the Elf Express operates from Bridgnorth station.
On board, you can experience Christmas magic with the family by meeting Santa and his elves in the luxury of your own private compartment. It’s a great festive adventure for all the family.
There’s now only limited availability on some dates and some trains are fully booked, so don’t miss out if you haven’t yet booked your tickets.
A quick update on Carol Trains, which are proving as popular as ever. There’s limited availability for Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December and just a handful of tickets remaining for Friday 11 December.
Meanwhile, Festive Afternoon Tea trains depart from Kidderminster on 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, & 17 December and again there are limited places available with 8 December already fully booked.
More information and booking at svr.co.uk.
Christmas with the Severn Valley Railway
The Recipe for Christmas - Wise Owl theatre rehearsal
New Festive Bewdley Shuttle Service
The Railway is introducing a Festive Shuttle Service between Kidderminster and Bewdley in the run-up to Christmas.
It operates on weekends and Christmas Eve, starting Saturday 28 November.
The shuttle service can be used to travel from Bewdley to Kidderminster to catch mainline service connections including Birmingham or Worcester..
Or you can travel from Birmingham on the mainline, then transfer to the Festive Shuttle Service to reach Bewdley.
From the SVR’s Bewdley station, it’s a 10-minute walk into the town centre.
Festive Shuttle tickets cost £5.00 per person return and these can be purchased on board the train.
See website for train times, so you can plan festive shopping and treats.
More details including timings of the Festive Shuttles are at svr.co.uk.
Across the Railway
A face-lift for Victoria Bridge
Whilst Victoria Bridge is structurally in good condition, it’s now around 30 years since it was last painted.
The paint surface has suffered from algae growth, which if left could start to break down the paint. Not only that, it gives the bridge a rather green look, which is not what it should be.
Infrastructure director Antony Bartlam takes up the story:
“Jet washing was considered the best way to resolve matters, but this wasn’t easy. Trying to get hold of the Environment Agency to discuss our proposals was almost impossible until a chance meeting at the emergency exercise in March with someone from the EA gave us a contact.
“Even then, persuading them that using river water to wash the algae was not going to contaminate the river proved a long, drawn-out process. Plus, with the dry summer and low river levels, we were getting worried that we wouldn’t get approval.
“However, all turned out well, and the EA gave us approval to extract around 2,000 litres of water a day to give the bridge a good clean, using no chemicals or detergents, just high-pressure hoses.
“This was a job for specialists, and we asked Rope Access Construction Surveyors along with our good friend Colin Pratchett to carry out the work. funded by the charitable trust.
“This has been kindly funded by the SVR Charitable Trust, and the photos show the difference this has made. Bright, clean painted steel is now evident throughout.
“Which should give the bridge another 20 years without any issues.
“Whilst undertaking this work, we’re also clearing tree growth from the stone abutments, something that was picked up recently in the scour survey of the bridge."
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
A day out on the SVR
SVR superfan Susan Jones has featured the Railway on her YouTube channel, Live Your Dream Every Day.
She met many of the volunteers running the services across the line and found out what their roles involve and why they love it so much!
Susan worked as a producer at ITV Central and has brought her filming and narrative skills together to explore what makes the Railway tick, and what attracts so many people to join in and volunteer.
Christmas has arrived in the online shop
If you’re looking for an unusual gift this Christmas, then why not browse the online shop?
For those on a countdown to the big day, the SVR Advent Calendar features a wintry Bewdley Station and retails at £4.99.
There are also Christmas Cards (pack of 10 for £5.99) and baubles for your Christmas tree which retail at £5.95.
For those who enjoy a little tipple, the SVR Coal Infused Gin, is priced at £39.95, and with the weather being unpredictable, how about a pompom beanie hat retailing at £20.95?
Stocking fillers include SVR and diesel pin badges at £5.95, or the SVR Top Trumps now just £3.00 – an absolute bargain, while stocks last!
All profits go towards supporting the work of the Railway.
Browse the online shop and order now in plenty of time for Christmas delivery.
Long-term resident leaves Eardington
On 12 October, a long-time ‘resident’ at Eardington finally departed, when the rusting remains of a GWR loco cylinder block left the station on a lorry en route for scrapping, after sitting in the yard for over 40 years.
The cylinder block was one of three discovered at Briton Ferry Steelworks in South Wales around 1979, having survived at the bottom of a scrap pile.
Two were brought to the SVR, one being fitted to 2857, the other being acquired by the 4150 Fund as insurance against any issues with their loco’s existing cylinder block.
While modern technology has made replacing cylinder blocks a relatively run-of-the-mill operation, back in the 1980s it would have been prohibitively expensive to have a new set cast and securing a spare block was an expedient move.
Happily, no faults were found with 4150’s cylinders during restoration and, with the locomotive now in traffic, the spare block was recently examined to decide whether it was worth retaining.
This examination revealed several areas of concern, and a decision was made to scrap the block. Eardington’s station master Steve Downs said:
“While, at the time of its acquisition, securing a spare casting block seemed a good move, it has likely spent more time quietly rusting in Eardington yard than it did fixed to a loco.
“We’re grateful to the 4150 Fund for arranging the removal of the block, which has freed up a little more car parking space as well as helping us in our efforts to tidy up the site at Eardington.”
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
New Workshop at Arley Station
A new workshop has been completed at Arley station and dedicated to the volunteer who inspired it.
Alan Davies was a much-loved friend and member of staff at Arley who was central to the process of the workshop being built.
It’s taken more than 10 years to finish the workshop since the idea was first mooted. Catherine Martin, the stationmaster at Arley, led the dedication ceremony on 18 October.
She used archive records to provide insight into the workshop’s building process.
“The first work to clear the ground area here was started in May 2013, then to 2015 when progress began to be made. Money was raised via SVRA raffle ticket sales, and the corrugated roof is inherited from Birmingham Snow Hill station.”
The ceremony focused upon Alan’s support for the project and his input and impact at Arley station.
“Then on 24 November 2023, we lost Alan. I would like us all to remember our dear friend, colleague and family member. That loss is still profoundly felt by so many of us here today.
“How we got our heads around the massive hole this left in our team at Arley and figured out all the work Alan did for us, I will never know, but we somehow did.”
After Alan’s passing, a new team was formed in January 2024 with the aim of finishing the workshop.
A year later, architectural plans were submitted and Network Rail supported the integration of electrics through volunteer efforts.
In August 2026, Catherine received the formal completion certificate for the new workshop and contents were moved from the old workshop to the new one.
Catherine continued: “I am beyond proud to have worked with all of these people and done my bit to support the fantastic team that I have here at Arley, and all in memory of Alan. We all miss his guidance, loyalty and friendship.”
Alan’s family were there to watch, alongside some 50 or more Arley volunteers, SVR staff and friends. Alan’s brother Simon, and Catherine then officially unveiled the dedication plaque to open the building.”
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
A mammoth task for the P/way at Stanley cutting
The Railway’s permanent way team is in the middle of a significant project at Stanley Cutting, just north of Highley station.
It involves the removal of thousands of tons of ballast, track bed and soil, and although it’s proving something of a challenge, it will secure the integrity of this problematic section of the line and lead to the removal of a 15mph speed limit that’s been in place for 20 years.
The SVR cameras went on site to get the inside story and found out how volunteers will be playing an important role in this project.
Excavations at Stanley Cutting. Gary Essex
Rolling stock
Welcome home Bradley Manor!
A little earlier than expected, but very welcome nonetheless, 7802 Bradley Manor is now back on SVR metals after its extended visit to the West Somerset Railway.
Now back, it will play a major role in the Railway’s Christmas services and will be a core locomotive during the 2027 season.
Peter Evans of the owning group, the Erlestoke Manor Fund said:
“Whilst at the WSR, 7802 passed the significant milestone, passing 150,000 miles in preservation, joining a small club of locomotives to have reached that milestone.
“Meanwhile, the new-build 3,500-gallon tender construction is at an advanced stage at Tyseley Locomotive Works, with commission expected to be in 2027, allowing the current tender on loan from the 2857 Society to be returned.”
No 7812 Erlestoke Manor, which is on an extended hire to the WSR, will remain in Somerset until the end of 2027 before its intended return to the SVR.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
National grant gives Warwickshire restoration project a boost
The volunteers working to restore historic industrial locomotive Warwickshire have received a significant vote of confidence, with the project being awarded a grant by the National Transport Trust.
The grant recognises the progress being made by the Warwickshire Industrial Locomotive Preservation Trust (WILPT) and provides valuable endorsement as the team seeks further funding to bring the 1926 Manning, Wardle locomotive back to life.
The National Transport Trust is regarded as a particularly discerning grant provider.
As part of its assessment, inspectors visited the SVR’s Bewdley yard to meet the volunteer restoration team, examine the work undertaken and discuss the project with an SVR representative.
Trustee and restoration project leader Carl Jones attended the award ceremony at Fawley Hill on 8 September.
WILPT chair Nigel Cripps said: “This award means a great deal to everyone involved. It is not just the financial support that matters, but the confidence it gives us that the work we are doing is worthwhile and that the project is making good progress. Having the National Transport Trust recognise our efforts is a real endorsement.”
The award follows a busy summer for the group. At the Railway’s Vintage Transport Extravaganza, the group marked the centenary of Warwickshire, aka Manning, Wardle No 2047 leaving the works on 9 August 1926.
At the event, visitors were given the opportunity to see the restoration work at first hand, with some of the younger volunteers acting as guides around the yard.
Carl Jones said: “We have reached an exciting stage, with the chassis largely complete and the new boiler now under construction at Israel Newton’s works in Derbyshire. The boiler is already fully funded, so our focus is on closing the remaining funding gap for the smaller items needed to complete the restoration.”
With the project approaching the home straight, the National Transport Trust’s endorsement is expected to help attract further support and bring the return of Warwickshire a step closer.
Find out more about the restoration and how to support the project at the WILPT website.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Steam locomotive update from the MPD
Autumn is a busy time for the MPD team, as Bridgnorth’s volunteer shed master Martin White reports:
The main season has come to an end giving the opportunity for the loco fleet to receive some repairs and maintenance ahead of the important Christmas festive operating season.
GWR Prairie 4150 is settling in quite well and accumulating some good mileage.
This has revealed various minor niggles, steam leaks, pipes shaking loose etc, which is only to be expected for a ‘new’ locomotive, which is in effect still running in.
Both connecting rods have been removed for the big ends to be re-metalled and re-machined, following an issue which cropped up in early October.
Stanier Mogul 13268 is in Bridgnorth works having lots of equipment fitted ahead of its planned return to mainline operations, including speedometer, steam chest pressure gauge, train protection & warning system (TPWS), automatic train control (ATC) equipment, battery box, and lots of conduit and cables, etc.
7802 Bradley Manor has returned to the SVR following a long summer visit to the West Somerset Railway. Most of the steam fleet will receive boiler washouts and examinations prior to Christmas, with 7802 the most recent recipient of this work, being washed out by shed volunteers on Saturday 7 November.
Both 813 and 7714 have also been on short visits to other railways. We washed out 813 the previous weekend and, compared to a normal SVR boiler, the rather ‘muddy’ contents of the boiler when swilled out provided a good demonstration of the benefits of the SVR reverse osmosis water treatment plants. 7714 is expected to be working the Bridgnorth Elf Express services.
We’ve frequently paired 0-6-0 saddle tank 813 with 0-4-2 tank 1450 on ordinary services this year, which has provided some additional interest for both visitors and loco crews.
Routine minor mechanical and boiler work has kept 1450 at the high standard, which is the norm we have come to expect of SVR steam locomotives.
4930 Hagley Hall Please see the separate article in this month’s edition with some very good news for this locomotive.
There is nothing of significance to report about 75069, which will be operating Santa services from Kidderminster.
The overhaul of 34027 Taw Valley at Bridgnorth works continues behind the scenes, both on the boiler and mechanically.
In the boiler shop, considerable work has taken place on the foundation ring (this forms the joint at the bottom of the inner and outer firebox). In the mechanical shop numerous fittings are being overhauled.
Finally, 0-6-0 saddle tank WD 71516 Welsh Guardsman, which had been stored out of use in Bridgnorth headshunt, has left the SVR to a new owner and new home.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Dispatches from the diesel depot
Watching the fruits of your labour in action is highly satisfying, as diesel depot manager Roland Bull reports:
We’ve carried out a great deal of work over the past few months on the JCB Telehandler and the Rapier crane.
Happily, it all came together as an early part of the Raise the Roof project.
Both machines were able to demonstrate their strengths loading the steelwork rescued from Wolverhampton Low Level station last week.
The Rapier can lift and slew (rotate) but is not very good at transporting the load over a distance, whereas the JCB is designed to pick up loads head on and to move them easily.
So how was this working on this job? Using a team of four people, the Rapier was parked and from a static position lifted the ex-Wolverhampton Low Level roof truss off the ground (the remainder are visible beyond the machine), slewed around for the JCB.
The JCB then took the truss, the crane was unslung and the JCB took it away, making the most of the four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer.
You might be wondering why it needs four people? Well, Richard Williams operated the JCB, Dave Insull was slinger and in charge of the lift (his bump cap donned for the purpose), Matt Rice was banksman working at a distance to guide Richard around the parked cars, and yours truly operated the Rapier, taking the occasional photo for posterity.
The machines performed well, and gave rise to another thought, something to dream about at least; Rapier built an all-terrain four-wheel drive and steer crane for the British Army, combining our two machines into one.
As I said, we can dream!
The JCB Telehandler and the Rapier crane in action at Kidderminster. Roland Bull
‘Take a Seat’ raffle for the DMU Group
The Diesel Multiple Unit Group (West Midlands) is holding a ‘Take a Seat’ raffle, to help replace the seating across the eight first-generation heritage railcars that are in regular use at the SVR.
There is a range of cash prizes to be won, with the first prize of £1,200, the second prize of £600, the third and fourth prizes of £250 and the fifth prize is £100.
Every ticket bought for the raffle makes a difference.
Your support will help us make these much-loved heritage vehicles more comfortable for our passengers, for years to come.
The raffle will be drawn on Saturday 9 January.
If you’ve already received tickets, please complete and return the counterfoils as indicated by Saturday 2 January, one week ahead of the raffle draw.
How to buy your tickets:
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In person at the Bewdley Station Buffet or at Wyre Forest Books, Load Street, Bewdley, DY12 2AP
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
People
Highley celebrates two long-serving volunteers as station master retires
A special thank-you event was held at Highley station on 1 August to celebrate the retirement of John Ash and John Willis, recognising an extraordinary combined 76 years of volunteering at the station.
John Ash stepped down after 34 years as Highley’s station master, making him the longest-serving station master in the Severn Valley Railway’s history since it opened in 1862.
He’d already volunteered for four years before taking on the role. John Willis also retired after an impressive 38 years of service.
The event also marked the formal handover to Highley’s new station master, Ian Baxter, who took the opportunity to look back at a remarkable piece of railway history.
Previously, the record had been held by W H Cole, who served as station master for 33 years during the Great Western Railway era, from 1882 to 1916.
To celebrate John Ash surpassing that record, volunteers recreated a report published in the GWR Magazine in 1916, producing a fitting ‘110 years later’ tribute.
Ian said: “John has set a pretty remarkable record, and it’s a privilege to be taking over from him. I suspect I won’t be challenging his achievement myself. To beat his 34 years, I’d still be doing the job at the grand old age of 102!”
The SVR extended its warmest thanks to both Johns for their dedication, commitment and many years of service to Highley station.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
v1 12th November 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.