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September 2025
Three generations of motive power at Bewdley during the GBRf charity weekend. KEVIN WHITEHURST
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
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With the school summer holidays over, it’s now time to concentrate on Galas. The Autumn Steam Gala is next week, and we’ve got the complete line-up of guest and home-fleet locomotives for you, as well as some insider information on how you can get best value for money with your day rover or overnight ticket!
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The Autumn Diesel Bash comes hot in its heels, and all eyes are peeled for further announcements about guests, which are expected to come very soon.
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We’re looking forward to the launch of a unique vehicle at the Steam Gala – the wheelchair-accessible buffet car and saloon 9581. This beautifully designed and finished coach makes its debut on Thursday next week and is a testament to the skills and dedication of our volunteers.
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Make sure you catch up on all the news from across the Railway, including the story of how one volunteer got all steamed-up when proposing to his girlfriend. It’s all in your September edition of Branch Lines!
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Apologies, but you may have problems viewing photographs that are in 'galleries' in this edition. This is a browser-compatibility issue, and only affects some browsers, not all. The fault lies with the platform that hosts our newsletters, and requires fixing by their team. It's not something we control! We are aware of the problem and hope this will be fixed soon.
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Lesley Carr, editor
The Branch Lines team is Lesley Carr, Karen Crick, Gary Essex, Amy Baker, Pete Cherry and Nicola Fox.
Contents
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What's new?
‘Tanks’ for the memories as the ASG shapes up
As the days count down to the Autumn Steam Gala, the final guest locomotives have been announced; LMS Jinty 47298 and NCB No 49 join the roster as GWR 813 makes a welcome return to traffic at the four-day event between 18 and 21 September.
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The Jinty is making its first visit to the SVR from the East Lancashire Railway and will be the first of its type that’s run on the Railway since 2012. Sent to Woodham’s Scrapyard after 42 years of service, 47298 was preserved in time to take part in the Rocket 150 celebrations in 1980. During its preservation career, 47298 has also spent time masquerading as a certain ‘really useful’ blue tank engine!
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Another first-time visitor, NCB No 49, appears courtesy of the Tanfield Railway. The gala has presented the exciting opportunity for this former colliery locomotive to be reunited with a former shedmate, SVR-based GWR and Port Talbot Tank 813, an atmospheric pairing that will be celebrated with an historic double-header on the Sunday of the event.
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Running in temporary livery as No 11, 813 is making a welcome return to traffic following overhaul. Reflecting its time spent alongside 47298 at the Backworth colliery near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, No 11’s identity will be completed with authentic NCB detailing, whilst its signature brass safety valve bonnet and cabside numbers have been removed.
Managing director Gus Dunster said:
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“For the SVR’s 60th anniversary year, we want to make sure our Autumn Steam Gala is very much one not to be missed, and part of that is putting together a guest list of locos that have never been to us before.
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“The return of 813 in its Backworth guise at No 11, alongside the visiting No 49, will be a very special moment for our Autumn Gala. It will be a rare opportunity to see two NCB locomotives from the same depot working together again, and we’re grateful to the Tanfield Railway for helping to make this possible.’
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The three recently announced locomotives join a stellar line-up, including Merchant Navy 35006 ‘Peninsular and Oriental S N Co’, and BR Standard Class 5 73082 ‘Camelot’, for what promises to be one of the most ambitious Autumn Steam Galas in SVR history. These visiting engines will operate alongside an impressive home fleet, including 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’, 7714, 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’, 13268, 75069 and 1450 operating as an Autotrain.
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And as if that wasn't enough, in a special move to mark 60 years since the SVR was founded, the Railway will be in continuous operation for 60 hours from early Friday morning through to Sunday evening, with overnight running on both Friday and Saturday – offering unmatched opportunities for atmospheric night-time steam photography and travel.
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For tickets and full event details, visit svr.co.uk.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
When are there more than 24 hours in a day?
The answer is – at the SVR’s Autumn Steam Gala!
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Yes, if you’re visiting the Railway for this event, you can defy reality and pack rather more than 24 hours into your day, by buying one of the day rover tickets. This top insider tip comes from volunteer booking office co-ordinator and all-round ticketing guru Pete Cherry, who explains more:
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“Day rovers are normally valid from 00:01 to 23:59 each day, but for the Autumn Steam Gala, they are also valid for the whole journey of a train running across either time, so if a train is running somewhere at 00.01, the rover ticket is valid for the whole journey from the start.
Similarly, if it is running at 23.59, the ticket is valid for the whole journey to the final destination.
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“So, on a Saturday day rover, you could start at Bridgnorth at 23:10 on Friday, and finish at Kidderminster at 00:20 on the Sunday. Sleeping is optional!
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“Similarly for the overnight rover, with stated validity of 16:00 until 08:00 the next day, your ticket will be valid for the whole journey of trains running across those times. So, you can start on Friday's 15:20 from Bridgnorth and get Saturday's 07:45 from Kidderminster, arriving Bridgnorth at 09:00.”
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We’ve always known the SVR was at the leading edge of everything heritage, but messing with the laws of time…well, we reckon the Railway has got that nailed as well!
Steam at night - exhaust illuminated by the incandescent rays from the open firehole doors BOB GREEN
SVR to launch unique coach at Autumn Steam Gala
The first day of the Autumn Steam Gala, Thursday 18 September, will see the launch of a groundbreaking carriage restoration.
GWR 9581 will demonstrate once again that the SVR leads the way in terms of innovation, skill and authentic detail.
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The eight-year project to convert this coach into the first-ever wheelchair-accessible buffet and saloon car has produced a triumph of design.
The volunteer-led project was carried out by the LNER Carriage Group and funded by the SVR Charitable Trust, with much of the work taking place at Bewdley.
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Our photos show the gleaming chocolate-and-cream exterior of the coach, as it emerged from Kidderminster C&W for testing, and it has already completed some successful trial runs.
However, for a full appreciation of the stunning interior you’ll have to come and see it for yourself at the Gala (running as part of the GWR set). Failing that, we will of course include photos and a report from the launch in next month’s edition.
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
SVR members back One Railway restructure
Members of the Severn Valley Railway Company Limited voted to support the next stage of the SVR’s ambitious restructure plans, known as the One Railway project.
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At the Company’s Annual General Meeting at Kidderminster Railway Museum on Saturday 9 August, members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the amalgamation of the Severn Valley Railway Company Limited, which is the membership organisation, with Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc, following the conversion of the latter company into a Charitable Community Benefit Society (CCBS).
It was a legal requirement that at least 50 per cent of votes cast needed to be in support of the amalgamation in order for the resolution to be passed.​
Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc is the owning and operating company of the Railway, and its shareholders voted overwhelmingly to support its conversion to a CCBS at their AGM in June this year. The process to enact the conversion is already underway.
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Diane Malyon is the chairman of the Severn Valley Railway Company Limited and, together with the rest of the board of directors, had recommended to members to support the resolution. She said:
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“I am extremely pleased at the strength of support shown by our members for this second, important, stage of the One Railway project, and I would like to thank everyone for taking the time, either to attend the AGM or to vote online in advance.
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“At each stage, members have examined the information that’s been presented to them, engaging with it and asking questions. Now they’ve given their mandate for the One Railway project to proceed, and this is a terrific validation of the hard work that has been put into this project by a dedicated team of volunteers. We will of course continue to work hard in the future to preserve our valuable relationships with members and volunteers.
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“The benefits and opportunities that the One Railway project potentially brings to the SVR are hugely exciting; it will bring improved resilience, transparency and efficiency.”
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Another director of the SVR Company Limited, Charlie Wright, has played a leading role in steering the project. He added:
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“We knew from the start that what we were proposing was a dramatic restructure of arrangements which were put in place many years ago for what were, at the time, extremely good reasons. However, we’re now operating in a very different commercial and regulatory environment, and it’s crystal clear that we need a radical change.
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“With the backing of our members, and the shareholders of the owning and operating company, we can bring about that change. Now the next stage of hard work begins. We must shape the detailed rules for the new organisation, complete the compliance processes and put the arrangements and documentation in place to allow the transition to take place at the earliest possible time.”
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SVR members vote in favour of the One Railway plans. ALAN GWILT
SVR to celebrate 65 years of Class 37s
This year’s Autumn Diesel Bash celebrates the 65th anniversary of Class 37s. Two guests have already been confirmed, and more announcements are eagerly anticipated.
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Managing director Gus Dunster explained he couldn’t give exact details but said, “What I can tell you is that we’re in discussion with three more heritage Class 37 owners and four main line operators to hopefully secure further visitors, and we’ll make announcements as soon as we can!”
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The four-day event between 2 and 5 October will welcome 37248, courtesy of the Growler Group and the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway, plus 37250, courtesy of Vince Minto and the Wensleydale Railway.
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The event features late-night running and the chance to clock up some serious Class 37 miles. Tours of the Diesel Depot and Carriage Shed at Kidderminster are being laid on, and these can be booked on the day at the Fifty Fund sales stand on the concourse.
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Buying tickets in advance offers a saving of up to 15% - get yours at svr.co.uk.
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
SVR is finalist for Visit Worcestershire award
The SVR has been selected as a finalist in the 2025/2026 Visit Worcestershire Awards. The Railway is in the running to scoop the Large Visitor Attraction award.
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The regional tourism awards celebrate excellence in the industry, and this year Visit Worcestershire has received more applications than ever before. SVR managing director Gus Dunster said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to have made it to the finals.
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“We pride ourselves in putting our visitors first, whilst also keeping focus on the history, passion and commitment that led VisitEngland to dub us ‘a leading standard-gauge steam railway’.”
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“Selection as a finalist recognises the hard work put in by paid staff and volunteers to constantly listen to visitor feedback and make improvements. This is also borne out by five-star visitor reviews on TripAdvisor and many positive comments received on social media.”
Visit Worcestershire will announce the award winners at a special event planned for March 2026.
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A debut for NCB No 49 at the SVR's Autumn Steam Gala. KENNY FELSTEAD
Other News
Unique heritage and modern traction weekend draws the crowds
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Last weekend’s joint SVR and GBRf event smashed visitor expectations and provided a truly unique opportunity to see many examples of modern freight traction alongside heritage locomotives. With 1,748 people attending, this was more than 50% more than expected and means a substantial donation will be going to Great Ormond Street Hospital, supporting vital care for seriously ill children.
“There was a really good vibe across the Railway,” said managing director Gus Dunster. “We’ve had some tremendous feedback online, and many people made a point of saying to me at the event how well organised it was, and what a rare opportunity we’d brought together in terms of the sheer range of traction, plus the fact that so much of it was provided by freight locomotives!
“We worked closely with GBRf as well as co-sponsors and organisers Modern Railways and Hornby Magazines and they were delighted with how everything went. They’d experienced difficulties at another railway last year, and approached us because, in their words, the SVR is ‘the acknowledged leader in the sector for delivery of special events’.
Held over Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, the weekend saw passengers travelling behind a variety of locomotives. Modern traction was represented by GB Railfreight mainline diesel locomotives 57305, 66710, 66719 and 69015 to operate on the air-braked set, plus 73107 and 73136 (which are dual-braked) operating on the GW set. GBRf also had 69016 on display after it had arrived with a rail tour on Friday evening.
Meanwhile GWR 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’, 40106 ‘Atlantic Conveyor’, Class 52 D1062 ‘Western Courier’, 50033 ‘Glorious’ and the Diesel Multiple Unit flew the flag for the heritage scene.
On Saturday evening, 40106 ‘Atlantic Conveyor’ made its last appearance at the SVR on a popular evening special. The locomotive is now returning to the East Lancs railway, where its owners the Class Forty Preservation Society are based, following a seven-year stay at the SVR.
As always, the locomotives weren't the only attractions. A mini beer festival was held in the Valley Suite at Kidderminster, behind-the-scenes tours of the Diesel Depot were given, and a model railway exhibition was held at The Engine House in collaboration with Hornby Magazine.
“Great Ormond Street Hospital is an extremely deserving cause,” added Gus. “We are proud to be able to support them in this way. My thanks as always to everyone across the Railway who gave their time to plan and deliver this weekend – it’s really appreciated.”
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
It’s been a sizzling summer at the Railway
The peak summer holiday period has flown by at the Railway, and there have been additional ‘value-added’ events every weekend, to give people every incentive to come and visit, and then to come and visit again!
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Our gallery of photographs gives a flavour of the fun at Brick Weekend (2 and 3 August), the Vintage Transport Extravaganza (9 and 10 August), Singin’ on the Train (16 August) and the Art & Craft Fayre (23 and 24 August).
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Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager, said, “The idea is that during our peak holiday operating season, we’re giving visitors something extra to entice them to visit. For all these events, normal ticket prices apply, so we tried to appeal to many different potential visitor audiences.
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“To make it extra easy to decide to visit again, we ran a free return-travel offer during August. Everyone who purchased a Freedom of the Line ticket received the chance to visit again, before 4 September. This proved a popular selling point for our visitors, with almost 900 of them taking up a second free visit, and the Railway benefitting from their secondary spend!"
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On weekdays throughout the summer, there were activities at The Engine House for youngsters, led by Perkins the station master and Junior the apprentice, as well as Train Time UK’s giant model train set.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
SVR retains its top Trip Advisor status
Once again, the Severn Valley Railway has been awarded Travellers’ Choice status by Trip Advisor. This means the Railway is in the top 10% of venues globally.
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“It’s the sixth year running that we’ve been awarded this status,” said Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager. “It’s extremely pleasing to be in this situation, as Trip Advisor checks all visitor feedback and ratings and bases its judgments on these. This reflects what people really think about us.
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“We certainly do get a huge number of very positive reviews, most of which are 5*, and this tells us that we’re getting it right in terms of providing an excellent day out for visitors, and that we listen carefully to feedback.”
Hollywood beckons for the SVR – again!
A movie trailer released last week shows scenes that were filmed at the Railway in October last year, although you’ll have to wait some time to be able to see the full film!
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28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will be released in January 2026, as the fourth installment of the 28 Years Later franchise.
It’s a post-apocalyptic horror film, starring Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell and Cillian Murphy.
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Watching the trailer, you might spot exterior shots of some of the SVR’s carriages and Bridgnorth station masquerading as the fictitious ‘Hayden Bridge’.
Visitor engagement manager Lewis Maddox said, “The production team filmed scenes at Bridgnorth, with some of our volunteers as extras alongside actors, and they used the Class 33 and a brake van to film views from the train between Highley and Bridgnorth. The interior train shots were filmed elsewhere.
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“As always, the Railway was paid a very welcome location and facilities fee by the production company, and we’re chalking up yet another movie appearance for the SVR!”
Network Rail honours its volunteers in the SVR’s ‘Orange Army’
Network Rail Central Route held their annual ‘Great and Grands’ staff award ceremony at The Engine House, Highley on Tuesday this week.
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The final award of the event was the Community Award, and this was given to the Network Rail (NR) staff who’d used their volunteering days to support the ‘Orange Army Volunteer All Stars’.
This cross-railway sector team carried out the ambitious task of re-laying the track across Mor Brook bridge in July, ensuring the line could re-open following the completion of repairs to the collapsed embankment.
Steve Featherstone, the SVR (Holdings) director who led the track re-lay project, presented the award. Paying tribute to the NR team, he said, “The support and track engineering expertise these volunteers provided was invaluable to us in getting a very important job done in record time. They used their professional skills to make a tangible difference at our heritage line, making it possible for us to come back with a fully reopened line in a blaze of glory with ‘Flying Scotsman’!
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“It’s another example of the superb partnership agreement between the SVR and Network Rail Central Route, as is the fact that they’ve returned to us once again for their annual staff awards.”
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SVR (Holdings) director Steve Featherstone presents the Community award to Network Rail members of the Orange Army Volunteer All Stars. DENISE WETTON
SVR front and centre at The Greatest Gathering
As reported in last month's Branch Lines, the SVR attended The Greatest Gathering at Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works as part of the Railway 200 celebrations.
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The SVR’s was the largest heritage presence with 21 exhibits on site, including locomotives 4930, 13268, carriages 7511, 24617, 6045, 9103 and DMUs 52064 and 51941. All these travelled to Derby by rail in one impressive convoy!
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Commenting on the success of event, Rob Whyte, Alstom's managing director, said:
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“The Greatest Gathering was more than a festival – it was a landmark moment in railway history. Together, we showcased the power of collaboration across the industry, celebrated innovation and heritage, and welcomed thousands of visitors to experience the magic of rail.
“We want every contributor – visible or behind the scenes – to know how deeply appreciated they are. The legacy of The Greatest Gathering will be felt for many years to come, thank you for helping us make history.”
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SVR managing director Gus Dunster was closely involved in organising the whole event, and added:
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“Right from the outset, I wanted the SVR to be front and centre of the Greatest Gathering and that we certainly achieved. I am acutely aware of how much work went in to prepare and deliver the SVR presence at the event and I want to acknowledge this.
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“You created a big part of something very special indeed. Thank you!”
What's coming up?
All-new festive experiences at the SVR
It’s ‘all aboard’ for a magical journey on the Severn Valley Railway this festive season. Starting on Saturday 29 November, on selected dates through to Christmas Eve, tickets are on sale now!
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Santa’s Steam Specials (departing from Kidderminster)
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After festive fun at Kidderminster station, travel in a private compartment or at a reserved table on a vintage steam train to Arley, for an all-new theatrical show, The Great Christmas Train Rescue.
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This amazing live show features Santa himself; but his magical steam train is in trouble, and only Polly the polar bear and a pair of cheeky elves can save the day from the scheming villain, Victor Von Sneeze!
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With dazzling puppetry by War Horse’s Matthew Forbes, toe-tapping tunes, and heart-warming moments, this is a festive experience like no other. Back on the train, presents will be waiting for all children, before your train steams back to Kidderminster.
Book here for Santa’s Steam Specials.
Relaxed Santa’s Steam Specials
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For those who would prefer an experience which brings down the volume, keeps lighting at a low level and offers a reduced capacity, Relaxed Santa Steam Specials are available on 7, 14 and 21 December.
Book here for Relaxed Santa’s Steam Specials.
The Elf Express (departing from Bridgnorth)
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The Elf Express is brand-new for 2025 and departs from Bridgnorth Station. Before the sleigh bells ring and the stockings are hung, Santa has a special mission – to spread the spirit of Christmas far and wide – and he’s enlisted his most mischievous and merry elves to help.
Travelling in a private compartment on a steam train, you’ll meet enchanting characters, enjoy dazzling on-board interactions, and take part in a theatrical experience that brings the magic of Christmas to life for all ages.
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From festive songs and silly antics, to heart-warming surprises, The Elf Express is filled with unforgettable moments and Christmas magic.
Each child will also receive a present-shaped surprise during the journey.
Book here for The Elf Express.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Festive dining delights
Festive on-train dining experiences take place on selected dates in December and are ideal for a celebration with friends and family, or a trip for foodies looking for a unique setting.
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Working together with catering partners Paisley Flour, the Railway has a fantastic selection of dining experiences to choose from.
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The Enchanted Afternoon Tea is back by popular demand, including sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats on the menu. There’s also the Evening ‘Santa Pies’, a Festive Spice Train, Evening Yuletide Dining Experience and Festive Bistro Express.
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Places are limited, so book now to celebrate the most wonderful time of year in SVR style!
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Book festive dining trains at: https://svr.co.uk/experience/dining-experiences/
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Railway 200: The Show
The SVR’s Railway 200 celebrations continue on Sunday 28 September, with a comical, educational and entertaining look back at British railways from the past 200 years
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This live show retells the story of how the modern railway came to being. Along the way, you’ll meet famous historic people, relive event milestones and learn the ups and downs from the past two centuries of British railway history.
Complete with original new music, this live show takes you back to the golden age of rail.
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Performances are at The Engine House, Highley at 12.30pm and 2.45pm. There is limited parking at The Engine House, so travelling by train is advised.
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Tickets for the show are free of charge (booking fee applies), but donations can be made after the performance to Railway 200’s chosen charities; Alzheimer’s UK and the Railway Benefit Fund.
Book free tickets for the Railway 200 show here.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Across the Railway
Promoting the SVR, and attracting new volunteers
The Railway is continuing to make good use of the film produced to mark its 60th anniversary year and its involvement with Railway 200.
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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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​​‘It gives a powerful insight into what volunteering at the SVR really means,” explained head of communications Lesley Carr. ‘We’re promoting it on social media, on SVR-related websites and at events where the SVR is represented, such as the Greatest Gathering. We want to raise the profile of our wonderful organisation, and to encourage new volunteers to come forward and join one of our teams.”
If you haven’t yet seen the film, here’s your chance, and please do share this widely with your contacts on social media. If you or a friend are interested in finding out more about volunteering at the SVR, please visit https://www.svr-vlo.org.uk/
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The film was made by Tinker Taylor, a Birmingham-based production company, at no cost to the SVR.
An impressive signalling replacement at Kidderminster
A new bracket signal has appeared at Kidderminster, after months of planning, preparation and restoration work by SVR Signal & Telecoms department volunteers, with the project being led by chief signalling engineer Paul Marshall.
The signal came from Radyr, north of Cardiff. This was a major junction where the Taff Vale Railway located its marshalling yard to handle the myriad of private owners’ wagons from the many collieries nearby.
With the decline in coal mining, the yard closed in the mid-1990s, with much of the infrastructure remaining in place until around 2008 when dismantling began.  
The Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway obtained a centre-balance bracket signal from the platform along with the 107-lever locking frame from the signal box, and the SVR saved the large bracket signal from opposite the signal box.  
 
Over the past few months, the steelwork has been shot-blasted and painted, and S&T department volunteers have spent many days cleaning, restoring and painting the dozens of components that make up the entire structure.
In August the foundations for the structure were installed, and on Tuesday 2 September the main structure was craned into place.
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Paul Marshall explained more:
“To complete the project, the platform-one starting signal will be installed and commissioned ready for use in time for the Autumn Steam Gala, however the platform two side can’t be commissioned until after the points for platform two have been moved as part of the platform extension project taking place this autumn. Other finishing details such as ladders and handrails also need to be completed. Upon completion, the two existing starting signals will be decommissioned and removed.”
As managing director Gus Dunster said, the bracket signal heralds even more improvements at the station:
“The new signal is part of a wider project to extend the platform at Kidderminster to the length that was originally planned in the 1980s. A project team is developing the design, which will allow an extra two carriage lengths to be accommodated on the platform. The project involves various other works to accommodate the changes, including realignment of the track into platform two and the run round, along with relocation of the vehicle crossing adjacent to the signal box. Work on this project will take place during October and November, ready for the Christmas season.”
Paul Marshall added, "The bracket signal project has involved a huge amount of work by volunteers and thanks are due to them and the numerous people across the Railway who have helped bring it to fruition."
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STOP PRESS! As we prepared for publication this morning, news came that the new starting signals for platform one has been commissioned.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Welcome support from Premier Park
Premier Park Limited, the company that has operated car parks at the Railway for more than three years, has donated £1,000 to the SVR’s Resilience Fund
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Presenting the cheque to the SVR’s head of infrastructure Chris Bond, Andy from Premier Park Limited said, “It’s been a pleasure working alongside Chris and the team at SVR since Jan 2022.
When we heard the devastating news about the landslip, we wanted to show our support by making a donation to help with getting the works carried out asap so that things could get back to normal.”
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Andy from Premier Park Limited presents their donation to head of infrastructure Chris Bond. MARTIN BANNISTER
Rolling stock
Bridgnorth MPD anticipates the Autumn Steam Gala
Activity at both ends of the line is hotting up, as the SVR goes into Steam Gala mode! The guest locos will mostly arrive in Kidderminster but staff and volunteers across the whole Railway have their work cut out, as Bridgnorth’s volunteer shedmaster Martin White writes:
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The highlight of the SVR year from a steam perspective, at least in my opinion, is now almost upon us!
As I write, the Autumn Steam Gala is less than ten days away.
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I have written previously of the effort that takes place behind the scenes to enable the event to take place at all.
It means months of planning, timetabling, rostering, production of operating notices etc across all departments of the SVR, and of course the provision of locomotives and carriages.​
This autumn, we have four visiting locos scheduled to participate. I say ‘scheduled’ because experience has taught us that we cannot be 100% certain of anything until a ‘scheduled’ locomotive arrives on the SVR and hauls a train. But, thinking positively we have four locos scheduled, two tank locos and two tender locos, all to be delivered by road. Plus 1450 has yet to return from a visit to Didcot, so it too must be included. This gives a total of seven heavy haulage trailers to arrive and be off-loaded. For a variety of reasons, most of these are being delivered into Kidderminster.
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As far as possible, the arrivals are staggered over a few days. This obviously reduces congestion at the unloading point but also allows us to spread out the work once they are offloaded onto SVR rails.
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We must shunt them from the unloading siding onto the inspection pit. We need to couple the larger locos to their tenders; sometimes this requires two diesel shunters, to squeeze loco and tender towards each other. The loading/offloading from road trailers sometimes necessitates the slackening of locomotive brakes and the removal of guard irons in front of the leading wheels at either end. We’ll have to refit these or at least readjust the brakes.
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We’ll need to refill boilers with water (drained to reduce weight during transit), and the locos need coaling and watering. After a cold examination and check, we’ll light a fire and raise steam the next day to undertake a full steam test. A mix of paid and volunteer staff carry out these tasks, but the final examination of boiler and loco mechanical systems, the ‘fitness to run’ exam, is always completed by suitably competent paid staff. They must spread their efforts across depots at both ends of our 16-mile railway.
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This September, there’s another element to add into the complexity of the visitors and the routine running repairs of the home fleet; the return to active service of saddle tank 813 following its extensive frame repairs over several years. As I write, it hasn’t yet hauled a test train!
Fingers crossed, there won’t be too many early starts, late finishes and anxious moments, both for SVR staff and for the haulage company personnel. So, when you come to enjoy the Autumn Steam Gala, do give them all a thought and a quiet ‘thank you’ whilst you enjoy our 60+ hours of non-stop steam activity!
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GWR 813 as NCB 11. TOM CLARKE
Twenty-first century accessibility, 1940s style!
Volunteers at Bridgnorth have been hard at work on LMS-style coach 26921's journey to accessibility!
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Among the areas getting attention recently has been the all-important disabled access loo!
Extra care has been taken to furnish the lavatory in LMS style, with both the lavatory cistern (made by a local Bridgnorth firm), plumbing cupboard and sink unit completed in the LMS style.
The varnished cupboard and sink unit has been installed, whilst the cistern only awaits a copper down-pipe to connect it to the ceramic lavatory pan. In addition, the roof tank and filler-pipe system is complete and tested.
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This level of care also extends to the floor; LMS lavatories had cast Terrazzo floors and, despite being three times the size of anything the LMS produced themselves, 26921’s disabled loo is no exception!
The floors on the original vehicles were prone to cracking in service, so, to avoid replicating that piece of history, it was cast in-situ by a contractor onto thick steel plate.
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Finally, the lavatory walls have now been finished in LMS lavatory green eggshell paint, with the ceiling panels looking fresh and bright in gloss white.
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The rest of the saloon has been receiving attention too. All of the wall panels have been fitted and varnished, while at floor level the heating pipes have been trial-fitted, and only await new feed and drainpipes. Following the installation of lino, the saloon will then be ready for its key component - seats!
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The commitment to reproducing an LMS style coach extends to the newly made seating. Open-Third-style seat frames and sides have been made on-site by the volunteer team, and the seat bottoms are being stuffed and upholstered in period-appropriate cloth by volunteers at Kidderminster. Meanwhile, the compartment seats are stored at Kidderminster awaiting purchase of more cloth. Project lead Hugh McQuade said:
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“Great progress has been made by the team, and there’s more to come. Now that the coach is back in our cattle-dock siding, final lettering and transfers for doors and windows are being added to the newly applied, magnificent LMS 1945 livery.
“Despite the wonderful exterior appearance of the coach, there’s plenty still to do before it can re-enter traffic. We’re hoping, all being well, that it might go back into service mid-summer 2026.”
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26921 is expected to move to Kidderminster C&W works later this year for attention to the bogies and main steam-pipe below the floor.
People
Fireman Chris makes a ‘steamy’ proposal
When SVR fireman Chris Field wanted to propose to his girlfriend Faye Howles, he pulled out all the stops to make sure she’d find it hard to turn him down.
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Chris would be the first to acknowledge that Faye is already the heritage rail equivalent of a golfing widow, and seven years after they met on a group holiday in North Wales, he thought it was high time he made a grand, romantic gesture.
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Chris spotted a rare day when the pair weren’t working opposite shifts, and could both be in the same place at the same time.
Arley station was his choice to pop the question, and he’d roped in many colleagues across the Railway to arrange things and keep his very important secret. Chris takes up the story:
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“Surprisingly, I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be, because there wasn’t time! Being engaged with the fireman duties for the afternoon meant I couldn’t think of what was to happen.
Driver Chris Baines and footplate rider Tom Russell kept up the pretence that it was a normal turn, with Faye simply coming out with us to enjoy her annual footplate ride.
“When we stopped at Arley, I distracted Faye for a few minutes with the excuse of fetching some bottled water, while the guys put the specially painted headboard on the front of the loco. On returning to the platform, I led her towards the front of the loco, pointed at the headboard and got down on one knee.”
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Faye continues:
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“I was in total shock at that moment! I really did think we were just getting some water and had no idea what he’d planned, I’m so grateful for everyone for keeping it a surprise and for all their involvement.”
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Luckily for Chris, Faye’s answer was a resounding “yes” and an appropriate target disc was added to the bottom lamp bracket to announce the news.
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When asked later if they’d named a date, Faye explained, “Not yet, we’re enjoying the engagement in between seeing each other, a rarity when we’re usually on complete opposite shifts! However, one thing I do imagine is that there will be trains involved in at least some small way on the day, they are after all a big part of our lives!”
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Congratulations to Chris and Faye, and to everyone across the line who helped make this very special moment happen for them!
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
v1 11th September 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.