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April 2026
7802 Bradley Manor approaching Highley Station past The Engine House. Anthony Carwithen
Welcome to your latest edition of Express Points!
We’re full of springtime joy in this edition, following the success of the Easter running weeks, which are still in full swing. What a pleasure it’s been to see GWR 813 back in service, stealing the show as part of a double-header with 1450.
The Gala season is coming up fast, and we’ve updates on this, plus a very early guest announcement for the SVR’s Summer Gala in July.
Elsewhere, we report on the Railway’s involvement with a recent emergency response exercise, held with our partners Network Rail.
This saw hundreds of volunteers and members of the emergency services on site, and was a valuable learning experience for all concerned.
And we’ve plenty of awards news. The SVR has been recognised by several organisations for a range of reasons, and all the details are here.
We hope you enjoy catching up on lots of SVR-related news from across the line in your April edition of Express Points.
Lesley Carr, editor
The Express Points team is Lesley Carr, Karen Crick, 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?
813 is back!
GWR 813 received a warm welcome in late March when it re-entered service after a lengthy absence. The SVR’s oldest locomotive is looking resplendent in its gleaming livery, but the journey back to full health has been a long one.
In this film for the SVR’s official YouTube channel, steam mechanical foreman Will Marsh reveals what’s been going on behind the scenes to bring the engine back to life.
Rare ‘Witch’ class locomotive announced for Summer Gala.
The Railway has announced an exciting new addition to its events calendar with the launch of its Summer Gala, taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July.
The two-day rail celebration will showcase a lively mix of steam and heritage diesel traction, with up to four visiting locomotives expected to join the line-up.
In an early highlight for the event, Kerr Stuart ‘Witch’ class locomotive No 4388 is confirmed as the first guest engine, appearing courtesy of Jack Dibnah and the Foxfield Railway.
Built in 1926 by Kerr, Stuart & Company, this distinctive locomotive features an unusual design with outside cylinders, no front footplate and a notably small saddle tank.
Originally constructed for the British Gas Light Company’s gas works at Etruria in Stoke-on-Trent, it was used to shunt coal wagons from the mainline at Etruria yard, replacing work previously carried out by horses.
The Summer Gala will celebrate both unique members of the railway’s home fleet and a selection of visiting locomotives, including some rarely seen examples.
Across the weekend, trains will operate a busy timetable along the full line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, offering visitors the chance to travel behind a wide variety of engines.
Extra attractions across the railway will add to the festival atmosphere. Visitors can explore The Engine House at Highley, enjoy refreshments including real ales in station pubs, and experience ‘little trains’ at Kidderminster Station, where a live-steam Gauge 1 model railway will be running throughout the event.
The expected home fleet includes GWR 813, GWR 1450, GWR 7714, Class 14 D9551, Class 17 D8568 and Class 20 20048, alongside the visiting locomotives, more of which are still to be announced.
Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our brand-new Summer Gala and to welcome such a characterful and unusual locomotive as No 4388 as our first guest. This event is all about celebrating the variety of our fleet and offering something a little different for enthusiasts and families alike, whether that’s classic steam, heritage diesel or even miniature live-steam action at Kidderminster.”
Further visiting locomotives will be announced in due course. For more information and to book tickets, visit svr.co.uk.
First announcement for the SVR's Summer Gala is Kerr Stuart 4388. Kieran Hardy
A testing time as the SVR hosts major emergency response exercise
The Railway played host to a major multi-agency emergency response exercise on Thursday 12 March, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in regional railway safety and preparedness.
The full-scale simulated incident took place in and around Kidderminster Town station and involved a significant emergency services presence, including police, fire and ambulance crews.
While the activity was highly visible to residents and businesses, the incident itself was entirely pre-planned and designed to test how organisations would respond together in a real emergency.
The exercise brought together a wide range of partners, including Network Rail, West Mercia Police, British Transport Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Railway and the Severn Valley Railway.
Around 200 volunteers took part, acting as passengers and members of the public.
The scenario simulated a collision between a hydrogen-powered train, supplied by Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions, and a diesel-hauled train. By using heritage railway infrastructure on a day when SVR services were not operating, partners were able to create an authentic live railway environment without any impact on the operational main line or its passengers.
Network Rail’s operations director for Central, Martin Colmey, highlighted the importance of exercises like this in maintaining readiness and strengthening joint working across organisations. He also thanked SVR for enabling the exercise to take place in such realistic conditions.
SVR managing director Gus Dunster said the SVR was pleased to support Network Rail and partners, noting that the exercise was another strong example of the close collaboration developed through the partnership agreement in place for more than two years.
To accompany the exercise, a short film has been produced, capturing the scale, complexity and teamwork involved during the day. It provides a vivid insight into what went on behind the scenes and the level of coordination required to keep people safe should a real incident ever occur.
A brake from the norm!
The SVR is offering Spring Steam Gala visitors a rare and thrilling opportunity to experience railway travel from an unusual perspective, with the chance to ride in a heritage goods train brake van during the event which takes place from April 16 to 19.
Available on Thursday 16 April and Sunday 19 April only, this experience invites passengers to travel in a former Great Western Railway ‘Toad’ brake van, carefully restored by SVR volunteers.
Positioned directly behind the locomotive, the brake van offers an unforgettable vantage point and a powerful sense of what freight working on the Railway was like in the heyday of steam.
Journeys will be hauled by GWR 4930 Hagley Hall on 16 April and GWR 813 on 19 April. Lewis Maddox, the SVR’s visitor engagement manager, said:
“This is a truly special opportunity to experience a very different aspect of railway operation. You’re right behind the locomotive, surrounded by the sounds, smells and atmosphere of a working railway. It’s noisy, it’s dirty, and it’s incredibly exciting. Experiences like this are rarely available, and they offer a real insight into the vital role freight trains once played on Britain’s railways.”
The brake van experience forms part of an exciting steam gala set to represent the breadth of British heritage steam traction.
Marking 50 years since the SVR’s first-ever Spring Gala in April 1976, the gala will feature one of the UK’s most powerful express passenger locomotives ever built, the mighty BR 71000 Duke of Gloucester.
Providing a contrast to this star attraction, diminutive industrial favourites Port of Par Judy and Lancashire stalwart LMS ‘Pug’ 11243 will operate an intensive shuttle service between Bewdley and Kidderminster throughout the gala, including some double-headed appearances.
Places for the brake van experience are strictly limited and must be pre-booked in advance in addition to a valid Spring Steam Gala ticket. At the time of writing, all brake van places are sold out.
Tickets for both the gala and brake van experience are available at svr.co.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Special honour for extraordinary resilience
The Railway has been recognised with one of the highest accolades in the heritage rail sector, receiving the Chairman’s Special Award at the 2026 Heritage Railway Association (HRA) Awards, held last month.
The award recognises the exceptional collective effort by SVR volunteers, staff and partner organisations in restoring the Railway following the devastating Mor Brook bridge collapse in 2025.
The Chairman’s Special Award is presented only at the discretion of the HRA chairman, reserved for achievements so significant that they transcend the standard award categories.
Following the landslip, which severed the Railway into two sections, early assessments suggested a recovery period of between nine and 12 months.
In practice, the line was fully reinstated in just six months, with the most critical remedial works completed in only eight weeks. This remarkable recovery culminated in the return of services marked by a visit from 60103 Flying Scotsman, reopening the line on a date that had initially seemed unattainable.
HRA chairman Steve Oates praised the scale and pace of the achievement, citing it as a standout example of resilience and expertise within the heritage railway movement.
Accepting the award on behalf of the organisation, managing director Gus Dunster paid tribute to the people behind the success. He said he was “immensely proud of the whole team across the Severn Valley Railway,” highlighting the determination and collaboration shown in the face of extreme adversity, and recognising the vital contribution made by industry partners alongside SVR’s own staff and volunteers.
The awards evening also brought additional recognition for SVR.
Young volunteer Jack Baldwin was highly commended in the Rising Star category for his engineering work and leadership on the HydroShunter project, delivered in partnership with Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions.
Two further SVR projects received high commendations: the innovative restoration of Great Western Railway coach No 9581 into an accessible buffet and saloon car, and the popular Boogie Lights Express, recognised in the Innovation of the Year category.
Together, these honours reflect a year of extraordinary achievement and underscore the strength, creativity and commitment that continue to define the Severn Valley Railway.
The Severn Valley Railway team at the HRA awards. Jack Boskett
Excitement builds for Spring Diesel Festival
The countdown is on for the SVR's Spring Diesel Festival.
Main line performers meet much-loved heritage machines at this show-stopping event, which will take place from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May.
Visitors currently confirmed are a Class 67, ‘Hymek’ D7018, a Class 57, Class 55 Deltic 55009, and a Class 59. These headlining guest locomotives will appear alongside the SVR’s strong home fleet.
The SVR’s Diesel Galas are known for being something truly special, and this year's event is no exception. With further guest locomotives soon to be announced, excitement is building for what will be a truly varied and authentic diesel spectacle.
Tickets for the event can be booked online at svr.co.uk.
SVR’s resilience is recognised
The SVR has been recognised with a special honour for outstanding resilience at the Visit Worcestershire 2025/26 Awards for Tourism.
Judges created the award to shine a light on a business that has demonstrated exceptional strength, adaptability and commitment during challenging times, while continuing to deliver high-quality visitor experiences and safeguarding its heritage.
In announcing the accolade, the judges praised the SVR’s determination to overcome adversity, its creativity in finding new ways forward, and its unwavering passion for serving visitors and local communities.
They highlighted the Railway’s enduring role in Worcestershire’s cultural landscape and its ability to navigate significant pressures while remaining focused on its long-term future.
The award also recognises the SVR’s continued efforts to innovate, protect and celebrate a much-loved part of the county’s heritage, as well as its commitment to building a sustainable and inspiring future.
Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager at the SVR, who accepted the award at a ceremony held at the Three Counties Showground, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award, and it came as a real surprise on the night. It’s a hugely appreciated recognition of the grit and determination shown by all our staff, who have helped the Severn Valley Railway through some incredibly challenging times in recent years.
“This award belongs to everyone who has supported the SVR and who believes in what we do.”
All the 'Visit Worcestershire' winners with the SVR's Lewis Maddox and Ian Latimer on the right
King and Castle takes gold!
The SVR is celebrating after its King and Castle pub at Kidderminster station was named Gold Pub of the Year by the Wyre Forest branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
The prestigious award follows a rigorous judging process, with pubs first nominated onto a shortlist and then independently assessed by CAMRA members acting as secret shoppers.
Judges considered a wide range of criteria, including drinks quality, staff knowledge, décor and atmosphere, welcome, and community focus. The SVR’s visitor experience manager Nicky Freeman said:
“Our team has worked incredibly hard to establish the King and Castle as a true community hub, under the leadership of joint managers Chris Dainty and Kat Forty. This award is a fantastic recognition of the whole team’s dedication.”
The King and Castle pub is open Tuesday to Sunday, serving a wide range of real ales, ciders, wines and spirits, with hot food available from 12 noon to 4pm.
The team at the King and Castle pub in Kidderminster are delighted with their CAMRA Gold Award
Other News
See the HydroShunter in action in SVR film
Last month, we reported on the launch of the HydroShunter at Kidderminster Town station. A film has more recently been released on the SVR’s official YouTube channel about the event.
The project is the result of a close collaboration between SVR and Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions, a West Midlands-based SME and global leader in hydrogen traction technology.
New catering volunteers to play key role at the SVR
The Railway is inviting new volunteers to join its catering teams, offering a rewarding opportunity to support the visitor experience while becoming part of its closeknit community.
Catering volunteers play a vital role across the line, helping to serve freshly prepared food and drinks and supporting the smooth operation of catering outlets during train services and special events.
Their contribution helps ensure that the thousands of visitors who travel on the railway each year enjoy a warm welcome alongside the railway’s unique atmosphere.
These opportunities are open to people from all backgrounds. No previous hospitality experience is required for many roles, as full training and ongoing support are provided.
Volunteers can also work towards recognised qualifications in food hygiene and allergen awareness, with additional training available for those interested in developing cooking skills.
Nicky Freeman, visitor experience manager, emphasised the importance of the catering team, saying:
“Our catering volunteers are at the heart of the visitor experience. They bring energy, personality and real team spirit to everything they do.
You don’t need a background in hospitality, just enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and a love of working with people.”
Catering roles can be lively and fast-paced, particularly during operating days and popular events, making them ideal for people who enjoy being active and working as part of a team.
Volunteers typically support full-day shifts and are encouraged to bring flexibility, positivity and a reasonable level of fitness.
Successful applicants will be invited to recruitment days in Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, where they can meet existing volunteers and find out more about getting involved.
If you’re interested, please contact nicky.freeman@svrlive.com or visit svr.co.uk for further details.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Only limited tickets remain for the SVR’s Greatest Gathering event
As part of the Spring Diesel Festival, on Thursday 14 May, the SVR is hosting a special event to mark the tremendous Greatest Gathering as part of Railway 200.
Hosted by Richard Bowker of Green Signals podcast, this illustrated talk features SVR managing director Gus Dunster, along with the rest of the core organisational team.
They’ll share how they planned and delivered the largest-ever railway event in the UK.
A special charter train takes ticketholders from Kidderminster to Highley, departing at 5.30pm after a meet and greet at Kidderminster Town station and the chance for cab visits.
The outward journey will be hauled by a Class 57, with a Class 50 performing duties on the return trip, which gets back to Kidderminster at 10pm.
Only limited spaces now remain, and tickets include travel by train. Food and drink will be on sale at The Engine House alongside a selection of bespoke Greatest Gathering merchandise.
More information and tickets are at svr.co.uk.
Gus Dunster and James Dobson at the Greatest Gathering
Boogie Lights Express brings new audiences and big energy!
The Boogie Lights Express has wrapped up its 2026 run, having welcomed more than 5,200 passengers on board the disco party train across Friday and Saturday evenings from mid-February to mid-March.
With lively music, a vibrant lightshow and an unmistakably fun atmosphere, the event once again proved to be a powerful way to engage new audiences during a traditionally quieter time of year.
Designed to try something different and broaden the Railway’s appeal, Boogie Lights Express succeeded in attracting visitors who might not previously have considered a heritage railway experience.
Feedback showed that an overwhelming majority of passengers were first-time visitors to the SVR, underlining the event’s value as both a high-capacity and high-impact offer.
Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager, said:
“Boogie Lights Express is all about breaking down perceptions and welcoming people who may never have thought a heritage railway was for them. Seeing so many first-time visitors having such a great time shows that taking creative risks really pays off.”
Passenger feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with enthusiastic reviews shared across social media and TripAdvisor. One reviewer summed up the experience, saying:
“An amazing experience, we had so much fun! We’d do it again in a heartbeat… We sang, danced and laughed, and everyone in our group agreed it was the best time they’d had in ages.”
The success of Boogie Lights Express was further recognised with a highly commended accolade at the recent Heritage Railway Association Awards (see separate article.)
With such strong response from the public, plans are already in place for the event to return in 2027, with a brand-new soundtrack and lightshow.
Thanks go to everyone involved in delivering the event, and to all those who came along to dance the night away!
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Easter round-up
The Railway had an ‘egg-cellent’ Bank Holiday weekend with trains operating over all four days.
Over at The Engine House Highley, hundreds of families have been taking part in a fun Easter trail.
A flustered train driver set youngsters the challenge of tracking down the missing rabbit.
Those who followed the clues and found the white puppet rabbit, were able to claim a small tasty treat.
GWR 1450 and GWR 813 operating as a double-header drew in the crowds and combined with the nice weather, offered some great photo opportunities.
If you haven’t yet seen the double-header combination, they will be appearing together again on Sunday 12 April.
Plan your visit at svr.co.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Funding for vital goods lift from the SVR Charitable Trust
A grant from the SVR Charitable Trust has enabled the repair of a vital piece of railway equipment, hidden away from normally accessible public areas.
The goods lift in the Carriage and Wagon workshops at Kidderminster is an essential piece of equipment that’s used to take heavy items such as large rolls of upholstery material up and down from the storage floor above the main workshop areas.
However, it broke down last December when the control system failed. The lift maintenance company tried and failed to carry out a repair, then quoted £17,500 + VAT for a new control system.
Judith Meredith, chair of the SVR Charitable Trust explained more:
“The lift itself is an old installation; its exact date unknown, but itis estimated to be at least 70 years old. It has been described as ’08 shunter technology’ and ongoing mechanical maintenance is well within the capabilities of SVR staff.
“We decided to provide a grant for a new control system, and in mid-March, after two weeks with engineers on site, the lift was brought back into use.
“This is just one example of grant funding that the Charitable Trust regularly provides for ‘behind-the-scenes’ projects which are essential for the ongoing operation of the Railway.”
The repaired goods lift in Carriage & Wagon. Martin White
Platform extension project continues
Work on the Kidderminster platform extension is now entering its final phase.
The Railway's electrical and permanent way departments have been busy excavating the compacted infill to install the drainage and electric infrastructure.
The cabling will provide power for the two new GWR lighting columns that are being installed.
Once this is complete, work will continue with installing the platform edging slabs and finally the tarmac surfacing will be applied.
Completion is expected at the start of May, but the platform will not formally open until the following week to allow for the tarmac to cure.
Meanwhile, looking ahead, the project team have already started to look at proposals for installing a canopy over the platform in 2027.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
We Saved a Train – new programme on Quest
The first episode of Francis Bourgeois and Chris Harris: We Saved a Train was broadcast on Quest and Discovery+ earlier this week on Tuesday 7 April.
The duo teamed up to help restore a locomotive and this new programme shows how the project evolved.
The SVR was pleased to get involved with filming and hosted Francis, Chris and a film crew at the Carriage and Wagon depot at Kidderminster.
During their visit, the presenters met Graham, Christine, Colin, Tom and others and tried their hand at some upholstery and metal work.
We saved a Train is on the Quest channel for eight weeks and the SVR features in later episodes, so look out in the coming weeks.
Permanent way update
The P Way department have been assisting the electrical team with installing the electric infrastructure on the Kidderminster platform extension along with the more routine jobs along the Railway.
The mini digger was used to excavate the infill to allow cabling and drainage to be installed.
Borle Viaduct, south of Highley, which runs over the Borle Brook just before it meets the River Severn saw some repairs being carried during March.
Rainwater run-off has been eroding the south-east embankment, and rope access contractors were used to provide assistance on the steep embankment, installing Geomesh reinforcing.
The mesh is installed to reinforce the soil structure and minimise slippage, and over time it integrates with the soil, roots and stones to secure the embankment.
This was then covered with spoil from the Kidderminster platform works in layers to build the area back up to an acceptable level.
While the rope access contractors were on site, the opportunity was taken for the removal of vegetation from the structure, which is a regular job needed on all the railway's structures.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
What's coming up?
Model Railway weekend takeover at The Engine House
The annual spring Model Railway Weekend will see 25 model railway displays descending on The Engine House, Highley, on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May.
Those fascinated by model railways are in for a treat at this popular event with exhibitors travelling from far and wide.
Model railway layouts on display during the weekend include Devonmoor, Hillside Park, Puffin Colliery, Oakenshaw and more.
The displays will have a backdrop of Engine House locos including Gordon the blue engine and GWR ‘Dukedog’ 9017 Earl of Berkeley.
Food and refreshments are available at the café which has wonderful views of the Railway from the balcony.
Entry to the event is included in the price of travel along the heritage line and the Model Railway weekend will be open from 10.45am to 4.30pm with last entry at 4pm.
Further information and tickets are at svr.co.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Staff summer social event at The Engine House
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 staff social event, which takes place on Saturday 13 June at The Engine House.
Trains from both ends of the line are planned to be steam-hauled, departing Bridgnorth at 5.45pm and Kidderminster at 6pm.
There will be pick-ups and set downs at Bewdley, Arley and Hampton Loade.
Tickets are limited to two per staff member. Priced at £5, they include travel, a varied hot and cold menu, a subsidised bar, free raffle, a miniature golf course and music.
Numbers are limited, so don’t delay and secure your tickets now at Buy Summer Staff Social Tickets online - Severn Valley Railway
All aboard for a day of storytelling
The SVR is once again partnering with Bewdley Festival’s Step into Stories.
On Saturday 25 April, families can experience a unique day out that combines imaginative storytelling with a journey on the railway.
The day will begin at the SVR’s Kidderminster station, where young visitors will meet acclaimed children’s author Emily Randall Jones.
Known for her spine-tingling tales for readers aged 9–12, Emily will introduce people to old English folklore, weaving together ghostly tales, steam-filled carriages and eerie folk tunes alongside a mysterious conductor known as Cribbins.
Visitors can meet Emily in person, hear about her work and have books signed, including her latest title, The Scream of the Whistle, a time-slip paranormal adventure set aboard a haunted steam train.
Following the storytelling experience, families board a heritage train for a memorable journey to Bewdley. Here, they can enjoy the rest of the day at further Step into Stories events at Bewdley Festival, set within the attractive Georgian riverside town.
Return travel to Kidderminster is included, making this a full day out that blends creativity, history and the magic of steam travel in one atmospheric experience.
Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Bewdley Festival to bring this imaginative event to life. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy storytelling in a truly unique setting, before stepping aboard one of our heritage trains and continuing the adventure in Bewdley. It perfectly captures the magic of combining literature with the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the railway.”
Tickets for the event should be booked via the Bewdley Festival website.
Spring Steam Gala goodies
If the Spring Steam Gala is one of your favourites on the SVR calendar, then why not treat yourself to some merchandise?
A selection of items can be ordered via the online shop or purchased from gift shops during the event.
Bespoke mugs retail at £9.95. Posters featuring unique gala artwork are £4.95 and made-to-order Gala t-shirts are £19.95.
All these are great souvenirs to mark an amazing 50 years since the SVR’s very first Spring Steam Gala in 1976.
The Spring Steam Gala takes place from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 April 2026.
Shop at svrshop.co.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Across the Railway
Customer Service training a success
As part of the Kidderminster Pilot programme, two recent customer service training sessions were delivered to customer-facing staff at Kidderminster.
The Kidderminster Pilot is focused on increasing revenue in food and beverage while strengthening the overall visitor experience.
A key objective of the training given was to establish consistent, high standards in customer service across all teams, ensuring every visitor receives a warm, professional, and memorable experience.
SVR(H) Director Mike Hulme said:
“We are pleased to share that the sessions were very well received, with participants highlighting both the quality of the content and the engaging delivery style.”
Executive Assistant Victoria Evans added:
“It is encouraging to see such enthusiasm and engagement, and we thank everyone who took part for their contribution.
“Building on this success, further sessions will be scheduled as the programme is rolled out to other locations across the Railway. These sessions will continue to support our aim of delivering a consistently high-quality customer experience while contributing to the success of the wider pilot initiative.”
Participants from one of the recent customer-training sessions
More repairs to stonework at Bewdley
The SVR’s talented stonemason Philip Chatfield has been back on site at Bewdley over the past few weeks progressing the stonework renewals on the platform side of the station building.
All three upper window sills and their corbels have now been renewed as well as the booking office window sill and the plinth course as far as the canopy.
Stationmaster James Pearson said:
“This phase of the work has been kindly funded by SVR (Holdings) Plc, the SVR Company Limited and Bewdley Station Fund.
"We extend our sincere thanks to them all.
“There is further work to do in renewing the remainder of the plinth course as well as another two window sills and their corbels.
“We’re working out costs for the required stone and labour, and the next task will be to source funding. It is hoped the next phase of the works can begin in the autumn after the main running season concludes.”
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Vacancy on the permanent way
The Permanent Way Department is recruiting for a track worker.
Based at Highley, this role will support the Permanent Way team in carrying out a wide variety of duties in the day-to-day maintenance of the Railway’s permanent way.
The successful candidate will be proficient in the use of hand and power tools, and on-track plant and machinery.
They will be knowledgeable in current H&S legislation and working practices and hold a valid driving licence. Experience within a rail-based environment would be beneficial.
Applicants should send a cover letter explaining how they meet the job requirements and a CV to hr@svrlive.com with ‘Permanent Way Track Worker’ in the subject line.
Closing date for applications: Friday 17 April 2026.
For more information, visit svr.co.uk.
Replacing a fishplate on the permanent way. Matt Fielding
Rolling stock
Centenary Special run as 4786 returns to traffic
This Saturday, 11 April, sees the official launch of Collett bow-ended corridor third 4786 into traffic, and some tickets are still available for the inaugural Centenary Special run.
Departing Kidderminster at 10.30am, and picking up at Bewdley, the service arrives at Highley at 11.05am.
After a three-hour stay with time for lunch and exploring The Engine House, the service departs at 2.05pm heading for Bridgnorth.
A 55-minute stay here will allow time for refreshments and viewing Bridgnorth yard.
The return journey to Kidderminster departs at 3.35pm, also stopping at Bewdley.
Last month’s Express Points carried an article about the restoration of 4786.
Tickets for the Centenary Special are available from bobmassey@live.com
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Video tour of the ‘Stove R’
A short film was recently released on the SVR’s official YouTube channel taking viewers behind the scenes of brake van 2886, known as the ‘Stove R’.
Longstanding volunteer guard Hugh McQuade conducts a guided tour, exploring many unique features of this 1932 six-wheeled brake van.
Its fascinating history includes transporting bonded goods and serving as a bar.
Full funding secured for Class 07 D2996 by SVR Class 14 Company
The SVR Class 14 Company has raised £40,000, the full amount needed to purchase and transport Class 07 D2996 to the Severn Valley Railway, as well as pay its certification costs.
This was achieved in just 73 days.
D2996 operated its final weekend at Barrow Hill Roundhouse Museum on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 April, and a cheque for its purchase was presented to the previous owners.
Three members of the SVR Class 14 Company attended the event to see the locomotive in action one last time before it moves to its new home at Bridgnorth.
Chairman Gary Williams said:
“What a wonderful yet poignant occasion. Thank you to Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre for having us and thank you to Kozzie for sharing his expertise about the locomotive.
“This fundraising success is a tremendous result for us! A huge thank you to all 52 incredible supporters who made this happen. You’ve turned this dream into reality.
“Thank you to everyone who enquired, shared and supported us. It really is an exciting time.”
D2996 bowed out in style, completing all its running trips at the Barrow Hill Roundhouse Museum without any issues.
Vice chairman Jack Walker added:
“It was a privilege to be part of today’s occasion, and we look forward to bringing our newest locomotive, or ‘t’other loco’ as it’s been nicknamed, to the Severn Valley Railway.”
Before entering service on the Severn Valley Railway, D2996 will undergo a series of routine checks and preparations, including air tank certification, ultrasonic axle testing and driver familiarisation.
After these final steps are completed, the team will be ready to bring D2996 into operation.
D2996 at Southampton Docks in 1964. Fred Patrick
Home & Away at MPD
There's plenty of activity at Bridgnorth, whether for home locomotives or external contracts, as Bridgnorth Shedmaster Martin White reports:
Passengers travelling on the SVR are currently enjoying extensive use of the smaller locomotives in the steam fleet.
For the earlier part of this season, 813 and 1450 are regularly double-heading service trains, with pannier tank 7714 heading the other steam service. 7802 Bradley Manor is serviceable at Bewdley, whilst 4930 Hagley Hall and 13268 are available as spares at Bridgnorth.
75069 has returned from a visit to the Bluebell Railway and isn’t expected to be used before the Spring Gala. The planning and logistics to prepare for the Gala are now in full swing.
Within Bridgnorth locomotive works, progress continues to be made steadily towards the eagerly awaited competition of GWR prairie No 4150, although this won’t be completed in time for it to appear at the Spring Steam Gala.
Work has recently commenced on the mechanical aspects of the chassis/frames overhaul of 34027 Taw Valley.
The middle cylinder valve gear has been stripped and the valve removed ready for the valve chest to be rebored using our in-house equipment.
The boiler from this locomotive had the tubes removed from the boiler barrel last year, prior to it being lifted from the frames. It currently occupies a sizeable portion of the boiler shop.
A thorough assessment has been undertaken to determine the level of any necessary repairs. During its previous, very extensive overhaul, a considerable portion of the boiler was renewed, and it is hoped that this will result in a relatively light repair this time around.
However, in the 21st century, even a light repair is both time-consuming and costly!
The boiler shop is currently rather crowded with 2857’s boiler also present, as well as the boilers of P Class No 323 from the Bluebell Railway, and Robert Stephenson and Hawthorn (RSH) No 56 from Spa Valley Railway.
These are both undergoing contract overhauls. When I recently visited the boiler shop, I was very surprised at the size of the boiler from No 56, especially when compared to the diminutive P class, bearing in mind they are both 0-6-0 tank engines.
I learned from boiler shop team leader Phil Davidson that dimensionally the boiler from No 56 is the same size as an LMS 4F. The RSH loco will require an extensive repair including a complete inner firebox renewal.
Also still present in the boiler shop are the boiler, frames and tanks of Isle of Man Railway No 16 Mannin, although the very extensive works carried out at Bridgnorth over the last few years on both the boiler and frames are virtually complete.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Nostalgia night for 48773
The Stanier 8F Society is putting on a night of live music nostalgia at the Station Tea Rooms, Kidderminster on Saturday 2 May.
Featuring ‘After Hours’ and music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, the event will raise funds for the overhaul of Stanier 8F 48773, which hasn’t steamed since 2008.
The event runs from 6pm to 8pm and tickets are £8.50.
Currently housed at The Engine House, 48773 is a widely travelled locomotive that arrived on the SVR in 1969 and has clocked up well over 150,000 miles in preservation prior to its withdrawal from service.
48773 also bears the honour of being a dedicated memorial to British military railway personnel who lost their lives on active service during the Second World War.
To purchase tickets, or for more information telephone John Pedder on 0121 384 3850.
For more information about the Stanier 8F Society, visit 8fsociety.co.uk
Stanier 8F 48773 in The Engine House. Stanier 8F Locomotive Society
People
In memoria
Jan Chojnacki The passing of Jan Chojnacki was sadly announced last week. Jan would have celebrated his 50th year on the Railway this year.
Jan was a 'larger than life' character in more ways than one! A former steam driver and member of the MPD paid staff at Bridgnorth, and well known as Sir Topham Hatt, aka 'The Fat Controller’ at Thomas events, and as ‘the real’ Santa in Grotto 1 at Arley for many years.
He was also a very good advocate for the SVR by giving talks and slide shows to a wide range of groups around the area in which he lived.
Ian Davies Ian Davies was one of the S&T volunteers in the early years of the SVR. He died unexpectedly around Christmas time at his home in Kidderminster. He was in his 80s.
I first met Ian when I joined the Railway in 1970, and we worked on various S&T projects underway at that time. Ian then worked as a caretaker at the newly opened Kidderminster station and assisted with the renewal of the overhead pole-route wires at Bridgnorth. In more recent times, he helped at the Kidderminster Railway Museum.
He was a kindly man, very meticulous with everything he did, and always willing to help. He and I met occasionally over the past years, reminiscing about the old times. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him. Ian Pole, friend of Ian Davies
Space precludes fuller obituaries appearing in Express Points. These appear in internal NBIs and later in SVR News.
Volunteer Draw
Did you know that every month the Volunteer Liaison Office at Bewdley randomly draws the name of a working member to receive a £20 SVR shop voucher.
This month’s prize draw winner is:
Alan Turner of Signalling
Congratulations Alan!
7714 runs through Hampton Loade. John Titlow
V1. 9th April 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.