Severn Valley Railway
Encyclopedia
The Severn Valley Railway is a heritage railway
in Shropshire
and Worcestershire
, England. The 16 miles (26 km) line runs along the Severn Valley
from Bridgnorth
to Kidderminster
, following the course of the River Severn
for much of its route. Train services are hauled predominantly by steam locomotives; however diesel traction is also sometimes used.
The railway is one of the most popular heritage railways in the country. It hosts numerous special events throughout the year, including both steam and diesel galas.
, near Droitwich Spa
, with Shrewsbury
, a distance of 40 miles (64 km). Important stations on the line were Stourport-on-Severn
, , , , , , Coalport
, , Buildwas
, Cressage
and Berrington
. The original Severn Valley Railway was absorbed into the Great Western Railway
in the 1870s, and in 1878 a link line was constructed from Bewdley to Kidderminster. This meant trains could run direct from the Black Country
to areas of Shropshire. Most Kidderminster to Bewdley trains continued through the Wyre Forest line (dismantled in the 1960s and now a popular walking route) to Tenbury Wells
or Woofferton
. At Buildwas Junction (now the site of Ironbridge Power Station
near what is now Telford
) Severn Valley trains connected with services from Wellington
to Much Wenlock
and Craven Arms
.
Prior to preservation, the Severn Valley line was never financially successful. Freight traffic, mostly agricultural, and coal
traffic from the collieries of Alveley
and Highley
were the principal sources of revenue. The line was strategically useful in the Second World War as a by-pass around the West Midlands.
After nationalisation in 1948, passenger traffic started to dwindle. The line was closed to through passenger and freight services in 1963 and the track north of Bridgnorth was dismantled. Whilst it is generally believed that the line was closed under the "Beeching Axe
" of the 1960s, the Severn Valley Line was, in fact, already scheduled for closure prior to the release of Beeching's 1962 report. After 1963, coal traffic survived south of Alveley until 1969, while a sparse passenger service continued to link Bewdley with Kidderminster and Hartlebury, until this too ceased in January 1970.
Today, a very small section of the original Severn Valley line continues to carry coal traffic to Ironbridge Power Station
.
For much of its working life it was operated by the Great Western Railway
and subsequently the Western Region of British Railways
. Today the Severn Valley Railway operates as a heritage railway. Services began in 1970 from Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade
, extending to Bewdley
in 1974 and Kidderminster in 1984.
2010 marked the Severn Valley railway's 40th anniversary and the 175th anniversary of the formation of the Great Western Railway. Special events were staged during the year to commemorate these events.
Many special gala days are held, often with visiting engines and rolling stock from other heritage lines; these and other attractions have seen visitor numbers exceed 250,000 per year.
A diesel multiple unit is used to run a Scenic Evening Land Cruise fish-and-chip special train run on Saturday evenings from May to August, leaving Kidderminster at around 7pm and returning at 10pm after one hour in Bridgnorth. The Severn Valley Venturer
is a dining car that runs on the railway.
The SVR's rail connection to the National Rail
network at Kidderminster permits various track maintenance, weed killing, track measurement and occasional through charter trains to operate from various parts of the country to Bridgnorth. An example of these visitors was that of the VSOE
Northern Belle in 2006. Two direct trains to from Bridgnorth
operated by Chiltern Railways
ran in 2009, one on August 15 and one on November 28. Some trackwork revisions are planned at Kidderminster to improve ingress of future incoming excursions.
The railway operated two revenue-earning freight trains in May 2007 which carried 6-metre-long pipes from Kidderminster to the Severn Trent water handling plant at Trimpley. Carriage by road of such long pipes would have been difficult because of the narrow roads in the immediate area of Trimpley.
During violent thunderstorms
on the evening of 19 June 2007 the railway suffered major damage, much more extensive than any in its history. The line was damaged between Bridgnorth
Outer Home signal and Northwood Halt
, where the line suffered from numerous landslides with many sections of the line suspended in mid-air.(BBC photo) Many cuttings were filled with debris. At the Up Starter signal and the embankment that it used to stand on were washed away. At Hampton
, the access road to the railway station – and indeed the only road to the village – was also washed away. (BBC photo).
A dozen other heritage railways pledged to help the stricken SVR, including Mid Hants Railway
, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
, West Somerset Railway
, Avon Valley Railway
, Dean Forest Railway
, Great Central Railway
, North Yorkshire Moors Railway
and Bluebell Railway
.
It was announced on 22 June 2007 that an emergency appeal would be started on 25 June to raise funds for the repair bill. The railway's insurers agreed to pay out £500,000 and Advantage West Midlands provided a grant of £750,000, whilst the European Regional Development Fund
may also be able to grant aid up to £750,000 as funding towards the repairs. Of this £1.5m total, £250,000 is thought to be for development at Highley Station, with £1.25m available for the railway's repair. The total cost of the damage has now been revised upwards to £2.5 million as a result of further damage and a massive potential slip in the Northwood Lane area following more rain and flooding in late July.
These events damaged the summer tourist custom to the railway, the towns served, and the area as a whole. A spokesman announced on 22 June that the line was expected to reopen between Bewdley and Arley by the end of July and the section between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade to be up and running by the end of August; however it became apparent in early July 2007 that these reopenings would be delayed by as much as a month, later extended to up to three months. It was also said later that the crucial link between Hampton Loade and Arley, including Highley station and the new Engine House museum, would probably not open until as late as Spring 2008.
The Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade section eventually re-opened on 9 February 2008 for the school half-term. The first passenger train to Hampton Loade since 19 June 2007 departed on time at 10.30, comprising 5 LMS coaches hauled by 45xx Class
no. 4566. The train featured the headboard carried by the first reopening train from Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade in 1970. Although other drainage work enhancements remain to be completed the line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth reopened fully to the public on Good Friday, 21 March 2008.
The entire railway is one of the most comprehensively signalled heritage railways. The whole railway is signalled using GW style lower quadrant signals. Each station (not inclusive of halts) has a signal box, with Bewdley having two boxes (North and South), due to the fact lines diverged at either end of the station before closure by BR.
All sections between Bridgnorth and Bewdley North operate using the Tyer's Electric Train Token
.
The Engineer's siding at Eardington is controlled by a ground frame. No intermediate token instrument is provided as the ground frame is released by use of the long section token (Bridgnorth – Highley).
Between Bewdley North and Bewdley South the double track section through platforms 1 & 2 is signalled with absolute block
. The single track through platform 3 is signalled with direction lever. The line furthest from the main station buildings, known as the Rock siding, is a double-ended siding.
The single line section between Bewdley South and Kidderminster is track circuit
ed throughout and is signalled using acceptance lever.
Most of the signal boxes on the line bear original cast iron GWR name plates, with the sole exception being at Bridgnorth which has a replica. The SVR Kidderminster's name plate was recovered from another signal box that formerly stood on the up end of the down platform at Kidderminster station (Network Rail). The lever frame from the same signal box was reused at Arley, which has an LNWR signal box after the original was demolished. The replica name plate at Bridgnorth is made of fibre glass, although it is not known if it was moulded from the original or even if the original still exists.
The SVR trains new signalmen at the Kidderminster Signalling School, located above the carriage works.
With the exception of the two request halts (Country Park and Northwood) all intermediate stations have the ability to pass trains on the single line. However, Highley's passing loop lacks a platform and Facing Point Locks on points to attached sidings, a legal requirement for passenger carrying line, meaning trains carrying fare-paying passengers may not use this loop. However, it is frequently used for works trains, demonstration goods trains and empty stock workings. Despite this, the Severn Valley Railway offers, possibly, the most intensive service on any single line heritage railway.
A short section of multiple track exists between Bewdley South and Bewdley North signal boxes.
Kidderminster Town station is not an original station. It was created by the SVR based upon the original GWR station at Ross-on-Wye (1892). Various projects have been carried out by volunteers and contractors to add to the general GWR ambience. Major projects include the porte cochère to the front of the station, the ornamental crestings on the two towers and the canopy over the concourse which was completed in 2006, along with the final, east, wing of the station.
There are plans to provide new catering, shop and toilet facilities at Bridgnorth. This may be provided in a separate building or an extension to the main station building. If the later option is selected this may be a relatively difficult project due to the need to remain sympathetic to the Grade II listed original, being sufficiently unobtrusive and making the most of an extremely cramped site.
Between Hartlebury and Bewdley:
Between Kidderminster and Bewdley:
North of Bridgnorth:
and the European Regional Development Fund
have caused this view to moderate. Telford Steam Railway
have recently announced aspirations to operate into the Severn Gorge, leading a group to suggest extending the SVR northwards.
The SVR have been offered first refusal by BRB (Residuary) Ltd.
on the all-important tunnel under Bridgnorth as the first essential part of the plan. If the Telford Steam Railway was to expand and cross the river Severn via the Albert Edward Bridge
and operate to the original site of Buildwas Junction station
, they would operate over a very short part of the former Severn Valley Line. The planned closure of Ironbridge Power Station
In 2015 further adds to the debate because this covers the site of Buildwas Junction station. However, there are several obstacles to overcome, not least of which is that all of the land north of Bridgnorth tunnel is in private ownership. The Holybush Road was widened and raised after closure, impeding access to the southern portal of Bridgnorth tunnel. The group currently promoting such an extension has identified a viable technical solution to this and other difficulties.
Bridgnorth tunnel was relined in two separate places during operation and was a source of some trouble over the years, but the most recent regularly scheduled inspection by Network Rail
has found it to be in general good order. Both portals are currently blocked off and the southern end has been encroached onto by the garden of the house located adjacent to the former bridge abutment. The northern suburbs of Bridgnorth low town block the trackbed around 100 yards north of the tunnel, with 22 houses and a new road on the original alignment. The proponents have identified solutions that would avoid much of the existing housing. The next section to the north is covered by a golf course that regularly suffers flooding in the winter. There are no sizable populations in the valley above Bridgnorth before Coalport.
Beyond this point the area is at present geologically less stable. This instability is in the course of being corrected with a circa £100M project co-ordinated by Telford & Wrekin District Council, repairs intended to safeguard the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage
site for the next 100 years, although these repairs are not designed to cope with the extra loads imposed by the reinstatement of the railway through the Gorge civil engineering consultants opine that these extra loads are insignificant. At present a road occupies the route of the railway formation for a distance at Jackfield built to replace the original road damaged as a result of the 1954 land instability. At this point utility services for the area are carried on runners beside the road as the instability makes it impossible to maintain them underground. For all these reasons, reopening is not being actively pursued by the SVR itself, particularly since recovery from the effects of the 2007 floods damage will take time. The promoters recognise that investment for any extension will need to come from outside sources since the SVR feels any funds it has are required for improvements to existing visitor and staff facilities in order to achieve the standards expected nowadays.
On 14 July 2010 the Shropshire Star
reported that councillor Eric Carter of Telford and Wrekin
Council was keen to make such a scheme a reality as a way of relieving traffic congestion in the Severn Gorge. Two days later, the paper published a video interview with Councillor Carter, where he discussed the proposals by Telford Steam Railway to provide a link to the Gorge via the existing line to Ironbridge Power Station
, which would become redundant on the proposed closure of the power station in 2015. On 8 November, the paper reported that part of the route from Bridgnorth to Coalport would become part of the National Cycle Route 45, and opened to the public in 2011.
Reports exist that prior to World War II there was a proposal to link the Severn Valley Line with the Wombourne Branch. Although a section was pegged out and some earthworks carried out the line was eventually abandoned. There is thought to be some evidence of such a spur from the Severn Valley Line immediately south of Crossing Cottage near Eardington.
A suggestion has been made by a few SVR members to reinstate the track from Bewdley to Burlish (thus reinstating Bewdley's status as a junction station) as a precursor to an extension northwards.
have approached the Severn Valley Railway with a view to extending a number of its peak-time Marylebone
to services to Bewdley
to alleviate road congestion in the Kidderminster/Stourport/Bewdley area. This has raised questions regarding car parking limitations near Bewdley station. Should this go ahead the distinction between a heritage railway and a contemporary railway operation would be blurred.
In conjunction with this there have been suggestions for locating a Park and Ride
facility near Foley Park Halt.
) West Midland Group. Locomotives and stock from the railway do not now often operate excursions on the National Rail
network, but they have in the past been seen from Mallaig
to Plymouth
.
Although the Engine House was due to be formally opened by Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
on 28 April 2009 he was unable to attend due to illness; Algernon Heber-Percy, Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire
deputised in the Prince's absence. It was formally opened by the Duke during a rescheduled visit on 21 October 2009.
Perhaps interestingly, the land on which the Engine House stands was previously owned by the SVR prior to sale and eventual re-purchase.
The SVR has a large number of GWR coaches mainly of Collett era with Churchward and Hawksworth examples also present. The SVR also boasts the movement's largest collection of Period 3 LMS coaches and a full rake of LNER teak vehicles of the Gresley/Thompson era. Normally the carriages are made up as a BR (Carmine and Cream) set, a BR (Maroon) set, a full LNER set, an LMS set and two GWR sets, one of which makes up the restaurant train. The non-restaurant GWR set is usually only used on the intensive timetable and at special events. One set works off Bridgnorth and is rotated weekly.
The collection of operational carriages is constantly growing. Recent entrants to the fleet include LMS RFO 7511, LNER Kitchen Composite 7960 and, the Heritage Railway Association award winning, GNR corridor composite 2701. These three vehicles have been restored from near derelict condition. Others, awaiting restoration, include 1910-built Churchward third 2426 which has been in use as staff accommodation since arrival on the SVR, first at Bridgnorth and then, for the most recent several years, at Hampton Loade. Parts are being manufactured/gathered to carry out the restoration/conversion of former LNER pigeon van 70759 (bought from David & Charles
at Newton Abbot
). This will be modified into a Brake van with 4 third class compartments.
There is presently (April 2010) disquiet among some members regarding the disposal of a number of unrestored historic carriages which the SVR's management have deemed surplus to requirements.
used the railway.
The 1978 film version of The Thirty Nine Steps was partly filmed on the railway – specifically, the scenes where Hannay (Robert Powell
) hangs from Victoria Bridge. The scene is supposed to be set in Scotland, and the landscape is very out of place for that area.
Portions of The Seven-Per-Cent Solution
were filmed on the railway.
The BBC TV children's series God's Wonderful Railway
(1980) was filmed on the SVR.
The Bridgnorth station was used in 1981 as part of a sketch for the TV comedy Not the Nine O'Clock News
. In the sketch, Mel Smith
's character observes a steam train passing by without stopping and refers to it as an "old chuffer", forming part of a sequence of puns around the protagonist's wife.
In 1984, scenes for the BBC TV series The District Nurse
were filmed at Bewdley
station. Also in 1984, Arley railway station
was used for the BBC TV adaptation of The Box of Delights
.
The SVR featured in the BBC TV's 1987 adaptation of Agatha Christie
's Miss Marple
novel 4.50 From Paddington
. Scenes were shot in and around Bewdley
station.
Scenes featuring LMS 4MT no. 43106 were included in the 1987 TV serial Knights of God
.
The railway was used for the 1990s sitcom Oh, Doctor Beeching!
, featuring Paul Shane, Su Pollard
and Jeffrey Holland
. The exterior shots for the series were filmed in Arley station
, where a false row of cottages was temporarily erected in the goods yard.
Bewdley Station doubled for 'Hilton Railway Station' in the Merchant Ivory Productions 1992 film of "Howards End" by E.M. Forster.
The ITV
family drama Goodnight Mister Tom
had its station sequences filmed in early spring at Arley station
– for which trains ran through without stopping for two weeks.
In the 2005 film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
GWR Manor no. 7802 Bradley Manor
appeared as the train that brought the Pevensies to the nearest station to the Professor's house.
Station sites
Heritage railway
thumb|right|the Historical [[Khyber train safari|Khyber Railway]] goes through the [[Khyber Pass]], [[Pakistan]]A heritage railway , preserved railway , tourist railway , or tourist railroad is a railway that is run as a tourist attraction, in some cases by volunteers, and...
in Shropshire
Shropshire
Shropshire is a county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. It borders Wales to the west...
and Worcestershire
Worcestershire
Worcestershire is a non-metropolitan county, established in antiquity, located in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes it is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three counties that comprise the "Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire" NUTS 2 region...
, England. The 16 miles (26 km) line runs along the Severn Valley
Severn Valley (England)
The Severn Valley is a rural area of mid-western England, through which the River Severn runs and the Severn Valley Railway steam heritage line operates, starting at its northernmost point in Bridgnorth, Shropshire and running south for 16 miles to Bewdley, Worcestershire in the Wyre...
from Bridgnorth
Bridgnorth
Bridgnorth is a town in Shropshire, England, along the Severn Valley. It is split into Low Town and High Town, named on account of their elevations relative to the River Severn, which separates the upper town on the right bank from the lower on the left...
to Kidderminster
Kidderminster
Kidderminster is a town, in the Wyre Forest district of Worcestershire, England. It is located approximately seventeen miles south-west of Birmingham city centre and approximately fifteen miles north of Worcester city centre. The 2001 census recorded a population of 55,182 in the town...
, following the course of the River Severn
River Severn
The River Severn is the longest river in Great Britain, at about , but the second longest on the British Isles, behind the River Shannon. It rises at an altitude of on Plynlimon, Ceredigion near Llanidloes, Powys, in the Cambrian Mountains of mid Wales...
for much of its route. Train services are hauled predominantly by steam locomotives; however diesel traction is also sometimes used.
The railway is one of the most popular heritage railways in the country. It hosts numerous special events throughout the year, including both steam and diesel galas.
History
The Severn Valley line was built between 1858 and 1862, and linked HartleburyHartlebury
Hartlebury is a village in Worcestershire, England. It is a few miles south of Kidderminster and is in Wychavon district. The village registered a population of 2,549 in the Census 2001.The railway station is about half a mile to the east of the village....
, near Droitwich Spa
Droitwich Spa
Droitwich Spa is a town in northern Worcestershire, England, on the River Salwarpe.The town is situated on massive deposits of salt, and salt has been extracted there since ancient times. The natural Droitwich brine contains 2½ lbs...
, with Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire, in the West Midlands region of England. Lying on the River Severn, it is a civil parish home to some 70,000 inhabitants, and is the primary settlement and headquarters of Shropshire Council...
, a distance of 40 miles (64 km). Important stations on the line were Stourport-on-Severn
Stourport-on-Severn
Stourport-on-Severn, often shortened to Stourport, is a town and civil parish in the Wyre Forest District of North Worcestershire, England, a few miles to the south of Kidderminster and down stream on the River Severn from Bewdley...
, , , , , , Coalport
Coalport
Coalport is a village in Shropshire, now part of the new town of Telford. It is located on the River Severn at , a mile downstream of Ironbridge...
, , Buildwas
Buildwas
Buildwas is a village and civil parish in Shropshire, England, on the north bank of the River Severn at . It lies on the B4380 road to Atcham. The Royal Mail postcodes begin TF6 and TF8Buildwas Primary School is situated on the Buildwas bank road...
, Cressage
Cressage
Cressage is a village and civil parish in Shropshire, England. It lies on the junction of the A458 and B4380 roads and the River Severn flows around its northern boundary. The Royal Mail postcode begins SY5...
and Berrington
Berrington, Shropshire
Berrington is a small village and civil parish in Shropshire, England. According to the 2001 census the village had a population of 30, though the parish, which also includes the larger villages of Cross Houses and Cantlop, had a population of 805 in total....
. The original Severn Valley Railway was absorbed into the Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway
The Great Western Railway was a British railway company that linked London with the south-west and west of England and most of Wales. It was founded in 1833, received its enabling Act of Parliament in 1835 and ran its first trains in 1838...
in the 1870s, and in 1878 a link line was constructed from Bewdley to Kidderminster. This meant trains could run direct from the Black Country
Black Country
The Black Country is a loosely defined area of the English West Midlands conurbation, to the north and west of Birmingham, and to the south and east of Wolverhampton. During the industrial revolution in the 19th century this area had become one of the most intensely industrialised in the nation...
to areas of Shropshire. Most Kidderminster to Bewdley trains continued through the Wyre Forest line (dismantled in the 1960s and now a popular walking route) to Tenbury Wells
Tenbury Wells
Tenbury Wells is a market town and civil parish in the north-western extremity of the Malvern Hills District administrative area of Worcestershire, England. The 2001 census reported a population of 3,316.-Geography:...
or Woofferton
Woofferton
Woofferton is a village to the south of Ludlow, Shropshire, England. It is one of Shropshire's most southerly villages and lies on the border with Herefordshire. The public house there - the "Salwey Arms" - is the most southerly in the county...
. At Buildwas Junction (now the site of Ironbridge Power Station
Ironbridge Power Station
The Ironbridge power stations refers to a series of two coal-fired power stations which have occupied a site on the banks of the River Severn at Buildwas in Shropshire, England. The current Ironbridge B power station is operated by E.ON UK...
near what is now Telford
Telford
Telford is a large new town in the borough of Telford and Wrekin and ceremonial county of Shropshire, England, approximately east of Shrewsbury, and west of Birmingham...
) Severn Valley trains connected with services from Wellington
Wellington, Shropshire
Wellington is a town in the unitary authority of Telford and Wrekin and ceremonial county of Shropshire, England and now forms part of the new town of Telford. The population of the parish of Wellington was recorded as 20,430 in the 2001 census, making it the third largest town in Shropshire if...
to Much Wenlock
Much Wenlock
Much Wenlock, earlier known as Wenlock, is a small town in central Shropshire, England. It is situated on the A458 road between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth. Nearby, to the northeast, is the Ironbridge Gorge, and the new town of Telford...
and Craven Arms
Craven Arms
Craven Arms is a small town and civil parish in Shropshire, England, located on the A49 road and the Welsh Marches railway line, which connect it north and south to the larger towns of Shrewsbury and Ludlow respectively. The Heart of Wales railway line joins the Welsh Marches line at Craven Arms...
.
Prior to preservation, the Severn Valley line was never financially successful. Freight traffic, mostly agricultural, and coal
Coal
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called coal beds or coal seams. The harder forms, such as anthracite coal, can be regarded as metamorphic rock because of later exposure to elevated temperature and pressure...
traffic from the collieries of Alveley
Alveley
Alveley is a village and civil parish in south east Shropshire, England, along the Severn Valley on the east side of the River Severn. It has appeared in records dating back to AD50....
and Highley
Highley
Highley is a large village in Shropshire, England, on the west bank of the River Severn and on the B4555 road. Highley has a population of approximately 3,100, but is beset by transport problems due to the lack of a road bridge, resulting in a high unemployment rate.-History:Highley began as a...
were the principal sources of revenue. The line was strategically useful in the Second World War as a by-pass around the West Midlands.
After nationalisation in 1948, passenger traffic started to dwindle. The line was closed to through passenger and freight services in 1963 and the track north of Bridgnorth was dismantled. Whilst it is generally believed that the line was closed under the "Beeching Axe
Beeching Axe
The Beeching Axe or the Beeching Cuts are informal names for the British Government's attempt in the 1960s to reduce the cost of running British Railways, the nationalised railway system in the United Kingdom. The name is that of the main author of The Reshaping of British Railways, Dr Richard...
" of the 1960s, the Severn Valley Line was, in fact, already scheduled for closure prior to the release of Beeching's 1962 report. After 1963, coal traffic survived south of Alveley until 1969, while a sparse passenger service continued to link Bewdley with Kidderminster and Hartlebury, until this too ceased in January 1970.
Today, a very small section of the original Severn Valley line continues to carry coal traffic to Ironbridge Power Station
Ironbridge Power Station
The Ironbridge power stations refers to a series of two coal-fired power stations which have occupied a site on the banks of the River Severn at Buildwas in Shropshire, England. The current Ironbridge B power station is operated by E.ON UK...
.
For much of its working life it was operated by the Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway
The Great Western Railway was a British railway company that linked London with the south-west and west of England and most of Wales. It was founded in 1833, received its enabling Act of Parliament in 1835 and ran its first trains in 1838...
and subsequently the Western Region of British Railways
Western Region of British Railways
The Western Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992...
. Today the Severn Valley Railway operates as a heritage railway. Services began in 1970 from Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade
Hampton Loade
Hampton Loade is a village in Shropshire, England along the Severn Valley. It is situated on the east bank of the River Severn at , and is notable for the unusual current-operated Hampton Loade Ferry, a cable ferry to the hamlet of Hampton on the west bank...
, extending to Bewdley
Bewdley
Bewdley is a town and civil parish in the Wyre Forest District of Worcestershire, England, along the Severn Valley a few miles to the west of Kidderminster...
in 1974 and Kidderminster in 1984.
2010 marked the Severn Valley railway's 40th anniversary and the 175th anniversary of the formation of the Great Western Railway. Special events were staged during the year to commemorate these events.
Operations
SVR trains usually operate over the whole line length calling at most stations. The "halts" (Northwood Halt and Country Park Halt) are request stops. Passengers may use these halts during daylight hours only. Trains include the Severn Valley Limited and the Severn Valley Venturer which are the principal dining car trains (normally on Sundays).Many special gala days are held, often with visiting engines and rolling stock from other heritage lines; these and other attractions have seen visitor numbers exceed 250,000 per year.
A diesel multiple unit is used to run a Scenic Evening Land Cruise fish-and-chip special train run on Saturday evenings from May to August, leaving Kidderminster at around 7pm and returning at 10pm after one hour in Bridgnorth. The Severn Valley Venturer
Severn Valley Venturer
The Severn Valley Venturer is one of the principal dining trains that operates a Sunday lunch dining service on the Severn Valley Railway. The dining car is staffed entirely by volunteers. Although the rolling stock and majority of staff start from Bridgnorth the dining service proper commences at...
is a dining car that runs on the railway.
The SVR's rail connection to the National Rail
National Rail
National Rail is a title used by the Association of Train Operating Companies as a generic term to define the passenger rail services operated in Great Britain...
network at Kidderminster permits various track maintenance, weed killing, track measurement and occasional through charter trains to operate from various parts of the country to Bridgnorth. An example of these visitors was that of the VSOE
Venice-Simplon Orient Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a private luxury train service that travels from London to Venice that is popularly referred to as the Orient Express....
Northern Belle in 2006. Two direct trains to from Bridgnorth
Bridgnorth
Bridgnorth is a town in Shropshire, England, along the Severn Valley. It is split into Low Town and High Town, named on account of their elevations relative to the River Severn, which separates the upper town on the right bank from the lower on the left...
operated by Chiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways is a British train operating company. It was set up at the privatisation of British Rail in 1996, and operates local passenger trains from Marylebone station in London to Aylesbury and main-line trains on the Chiltern Main Line to Birmingham Snow Hill with its associated branches...
ran in 2009, one on August 15 and one on November 28. Some trackwork revisions are planned at Kidderminster to improve ingress of future incoming excursions.
The railway operated two revenue-earning freight trains in May 2007 which carried 6-metre-long pipes from Kidderminster to the Severn Trent water handling plant at Trimpley. Carriage by road of such long pipes would have been difficult because of the narrow roads in the immediate area of Trimpley.
Major infrastructure damage – summer 2007
2007 United Kingdom floods
The 2007 United Kingdom floods were a series of destructive floods that occurred in various areas across the country during the summer of 2007. The most severe floods occurred across Northern Ireland on 12 June; East Yorkshire and The Midlands on 15 June; Yorkshire, The Midlands, Gloucestershire,...
on the evening of 19 June 2007 the railway suffered major damage, much more extensive than any in its history. The line was damaged between Bridgnorth
Bridgnorth railway station
Bridgnorth railway station is a station on the Severn Valley Railway heritage line, serving the Shropshire town of Bridgnorth, England. It is currently the northern terminus of the SVR, home to the main engine shed and a large gift shop amongst other facilities.-History:Bridgnorth station was not...
Outer Home signal and Northwood Halt
Northwood Halt railway station
Northwood Halt is an unstaffed request stop on the Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire, situated a little to the north of Bewdley on the outskirts of the Wyre Forest. There is a level crossing just to the south of the single platform...
, where the line suffered from numerous landslides with many sections of the line suspended in mid-air.(BBC photo) Many cuttings were filled with debris. At the Up Starter signal and the embankment that it used to stand on were washed away. At Hampton
Hampton Loade
Hampton Loade is a village in Shropshire, England along the Severn Valley. It is situated on the east bank of the River Severn at , and is notable for the unusual current-operated Hampton Loade Ferry, a cable ferry to the hamlet of Hampton on the west bank...
, the access road to the railway station – and indeed the only road to the village – was also washed away. (BBC photo).
A dozen other heritage railways pledged to help the stricken SVR, including Mid Hants Railway
Watercress Line
The Watercress Line is the marketing name of the Mid-Hants Railway, a heritage railway in Hampshire, England, running from New Alresford to Alton where it connects to the National Rail network. The line gained its popular name in the days that it was used to transport locally grown watercress to...
, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a volunteer-run heritage railway on the Gloucestershire/Worcestershire/Warwickshire Borders that has reopened the closed railway line between Laverton Halt and Cheltenham Racecourse railway stations in Gloucestershire/Worcestershire., it currently...
, West Somerset Railway
West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway is a railway line that originally linked and in Somerset, England.It opened in 1862 and was extended from Watchet to by the Minehead Railway in 1874. Although just a single track, improvements were needed in the first half of the twentieth century to accommodate the...
, Avon Valley Railway
Avon Valley Railway
The Avon Valley Railway is a three-mile-long heritage railway based at Bitton station in South Gloucestershire, England, not far from Bristol and is run by a local group: The Avon Valley Railway Company Ltd. The railway follows the Avon Valley south-east from Oldland Common, through Bitton and...
, Dean Forest Railway
Dean Forest Railway
The Dean Forest Railway is a long heritage railway that runs between Lydney and Parkend in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. The route was part of the Severn and Wye Railway which ran from Lydney to Cinderford. The society that operates the line started steam locomotive operations in 1971, and...
, Great Central Railway
Great Central Railway (preserved)
The Great Central Railway is a heritage railway split into two adjacent sections, one in Leicestershire and the other Nottinghamshire.The Leicestershire section is currently Britain's only double track mainline heritage railway, with of working double track, period signalling, locomotives and...
, North Yorkshire Moors Railway
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a heritage railway in North Yorkshire, England. First opened in 1836 as the Whitby and Pickering Railway, the railway was planned in 1831 by George Stephenson as a means of opening up trade routes inland from the then important seaport of Whitby. The line...
and Bluebell Railway
Bluebell Railway
The Bluebell Railway is a heritage line running for nine miles along the border between East and West Sussex, England. Steam trains are operated between and , with an intermediate station at .The railway is managed and run largely by volunteers...
.
It was announced on 22 June 2007 that an emergency appeal would be started on 25 June to raise funds for the repair bill. The railway's insurers agreed to pay out £500,000 and Advantage West Midlands provided a grant of £750,000, whilst the European Regional Development Fund
European Regional Development Fund
The European Regional Development Fund is a fund allocated by the European Union.-History:During the 1960s, the European Commission occasionally tried to establish a regional fund. Only Italy ever supported this, however, and nothing came of it. Britain made it an issue for their accession in...
may also be able to grant aid up to £750,000 as funding towards the repairs. Of this £1.5m total, £250,000 is thought to be for development at Highley Station, with £1.25m available for the railway's repair. The total cost of the damage has now been revised upwards to £2.5 million as a result of further damage and a massive potential slip in the Northwood Lane area following more rain and flooding in late July.
These events damaged the summer tourist custom to the railway, the towns served, and the area as a whole. A spokesman announced on 22 June that the line was expected to reopen between Bewdley and Arley by the end of July and the section between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade to be up and running by the end of August; however it became apparent in early July 2007 that these reopenings would be delayed by as much as a month, later extended to up to three months. It was also said later that the crucial link between Hampton Loade and Arley, including Highley station and the new Engine House museum, would probably not open until as late as Spring 2008.
The Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade section eventually re-opened on 9 February 2008 for the school half-term. The first passenger train to Hampton Loade since 19 June 2007 departed on time at 10.30, comprising 5 LMS coaches hauled by 45xx Class
GWR 4500 Class
The Great Western Railway 4500 Class or Small Prairie is a class of steam locomotive. They are 2-6-2T type. A total of 75 were built; 55 were built in four batches between 1906 and 1915. A fifth batch of 20 locos was built in 1924, during Collett's tenure at Swindon. The first two batches were...
no. 4566. The train featured the headboard carried by the first reopening train from Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade in 1970. Although other drainage work enhancements remain to be completed the line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth reopened fully to the public on Good Friday, 21 March 2008.
Signalling
All sections between Bridgnorth and Bewdley North operate using the Tyer's Electric Train Token
Token (railway signalling)
In railway signalling, a token is a physical object which a locomotive driver is required to have or see before entering onto a particular section of single track. The token is clearly endorsed with the name of the section it belongs to...
.
The Engineer's siding at Eardington is controlled by a ground frame. No intermediate token instrument is provided as the ground frame is released by use of the long section token (Bridgnorth – Highley).
Between Bewdley North and Bewdley South the double track section through platforms 1 & 2 is signalled with absolute block
British absolute block signalling
The principle of the British absolute block system of railway signalling is to ensure the safe operation of a railway by allowing only one train to occupy a defined section of track at a time...
. The single track through platform 3 is signalled with direction lever. The line furthest from the main station buildings, known as the Rock siding, is a double-ended siding.
The single line section between Bewdley South and Kidderminster is track circuit
Track circuit
A track circuit is a simple electrical device used to detect the absence of a train on rail tracks, used to inform signallers and control relevant signals.- Principles and operation :...
ed throughout and is signalled using acceptance lever.
Most of the signal boxes on the line bear original cast iron GWR name plates, with the sole exception being at Bridgnorth which has a replica. The SVR Kidderminster's name plate was recovered from another signal box that formerly stood on the up end of the down platform at Kidderminster station (Network Rail). The lever frame from the same signal box was reused at Arley, which has an LNWR signal box after the original was demolished. The replica name plate at Bridgnorth is made of fibre glass, although it is not known if it was moulded from the original or even if the original still exists.
The SVR trains new signalmen at the Kidderminster Signalling School, located above the carriage works.
Stations
The only station building with any form of listing.- Eardington Halt, originally just Eardington (Closed in 1981, used only for storage, a few volunteers have campaigned for re-opening in recent years)
- Hampton LoadeHampton Loade railway stationHampton Loade railway station is a station on the Severn Valley Railway heritage line, close to the hamlet of Hampton on the western bank of the River Severn; Hampton Loade itself is on the eastern bank, and may be reached by the Hampton Loade Ferry across the river.-History:Hampton Loade station...
- Country Park HaltCountry Park Halt railway stationCountry Park Halt is an unstaffed request stop on the Severn Valley Railway heritage line in Shropshire, situated near the west bank of the River Severn, about 300 yards north of the footbridge between Highley and Alveley in the Severn Valley....
(request stopRequest stopIn public transport, a request stop or flag stop describes a stopping point at which trains or buses stop only on an as-need or request basis; that is, only if there are passengers to be picked up or dropped off. In this way, infrequently used stopping points can be served efficiently.Trains save...
) replaced Alveley Halt - Alveley Halt (never re-opened by SVR after BR closure, due to it serving a now closed mine, and the opening of the new Country Park Halt) (request stop)
A short section of multiple track exists between Bewdley South and Bewdley North signal boxes.
Kidderminster Town station is not an original station. It was created by the SVR based upon the original GWR station at Ross-on-Wye (1892). Various projects have been carried out by volunteers and contractors to add to the general GWR ambience. Major projects include the porte cochère to the front of the station, the ornamental crestings on the two towers and the canopy over the concourse which was completed in 2006, along with the final, east, wing of the station.
There are plans to provide new catering, shop and toilet facilities at Bridgnorth. This may be provided in a separate building or an extension to the main station building. If the later option is selected this may be a relatively difficult project due to the need to remain sympathetic to the Grade II listed original, being sufficiently unobtrusive and making the most of an extremely cramped site.
Former stations
Former stations, most of which were closed with the Severn Valley line as a whole in 1963, after 101 years in use.Between Hartlebury and Bewdley:
- StourportStourport-on-SevernStourport-on-Severn, often shortened to Stourport, is a town and civil parish in the Wyre Forest District of North Worcestershire, England, a few miles to the south of Kidderminster and down stream on the River Severn from Bewdley...
(1862 – 3 January 1970) - Burlish Halt, towards the north of Stourport at Burlish Crossing
Between Kidderminster and Bewdley:
- Foley Park HaltFoley Park HaltFoley Park Halt was the first stop on the Kidderminster to Bridgnorth railway. It was located where the railway went under Stourport Road, Kidderminster.-History:...
(1905–1970) - Rifle Range Halt (1905–1920)
North of Bridgnorth:
- Linley HaltLinley HaltLinley Halt was a small railway station on the Severn Valley line in Shropshire, England. The single siding accessed by means of a ground frame was taken out of use in December 1957. The siding connected with the running line with a trailing connection in the up direction...
(1862–1963) - CoalportCoalport railway stationThe GWR Coalport railway station was originally built as a single through platform railway station on the Severn Valley Line serving the village of Coalport in Shropshire, England. By 1925 an additional platform had been added thus permitting up and down trains to pass along with a third platform...
(1862–1963) - Jackfield HaltJackfield HaltJackfield Halt was an unstaffed request stop on the Severn Valley line in Shropshire, England. Originally opened west of Maw's sidings in 1934, it was relocated to a new position to the east of these sidings on 1 March 1954, because of the danger of landslip...
(1934–1954) & (1954–1963) Relocated due to land instability. - Ironbridge and BroseleyIronbridge and Broseley railway stationIron Bridge and Broseley railway station was a railway station with two through platforms on the Severn Valley Railway Line in Shropshire, England....
(1862–1963) - Buildwas Junction (1862–1963)
- CressageCressage railway stationCressage railway station was a railway station on the Severn Valley line. It opened in 1880 with a single platform and a siding. By 1898 it had acquired an additional platform along with a signal box and the sidings had been expanded. Although thought by some people to have been closed as part of...
(1862–1963) - CoundCound HaltCound Halt was an unstaffed railway station on the Severn Valley line in Shropshire, England. It opened on 4 August 1934 and although thought by some people to have been closed as part of the Beeching axe in 1963 its planned closure pre-dated his report....
(1934–1963) - BerringtonBerrington railway stationBerrington railway station was a railway station on the Severn Valley line. It opened in 1880 with a single platform and a siding. By 1898 it had acquired an additional platform along with a signal box and the sidings had been expanded. Despite the name it was actually closer to the neighbouring...
(1862–1963)
Northwards
The plan to expand North was mooted by groups within the SVR as early as the mid 1970s, the first plan was dismissed as impossible by the then board of the SVR. However, recent successes by others in obtaining large sums of money from the likes of the Heritage Lottery FundHeritage Lottery Fund
The Heritage Lottery Fund is a fund established in the United Kingdom under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. The Fund opened for applications in 1994. It uses money raised through the National Lottery to transform and sustain the UK’s heritage...
and the European Regional Development Fund
European Regional Development Fund
The European Regional Development Fund is a fund allocated by the European Union.-History:During the 1960s, the European Commission occasionally tried to establish a regional fund. Only Italy ever supported this, however, and nothing came of it. Britain made it an issue for their accession in...
have caused this view to moderate. Telford Steam Railway
Telford Steam Railway
The Telford Steam Railway is a heritage railway located at Horsehay, Telford in Shropshire, England, formed in 1976.The railway is operated by volunteers on Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to the end of September, and at Christmas...
have recently announced aspirations to operate into the Severn Gorge, leading a group to suggest extending the SVR northwards.
The SVR have been offered first refusal by BRB (Residuary) Ltd.
BRB (Residuary) Ltd.
BRB Limited is the successor to the British Railways Board. It is a private company limited by shares, with 100% of the issued share capital owned by the Secretary of State for Transport.-Background:...
on the all-important tunnel under Bridgnorth as the first essential part of the plan. If the Telford Steam Railway was to expand and cross the river Severn via the Albert Edward Bridge
Albert Edward Bridge
The Albert Edward Bridge is a railway bridge spanning the River Severn at Coalbrookdale in Shropshire, England.-History:Opened on 1 November 1864, its design is almost identical to Victoria Bridge which carries the Severn Valley Railway over the Severn between Arley and Bewdley in Worcestershire...
and operate to the original site of Buildwas Junction station
Buildwas Junction railway station
Buildwas railway station was an important bustling junction station after the opening of the Severn Valley line in the mid-19th century. The station had platforms at two different levels and, at its peak, had a total of eleven staff, including the station master...
, they would operate over a very short part of the former Severn Valley Line. The planned closure of Ironbridge Power Station
Ironbridge Power Station
The Ironbridge power stations refers to a series of two coal-fired power stations which have occupied a site on the banks of the River Severn at Buildwas in Shropshire, England. The current Ironbridge B power station is operated by E.ON UK...
In 2015 further adds to the debate because this covers the site of Buildwas Junction station. However, there are several obstacles to overcome, not least of which is that all of the land north of Bridgnorth tunnel is in private ownership. The Holybush Road was widened and raised after closure, impeding access to the southern portal of Bridgnorth tunnel. The group currently promoting such an extension has identified a viable technical solution to this and other difficulties.
Bridgnorth tunnel was relined in two separate places during operation and was a source of some trouble over the years, but the most recent regularly scheduled inspection by Network Rail
Network Rail
Network Rail is the government-created owner and operator of most of the rail infrastructure in Great Britain .; it is not responsible for railway infrastructure in Northern Ireland...
has found it to be in general good order. Both portals are currently blocked off and the southern end has been encroached onto by the garden of the house located adjacent to the former bridge abutment. The northern suburbs of Bridgnorth low town block the trackbed around 100 yards north of the tunnel, with 22 houses and a new road on the original alignment. The proponents have identified solutions that would avoid much of the existing housing. The next section to the north is covered by a golf course that regularly suffers flooding in the winter. There are no sizable populations in the valley above Bridgnorth before Coalport.
Beyond this point the area is at present geologically less stable. This instability is in the course of being corrected with a circa £100M project co-ordinated by Telford & Wrekin District Council, repairs intended to safeguard the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage
Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust
Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is an industrial heritage organisation which runs ten museums and manages 35 historic sites within the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, England, widely considered as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution....
site for the next 100 years, although these repairs are not designed to cope with the extra loads imposed by the reinstatement of the railway through the Gorge civil engineering consultants opine that these extra loads are insignificant. At present a road occupies the route of the railway formation for a distance at Jackfield built to replace the original road damaged as a result of the 1954 land instability. At this point utility services for the area are carried on runners beside the road as the instability makes it impossible to maintain them underground. For all these reasons, reopening is not being actively pursued by the SVR itself, particularly since recovery from the effects of the 2007 floods damage will take time. The promoters recognise that investment for any extension will need to come from outside sources since the SVR feels any funds it has are required for improvements to existing visitor and staff facilities in order to achieve the standards expected nowadays.
On 14 July 2010 the Shropshire Star
Shropshire Star
The Shropshire Star is a regional newspaper covering the whole of Shropshire, plus parts of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Cheshire, the Llangollen area and northern Powys in the United Kingdom.-About:The editor is Keith Harrison....
reported that councillor Eric Carter of Telford and Wrekin
Telford and Wrekin
Telford and Wrekin is a unitary district with borough status in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes it is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. The district was created in 1974 as The...
Council was keen to make such a scheme a reality as a way of relieving traffic congestion in the Severn Gorge. Two days later, the paper published a video interview with Councillor Carter, where he discussed the proposals by Telford Steam Railway to provide a link to the Gorge via the existing line to Ironbridge Power Station
Ironbridge Power Station
The Ironbridge power stations refers to a series of two coal-fired power stations which have occupied a site on the banks of the River Severn at Buildwas in Shropshire, England. The current Ironbridge B power station is operated by E.ON UK...
, which would become redundant on the proposed closure of the power station in 2015. On 8 November, the paper reported that part of the route from Bridgnorth to Coalport would become part of the National Cycle Route 45, and opened to the public in 2011.
Westwards
The former Tenbury Line trackbed is substantially intact as far as Newnham Bridge station before it is hemmed in by modern development. However, several underbridges are missing, including the famous Dowles Viaduct over the river Severn, a span over the Bewdley to Bridgnorth road and a brick span at Cleobury. Added to this are the same problems relating to land ownership, realignments of roads at former bridge sites and probable lack of custom at the Newnham Bridge end.Eastwards
There was a proposal for a Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth Light Railway in 1896. Further details shows the line of the proposed railway bordered the lane between Sutton Mill and Sutton Farm, Dog Kennel and land owned by a Henry Cavendish Cavendish and Bridgnorth Rural District Council.Reports exist that prior to World War II there was a proposal to link the Severn Valley Line with the Wombourne Branch. Although a section was pegged out and some earthworks carried out the line was eventually abandoned. There is thought to be some evidence of such a spur from the Severn Valley Line immediately south of Crossing Cottage near Eardington.
Southwards
Between Burlish and Stourport station, the alignment of the former Bewdley to Hartlebury section has been redevloped for housing. However, from the Hartlebury direction the trackbed is intact as a bridleway from Mitton (the eastern throat of the original station), with only a span over the A449 Worcester to Kidderminster main road missing. The abutments are intact. Almost all of the trackbed is in Council ownership and they have recently expressed an interest in reopening as a commuter line. The goal of this proposal is unclear.A suggestion has been made by a few SVR members to reinstate the track from Bewdley to Burlish (thus reinstating Bewdley's status as a junction station) as a precursor to an extension northwards.
Other operational extensions
The General Manager, Nick Ralls has confirmed that Chiltern RailwaysChiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways is a British train operating company. It was set up at the privatisation of British Rail in 1996, and operates local passenger trains from Marylebone station in London to Aylesbury and main-line trains on the Chiltern Main Line to Birmingham Snow Hill with its associated branches...
have approached the Severn Valley Railway with a view to extending a number of its peak-time Marylebone
Marylebone station
Marylebone station , also known as London Marylebone, is a central London railway terminus and London Underground complex. It stands midway between the mainline stations at Euston and Paddington, about 1 mile from each...
to services to Bewdley
Bewdley railway station
Bewdley railway station serves the town of Bewdley in Worcestershire, England. It is the administrative headquarters of the Severn Valley Railway, and is the principal intermediate station on the line.-History:...
to alleviate road congestion in the Kidderminster/Stourport/Bewdley area. This has raised questions regarding car parking limitations near Bewdley station. Should this go ahead the distinction between a heritage railway and a contemporary railway operation would be blurred.
In conjunction with this there have been suggestions for locating a Park and Ride
Park and ride
Park and ride facilities are car parks with connections to public transport that allow commuters and other people wishing to travel into city centres to leave their vehicles and transfer to a bus, rail system , or carpool for the rest of their trip...
facility near Foley Park Halt.
Rolling stock
The railway can call on a large fleet to operate its services. Only a diminishing core of vehicles actually belong to the railway company, the remainder being owned by associated groups, such as the Great Western (Severn Valley Railway) Association, and individuals. The SVR is also the base of the DMU (diesel multiple unitDiesel multiple unit
A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple unit train consisting of multiple carriages powered by one or more on-board diesel engines. They may also be referred to as a railcar or railmotor, depending on country.-Design:...
) West Midland Group. Locomotives and stock from the railway do not now often operate excursions on the National Rail
National Rail
National Rail is a title used by the Association of Train Operating Companies as a generic term to define the passenger rail services operated in Great Britain...
network, but they have in the past been seen from Mallaig
Mallaig
Mallaig ; is a port in Lochaber, on the west coast of the Highlands of Scotland. The local railway station, Mallaig, is the terminus of the West Highland railway line , completed in 1901, and the town is linked to Fort William by the A830 road – the "Road to the Isles".The village of Mallaig...
to Plymouth
Plymouth
Plymouth is a city and unitary authority area on the coast of Devon, England, about south-west of London. It is built between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound...
.
Locomotive works
The main locomotive works are located at Bridgnorth. It is not normally open to the public because of health and safety regulations but conducted tours and open days are arranged from time to time. Major features of the locomotive works include the boiler shop equipped with overhead crane, Noble and Lunn wheel lathe , ex-LT lifting jacks and a Wheeldrop recovered from Leicestershire, installed in 2010. Works to enclose the southern end of Bridgnorth locomotive shed with roller shutter doors, improve natural illumination and waterproof the building more effectively were completed in early 2009. This forms the first of a number of phases to improve the Bridgnorth site both for staff and for visitors.Carriage works
Although carriage repair and restoration is carried out at a number of locations on the railway, the main carriage works is located in the former goods shed at Kidderminster. This building, lying adjacent to the main national railway line, is known as the North Star Carriage Works thus perpetuating a typical GWR name. As well as having a machine shop and fabrication equipment to carry out a full range of body and bogie repairs the carriage works boasts equipment recovered from former BR works to calibrate and adjust dynamo voltage regulators and to thoroughly overhaul and test vacuum brake equipment, a facility that is almost extinct elsewhere. In common with the locomotive works it is not normally open to the public due to health and safety legislation.The Engine House
The Engine House, built on land adjacent to the station at Highley provides covered accommodation for locomotives currently out of service, displays of other rolling stock, and an education/interpretation centre. Although it was due to be open mid/late 2007, the planned opening dates were affected by the flood damage at Highley station with rail access to the site finally being installed in March 2008. The first exhibits arrived by rail on 14 and 16 March 2008, allowing the museum to open in conjunction with the full line reopening. In late 2008 access was not possible by rail as passenger trains did not stop at Highley station whilst footings and parts of a new footbridge were built. Highley station reopened in 2009 and the new footbridge was completed during October 2009.Although the Engine House was due to be formally opened by Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester is a member of the British Royal Family. Prince Richard is the youngest grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary. He has been Duke of Gloucester since his father's death in 1974. He is currently 20th in the line of succession...
on 28 April 2009 he was unable to attend due to illness; Algernon Heber-Percy, Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire
Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire
This is a list of people who have served as Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire. Before the English Civil War, the lieutenancy of Shropshire was always held by the Lord Lieutenant of Wales, but after the Restoration, its lieutenants were appointed separately...
deputised in the Prince's absence. It was formally opened by the Duke during a rescheduled visit on 21 October 2009.
Perhaps interestingly, the land on which the Engine House stands was previously owned by the SVR prior to sale and eventual re-purchase.
Operational steam locomotives
- GWRGreat Western RailwayThe Great Western Railway was a British railway company that linked London with the south-west and west of England and most of Wales. It was founded in 1833, received its enabling Act of Parliament in 1835 and ran its first trains in 1838...
2-8-0 28xx ClassGWR 2800 ClassThe Great Western Railway 2800 Class is a class of steam locomotive designed by G.J. Churchward for heavy freight work. They were the first 2-8-0 class in Great Britain....
No. 2857 - GWR Green, GWR Lettering
- GWR 2-6-2T 45xx ClassGWR 4500 ClassThe Great Western Railway 4500 Class or Small Prairie is a class of steam locomotive. They are 2-6-2T type. A total of 75 were built; 55 were built in four batches between 1906 and 1915. A fifth batch of 20 locos was built in 1924, during Collett's tenure at Swindon. The first two batches were...
No. 4566 – GWR green, Great Western Lettering - GWR 2-6-2T 5101 ClassGWR 5101 ClassThe GWR 5101 Class or Large Prairie was a class of 2-6-2T steam locomotives of the Great Western Railway. They were medium-sized tank engines used for suburban and local passenger services all over the Great Western Railway system...
No. 5164 – GWR green, Great Western Lettering - GWR 4-6-0 78xx "Manor" ClassGWR 7800 ClassThe Great Western Railway 7800 Class or Manor Class is a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotive. They were designed as a lighter version of the GWR Grange Class, giving them a wider Route Availability. Like the 'Granges', the 'Manors' used parts from the GWR 4300 Class Moguls but just on the first batch...
No. 7812 Erlestoke Manor – BR green, Late Crest - LMSLondon, Midland and Scottish RailwayThe London Midland and Scottish Railway was a British railway company. It was formed on 1 January 1923 under the Railways Act of 1921, which required the grouping of over 120 separate railway companies into just four...
2-6-0 Class 5MTLMS Stanier MogulThe London Midland and Scottish Railway Stanier 2-6-0 or Stanier Mogul is a class of 2-6-0 mixed traffic steam locomotive. Forty were built between October 1933 and March 1934.- Overview :...
No. 42968 – BR black, Late Crest (currently running with the tender from LMS Black 5 No. 45110) - LMS/BR 2-6-0 Class 4MTLMS Ivatt Class 4The LMS Ivatt Class 4 2-6-0 is a class of steam locomotive primarily designed for medium freight work but also widely used on secondary passenger services. The London Midland and Scottish Railway built 162 of this type between 1947 and 1952, but only three were built by the LMS before...
No. 43106 The Flying Pig – BR black, Late Crest
Steam locomotives under overhaul, restoration or construction
- GWR 4-6-0 78xx "Manor" ClassGWR 7800 ClassThe Great Western Railway 7800 Class or Manor Class is a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotive. They were designed as a lighter version of the GWR Grange Class, giving them a wider Route Availability. Like the 'Granges', the 'Manors' used parts from the GWR 4300 Class Moguls but just on the first batch...
No. 7802 Bradley Manor – BR green Late Crest (withdrawn Feb 2011 due to firebox problems, Planned for Fastrack overhaul & New 3500 Gallon Tender to replace the Collet 4000 Gallon Tender) - LMS 2-6-0 LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0The London, Midland and Scottish Railway Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 is a class of steam locomotive designed for light mixed traffic.-Design:...
No. 46443 - Br Black Late Crest (withdrawn from traffic Oct 2011 pending general overhaul due to severe corrosion of the steam pipe seating face on the super heater header which is causing leakage) - BR Standard Class 3 2-6-2T replica (2-6-2T Class 3MT) No. 82045 Recent activities see the completion of fitting of all rigid frame stretchers including the all important smokebox saddle. The cast steel horn-blocks and axle-box guides have been made and machined and await fitting to the frames when the manganese-steel liners have been completed. Attention has now turned to the flexible stretchers, brake hanger brackets and the cast steel motion brackets. http://www.82045.org.uk/82045_news.html
- BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0BR standard class 4 4-6-0The British Railways Standard Class 4 4-6-0 is a class of steam locomotives, 80 of which were built during the 1950s. Six have been preserved.-Background:...
(Class 4MT) No. 75069 (dismantling commenced during June 2009, but condition of boiler means it will not be overhauled in the foreseeable future) - GWR 2-6-2T 5101 ClassGWR 5101 ClassThe GWR 5101 Class or Large Prairie was a class of 2-6-2T steam locomotives of the Great Western Railway. They were medium-sized tank engines used for suburban and local passenger services all over the Great Western Railway system...
No. 4150 (overhaul underway at Bewdley February 2011) - GWR 0-6-2T 66xx ClassGWR 5600 ClassThe GWR 5600 Class is a class of 0-6-2T steam locomotive built between 1924 and 1928. They were designed by C.B Collett for the Great Western Railway , and were introduced into traffic in 1924. Two hundred locomotives were built and remained in service until withdrawn by British Railways between...
No. 6634 (overhaul underway at Bridgnorth September 2011) - GWR 0-6-0PT 15xx ClassGWR 1500 ClassThe Great Western Railway 1500 Class is a class of 0-6-0 pannier tank steam locomotive. Despite being a GWR design, all ten were built by the Western Region of British Railways in 1949.-Overview:...
No. 1501 (boiler Undergoing Overhaul, and work underway on any repairs needed to axleboxes and tyres September 2011) - SR 4-6-2 West Country ClassSR West Country ClassThe SR West Country and Battle of Britain classes, collectively known as Light Pacifics or informally as Spam Cans, are classes of air-smoothed 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive designed for the Southern Railway by its Chief Mechanical Engineer Oliver Bulleid...
No. 34027 Taw ValleyRiver TawThe River Taw rises at Taw Head, a spring on the central northern flanks of Dartmoor. It reaches the Bristol Channel away on the north coast of Devon at a joint estuary mouth which it shares with the River Torridge.-Watercourse:...
(boiler at Pridham's and nearing completion, (the Bulleid boiler at Bridgnorth is that from Sidmouth 34010), overhaul of chassis underway. Driving wheels reinstalled during w/c 7/3/11.) Return for 2013. - Catch me who canCatch me who canCatch Me Who Can was the fourth and last steam railway locomotive created by Richard Trevithick, . Built in 1808 by Rastrick and Hazledine at their foundry in Bridgnorth, England...
replica 2-2-0 Richard Trevithick locomotive of 1808 (able to turn wheels under steam when set on blocks, but not yet ready to run on rails as braking system and footplate not yet fitted) - Port Talbot Railway 0-6-0ST No. 813 (boiler receiving attention & Overhaul Underway)
- Manning WardleManning WardleManning Wardle was a steam locomotive manufacturer based in Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.- Precursor companies :The city of Leeds was one of the earliest centres of locomotive building; Matthew Murray built the first commercially successful steam locomotive, Salamanca, in Holbeck, Leeds,...
Contractor's Locomotive 0-6-0ST No. 2047 Warwickshire (boiler removed pending assesment and probable replacement)
Steam locomotives on static display
- GWR 4-6-0 49xx "Hall" ClassGWR 4900 ClassThe Great Western Railway 4900 Class or Hall Class is a class of 4-6-0 mixed traffic steam locomotives designed by Charles Collett. A total of 259 were built, numbered 4900–4999, 5900–5999 and 6900–6958. The LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 and LNER Thompson Class B1 both drew heavily on design features...
No. 4930 Hagley Hall (on view at the engine house, previously at the McArthur Glen designer outlet in SwindonSwindonSwindon is a large town within the borough of Swindon and ceremonial county of Wiltshire, in South West England. It is midway between Bristol, west and Reading, east. London is east...
, Wiltshire) with 6960 Raveningham Halls Tender. Her own been behind 6960. - GWR 2-6-0 43xx ClassGWR 4300 ClassThe Great Western Railway 4300 Class is a class of 2-6-0 steam locomotive.- Overview :The class was introduced in 1911 to a G.J. Churchward design. 342 were built until 1932...
No. 9303 (7325) (on view at the engine house, cosmetically restored) - GWR 0-6-0PT 57xx ClassGWR 5700 ClassThe Great Western Railway 5700 Class is a class of 0-6-0 pannier tank steam locomotive, built between 1929 and 1950. 863 were built, making them the second most-produced British class of steam locomotive.- Overview :...
No. 5764 - (On View at the engine house on static display) - GWR 0-6-0PT 57xx ClassGWR 5700 ClassThe Great Western Railway 5700 Class is a class of 0-6-0 pannier tank steam locomotive, built between 1929 and 1950. 863 were built, making them the second most-produced British class of steam locomotive.- Overview :...
No. 7714 (on view at the engine house, as from service, awaiting replacement bolier) - Longmoor Military RailwayLongmoor Military RailwayThe Longmoor Military Railway was a British military railway in Hampshire, built by the Royal Engineers from 1903 in order to train soldiers on railway construction and operations.-Route:...
2-10-0 600 GordonLMR 600 GordonLongmoor Military Railway number 600 Gordon is a preserved British steam locomotive. It was built during World War II to the War Department "Austerity" 2-10-0 design by the North British Locomotive Co...
(on view in the new engine house display centre at Highley, cosmetically restored) - LMS 2-8-0 Class 8F No. 48773 (on view at the engine house, cosmetically restored)
- LMS 0-6-0T Fowler Class 3FLMS Fowler Class 3FThe London Midland and Scottish Railway Fowler 3F 0-6-0T is a class of steam locomotive, often known as Jinty. They represent the ultimate development of the Midland Railway's six-coupled tank engines.- Introduction :...
"Jinty" No. 47383 (on view at the engine house, cosmetically restored) - BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T (2-6-4T Class 4MT) No. 80079 (on view at the engine house, cosmetically restored)
- Manchester Ship CanalManchester Ship CanalThe Manchester Ship Canal is a river navigation 36 miles long in the North West of England. Starting at the Mersey Estuary near Liverpool, it generally follows the original routes of the rivers Mersey and Irwell through the historic counties of Cheshire and Lancashire. Several sets of locks lift...
Hunslet 0-6-0T No. 686 The Lady Armaghdale (on view in the engine house, cosmetically restored) - Ffestiniog RailwayFfestiniog RailwayThe Ffestiniog Railway is a narrow gauge heritage railway, located in Gwynedd, Wales. It is a major tourist attraction located mainly within the Snowdonia National Park....
George EnglandGeorge EnglandGeorge England and Co. was an early English manufacturer of steam locomotives founded by the engineer George England of Newcastle upon Tyne...
0-4-0 No. 2 PrinceFfestiniog Railway rolling stockThe Ffestiniog Railway owns and operates a number of heritage and modern-day steam and diesel locomotives. A full list of these locomotives with details of their operational status is provided below.-Locomotives:...
(on view at the engine house)
Steam locomotives currently elsewhere awaiting overhaul
- GWR 4-6-0 78xx "Manor" ClassGWR 7800 ClassThe Great Western Railway 7800 Class or Manor Class is a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotive. They were designed as a lighter version of the GWR Grange Class, giving them a wider Route Availability. Like the 'Granges', the 'Manors' used parts from the GWR 4300 Class Moguls but just on the first batch...
No. 7819 Hinton Manor (cosmetic restoration complete; this has been exchanged for Hagley Hall at Swindon) Planned Return to SVR For restoration in the near future. - LMS 4–6–0 Stanier Class 5LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0The London Midland and Scottish Railway's Class 5 4-6-0, almost universally known as the Black Five, is a class of steam locomotive. It was introduced by William Stanier in 1934 and 842 were built between then and 1951...
No. 45110 – BR black (this locomotive occasionally carries the post-preservation name R.A.F. Biggin Hill. On static display at Barrow Hill Engine ShedBarrow Hill Engine ShedBarrow Hill Roundhouse & Railway Centre, until 1948 known as Staveley Roundhouse & Train Centre, is a former Midland Railway roundhouse in Barrow Hill, near Staveley and Chesterfield, Derbyshire .-History:...
for under cover storage; due to stay for at least two years) Tender running behind 42968
Past Members of the SVR Fleet
- LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee ClassLMS Jubilee ClassThe London Midland and Scottish Railway Jubilee Class is a class of steam locomotive designed for mainline passenger work. 191 locomotives were built between 1934 and 1936...
No. 5690 Leander. Left SVR In 1995. Owned by Beet Family at Carnforth. Under Overhaul. - GWR 0-6-0 2251 ClassGWR 2251 ClassThe Great Western Railway 2251 Class was a class of 0-6-0 steam tender locomotive designed for medium-powered freight. They were introduced in 1930 as a replacement for the earlier Dean Goods 0-6-0s and built up to 1948.- Overview :...
No. 3205. Left SVR in 1987 for the West Somerset Railway. Currently at the South Devon Railway. - BR 4-6-2 Standard Class 7BR standard class 7The BR Standard Class 7, otherwise known as the Britannia Class, is a class of 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive designed by Robert Riddles for use by British Railways for mixed traffic duties. Fifty-five were constructed between 1951 and 1954. The design was a result of the 1948 locomotive exchanges...
No. 70000 BritanniaBR standard class 7 70000 BritanniaBritish Railways standard class 7 , number 70000 Britannia is a preserved steam locomotive.-British Railways:...
. Left SVR In 1979. Operational on mainline. - BR 2-6-0 Standard Class 2BR standard class 2 2-6-0The BR Standard Class 2 2-6-0 is a class of steam locomotive, one of the British Railways Standard classes of the 1950s. They were physically the smallest of the Standard classes; 65 were built....
No. 78019 Left the SVR before restoration was seriously commenced. Has since been operational at the Great Central Railway. - LMS 4-6-0 Stanier Class 5LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0The London Midland and Scottish Railway's Class 5 4-6-0, almost universally known as the Black Five, is a class of steam locomotive. It was introduced by William Stanier in 1934 and 842 were built between then and 1951...
No. 5000. Left SVR In 1989. On static Display at the National Railway Museum. - GWR 4-6-0 6959 ClassGWR 6959 ClassThe Great Western Railway 6959 Class or Modified Hall Class is a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotive. They were a development by Frederick Hawksworth of Charles Collett's earlier Hall Class....
No. 6960 Raveningham Hall. Left SVR In 1996. Under overhaul, owned by Mr J Hosking now at the West Somerset Railway - LNER 2-6-0 K4 ClassLNER Class K4The London and North Eastern Railway Class K4 is a class of 2-6-0 steam locomotives designed by Nigel Gresley for the steep grades of the West Highland Line.- West Highland Line challenge :...
No. 3442 The Great Marquess. Left SVR in the early 2000s. Certified for mainline use. - LMS 2-6-0 Ivatt Class 2LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0The London, Midland and Scottish Railway Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 is a class of steam locomotive designed for light mixed traffic.-Design:...
No. 46521. Left SVR In 2002. Under overhaul at the Great Central Railway. - LNER 4-6-2 A4 ClassLNER Class A4The Class A4 is a class of streamlined 4-6-2 steam locomotive, designed by Nigel Gresley for the London and North Eastern Railway in 1935. Their streamlined design gave them high-speed capability as well as making them instantly recognizable, and one of the class, 4468 Mallard, still claims the...
No. 60009 Union of South AfricaLNER Class A4 4488 Union of South Africa60009 Union of South Africa is an LNER Class A4 steam locomotive built in Doncaster in 1937. Originally named Osprey, it is one of six surviving Gresley A4s and is presently undergoing an extensive overhaul.-Names:...
. Left SVR in 2007. Under Overhaul at Crewe. - LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee ClassLMS Jubilee ClassThe London Midland and Scottish Railway Jubilee Class is a class of steam locomotive designed for mainline passenger work. 191 locomotives were built between 1934 and 1936...
No. 5699 Galatea. Bought as Spares for 5690 but now under Restoration in its own right. Under restoration at Carnforth.
Diesel locomotives
- BRBritish RailBritish Railways , which from 1965 traded as British Rail, was the operator of most of the rail transport in Great Britain between 1948 and 1997. It was formed from the nationalisation of the "Big Four" British railway companies and lasted until the gradual privatisation of British Rail, in stages...
0-6-0 Class 08British Rail Class 08The British Rail Class 08 is a class of diesel-electric shunting locomotive. From 1953 to 1962, 996 locomotives were produced, making it the most numerous of all British locomotive classes....
No. D3022 (in service) - BR 0-6-0 Class 08 No. D3201 (awaiting restoration)
- BR 0-6-0 Class 08 No. D3586 (awaiting restoration)
- BR 0-6-0 Class 08 No. D3937 (awaiting restoration)
- BR 0-6-0 Class 11British Rail Class 11The British Rail Class 11 was applied to a batch of diesel shunting locomotives built from April 1945 to December 1952, based on a similar earlier batch built by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway between 1939 and 1942.-Numbering:...
No. 12099 (in service) - BR Bo-Bo Class 20British Rail Class 20The British Rail Class 20, otherwise known as an English Electric Type 1, is a class of diesel-electric locomotive. In total, 228 locomotives in the class were built by English Electric between 1957 and 1968, the large number being in part because of the failure of other early designs in the same...
No. D8188 (in service) - BR Bo-Bo Class 20 No. D8059 (in service)
- BR Bo-Bo Class 20 No. 20177 (source of spares for D8059 and D8188)
- BR Bo-Bo Class 27British Rail Class 27British Rail's Class 27 comprised 69 diesel locomotives built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company during 1961 and 1962. They were a development of the earlier Class 26; both were originally classified as the BRCW Type 2.- Usage :...
No. D5410 (awaiting restoration) - BR B-B Class 35British Rail Class 35The British Rail Class 35 is a class of mixed-traffic B-B diesel locomotive with hydraulic transmission. Because of their Mekydro-design hydraulic transmission units, the locomotives became known as the Hymeks....
No. D7029 (undergoing restoration) - BR Co-Co Class 37British Rail Class 37The British Rail Class 37 is a diesel-electric locomotive. Also known as the English Electric Type 3, the Class was ordered as part of the British Rail modernisation plan....
No. 37906 (in service) - BR B-B Class 42British Rail Class 42British Railways' Type 4 Warship class diesel-hydraulic locomotives were introduced in 1958. It was apparent at that time that the largest centre of expertise on diesel-hydraulic locomotives was in Germany...
No. D821 Greyhound (in service) - BR Co-Co Class 50British Rail Class 50The British Rail Class 50 is a diesel locomotive built from 1967-68 by English Electric at their Vulcan Foundry Works in Newton-le-Willows. Fifty of these locomotives were built to haul express passenger trains on the, then non-electrified, section of the West Coast Main Line between Crewe,...
No. 50031 Hood (operational) - BR Co-Co Class 50 No. 50035 Ark Royal (awaiting repair, in unconventional LoadHaul livery)
- BR Co-Co Class 50 No. 50044 Exeter (in service)
- BR Co-Co Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance (in service)
- BR C-C Class 52British Rail Class 52British Rail assigned Class 52 to the class of 74 large Type 4 diesel-hydraulic locomotives built for the Western Region of British Railways between 1961 and 1964...
No. D1013 Western Ranger (under overhaul including major electrical rewiring - 2010) - BR C-C Class 52 No. D1062 Western Courier (in service)
- BR Bo-Bo Class 73British Rail Class 73The British Rail Class 73 is a United Kingdom model of electro-diesel locomotive. The type is unusual in that it can operate from a 750 V DC third-rail or an on-board diesel engine to allow it to operate on non-electrified routes...
No. 73006 (in service)
Diesel multiple units
- BR Class 108British Rail Class 108The British Rail Class 108 diesel multiple units were built by BR Derby from 1958 to 1961, with a final production quantity of 333 vehicles....
units 51941+59250+52064 and 50933+56208 (51935, which was formerly paired with 56208, was severely damaged by a fire in May 2008 which after forensic examination was revealed to be an arson attack. The vehicle was declared a write off and was quickly dispatched to Midland Railway – Butterley for component recovery. Cut up October 2008 and was replaced by 50933 from Peak Rail)
Coaching stock
As an early entrant to the heritage railway movement the SVR was able to amass a collection of steam era carriages which, together with excellent covered accommodation and works facilities, are the envy of many latecomers.The SVR has a large number of GWR coaches mainly of Collett era with Churchward and Hawksworth examples also present. The SVR also boasts the movement's largest collection of Period 3 LMS coaches and a full rake of LNER teak vehicles of the Gresley/Thompson era. Normally the carriages are made up as a BR (Carmine and Cream) set, a BR (Maroon) set, a full LNER set, an LMS set and two GWR sets, one of which makes up the restaurant train. The non-restaurant GWR set is usually only used on the intensive timetable and at special events. One set works off Bridgnorth and is rotated weekly.
The collection of operational carriages is constantly growing. Recent entrants to the fleet include LMS RFO 7511, LNER Kitchen Composite 7960 and, the Heritage Railway Association award winning, GNR corridor composite 2701. These three vehicles have been restored from near derelict condition. Others, awaiting restoration, include 1910-built Churchward third 2426 which has been in use as staff accommodation since arrival on the SVR, first at Bridgnorth and then, for the most recent several years, at Hampton Loade. Parts are being manufactured/gathered to carry out the restoration/conversion of former LNER pigeon van 70759 (bought from David & Charles
David & Charles
David & Charles is a publisher. The company was founded - and is still based - in the market town of Newton Abbot, in Devon, UK, on 1 April 1960 by David St John Thomas and Charles Hadfield. It first made its name publishing titles on Britain's canals and railways...
at Newton Abbot
Newton Abbot
Newton Abbot is a market town and civil parish in the Teignbridge District of Devon, England on the River Teign, with a population of 23,580....
). This will be modified into a Brake van with 4 third class compartments.
There is presently (April 2010) disquiet among some members regarding the disposal of a number of unrestored historic carriages which the SVR's management have deemed surplus to requirements.
Goods stock
The railway can also muster convincing demonstration goods trains (generally utilising ex-GWR wagons) as well as works trains from its wagon fleet, the restoration base being at Bewdley goods shed, this being largely carried out by the restoration gang.Internal departmental stock
The railway owns a number of rolling stock items which are usually used in works trains. These cannot be classified as Coaching or Goods stock i.e. rail mounted cranes, tampers etc.The railway in television and films
The 1977 television film version of Silver BlazeSilver Blaze (1977 film)
Silver Blaze is a British/Canadian television film directed by John Davies and starring Christopher Plummer and Thorley Walters. The movie is based on Arthur Conan Doyle's story of the same name.-Production:...
used the railway.
The 1978 film version of The Thirty Nine Steps was partly filmed on the railway – specifically, the scenes where Hannay (Robert Powell
Robert Powell
Robert Powell is an English television and film actor, probably most famous for his title role in Jesus of Nazareth and as the fictional secret agent Richard Hannay...
) hangs from Victoria Bridge. The scene is supposed to be set in Scotland, and the landscape is very out of place for that area.
Portions of The Seven-Per-Cent Solution
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution: Being a Reprint from the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D. is a 1974 novel by American writer Nicholas Meyer. It is written as a pastiche of a Sherlock Holmes adventure, and was made into a film of the same name in 1976....
were filmed on the railway.
The BBC TV children's series God's Wonderful Railway
God's Wonderful Railway
God's Wonderful Railway was a children's drama TV series made by the BBC. There were eight 30-minute episodes, originally screened from 6 February 1980.-Plot:...
(1980) was filmed on the SVR.
The Bridgnorth station was used in 1981 as part of a sketch for the TV comedy Not the Nine O'Clock News
Not the Nine O'Clock News
Not the Nine O'Clock News is a television comedy sketch show which was broadcast on BBC 2 from 1979 to 1982.Originally shown as a comedy "alternative" to the BBC Nine O'Clock News on BBC 1, it featured satirical sketches on current news stories and popular culture, as well as parody songs, comedy...
. In the sketch, Mel Smith
Mel Smith
Melvin Kenneth "Mel" Smith is an English comedian, writer, film director, producer, and actor. He is most famous for his work on the sketch comedy shows Not the Nine O'Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones along with his comedy partner Griff Rhys Jones.- Early life :Smith's father, Kenneth, was born...
's character observes a steam train passing by without stopping and refers to it as an "old chuffer", forming part of a sequence of puns around the protagonist's wife.
In 1984, scenes for the BBC TV series The District Nurse
The District Nurse
The District Nurse is a British television series, produced by BBC Wales and shown on BBC One between 1984 and 1987.The series was a period drama created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland and starred Nerys Hughes as Megan Roberts, the titular district nurse fighting to improve living conditions for...
were filmed at Bewdley
Bewdley
Bewdley is a town and civil parish in the Wyre Forest District of Worcestershire, England, along the Severn Valley a few miles to the west of Kidderminster...
station. Also in 1984, Arley railway station
Arley railway station
Arley railway station is a station on the Severn Valley Railway heritage line in Worcestershire, situated just over the River Severn from the village of Upper Arley; a footbridge crosses the river to link the station to the village...
was used for the BBC TV adaptation of The Box of Delights
The Box of Delights
The Box of Delights is a children's fantasy novel by John Masefield. It is a sequel to The Midnight Folk, and was first published in 1935.-Plot summary :...
.
The SVR featured in the BBC TV's 1987 adaptation of Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie
Dame Agatha Christie DBE was a British crime writer of novels, short stories, and plays. She also wrote romances under the name Mary Westmacott, but she is best remembered for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections , and her successful West End plays.According to...
's Miss Marple
Miss Marple
Jane Marple, usually referred to as Miss Marple, is a fictional character appearing in twelve of Agatha Christie's crime novels and in twenty short stories. Miss Marple is an elderly spinster who lives in the village of St. Mary Mead and acts as an amateur detective. She is one of the most famous...
novel 4.50 From Paddington
4.50 From Paddington
4.50 from PaddingtonThe article time reads: Four-fifty from Paddington. In the United Kingdom's time notation, hours and minutes may be separated by a dot rather than a colon sign...
. Scenes were shot in and around Bewdley
Bewdley
Bewdley is a town and civil parish in the Wyre Forest District of Worcestershire, England, along the Severn Valley a few miles to the west of Kidderminster...
station.
Scenes featuring LMS 4MT no. 43106 were included in the 1987 TV serial Knights of God
Knights of God
Knights of God was a British science fiction children's television serial, produced by TVS and first broadcast on ITV in 1987. It was written by Richard Cooper, a writer who had previously worked in both children's and adult television drama...
.
The railway was used for the 1990s sitcom Oh, Doctor Beeching!
Oh, Doctor Beeching!
Oh, Doctor Beeching! is a British television sitcom written by David Croft and Richard Spendlove, which, after a broadcast pilot on 14 August 1995, ran for two series from 8 July 1996, with the last episode being broadcast on 28 September 1997...
, featuring Paul Shane, Su Pollard
Su Pollard
Susan Georgina "Su" Pollard, 7 November 1949, Nottingham) is an English comedy actress, most famous for her roles in the sitcoms Hi-de-Hi! and You Rang, M'Lord?. She is also well known for her unusual and flamboyant dress sense and her abrupt voice....
and Jeffrey Holland
Jeffrey Holland
Jeffrey Holland is an English actor well known for roles in television sitcoms, as well as BBC Radio comedy, including Week Ending.-Early life and career:...
. The exterior shots for the series were filmed in Arley station
Arley railway station
Arley railway station is a station on the Severn Valley Railway heritage line in Worcestershire, situated just over the River Severn from the village of Upper Arley; a footbridge crosses the river to link the station to the village...
, where a false row of cottages was temporarily erected in the goods yard.
Bewdley Station doubled for 'Hilton Railway Station' in the Merchant Ivory Productions 1992 film of "Howards End" by E.M. Forster.
The ITV
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
family drama Goodnight Mister Tom
Goodnight Mister Tom (1998 film)
Goodnight Mister Tom is a 1998 film adaptation by ITV of the original book of the same name by Michelle Magorian; the cast featured the veteran British actor John Thaw and was directed by Jack Gold.-Plot:...
had its station sequences filmed in early spring at Arley station
Arley railway station
Arley railway station is a station on the Severn Valley Railway heritage line in Worcestershire, situated just over the River Severn from the village of Upper Arley; a footbridge crosses the river to link the station to the village...
– for which trains ran through without stopping for two weeks.
In the 2005 film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a 2005 epic fantasy adventure film directed by Andrew Adamson and based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first published and second chronological novel in C. S. Lewis's children's epic fantasy series, The Chronicles of...
GWR Manor no. 7802 Bradley Manor
GWR 7800 Class 7802 Bradley Manor
7802 Bradley Manor is a 7800 'Manor' Class 4-6-0 steam locomotive. Built by the Great Western Railway at its Swindon Works in January 1938 it had an operating life of 27 years being withdrawn in November 1965...
appeared as the train that brought the Pevensies to the nearest station to the Professor's house.
External links
- Severn Valley Railway official site.
- SVR Volunteer Office
- Handbook to the Severn Valley Railway (1863)
- ITV Local Severn Valley Railway footage
- http://www.itvlocal.com/central/news/?player=CEN_News_15&void=165632/Re-opening on ITV Local by Keith Wilkinson (reporter)Keith Wilkinson (reporter)Keith Wilkinson is a British television reporter and news correspondent.Born in Lancashire, England, he began his career in newspaper journalism as a trainee reporter at The Westmorland Gazette in Kendal, Cumbria, in 1974...
] - Prince Charles visits the railway 2008
- British Railways in 1960 - Severn Valley Branch (Bewdley to Bridgnorth)
- British Railways in 1960 - Severn Valley Branch (Kidderminster to Bridgnorth)
Station sites