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January 2025
A triumphant start to 2025, and the year of Railway 200. The SVR's 75069 takes part in the national 'Whistle Up' at Bridgnorth station
on 1 January 2025. ALAN GWILT
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
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Were you able to visit the Railway for one of our recent winter enthusiast events? Or perhaps you managed to blow away the Christmas cobwebs on one of our festive services? We hope so, but if you didn’t, our galleries of photos should cheer you up!
No public services are running right now, but there’s a hive of activity behind the scenes, and we bring reports from across the Railway in your January edition of Branch Lines.
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We lead with an update on the SVR’s bold restructure plans, known as the One Railway project. Meetings are taking place over the next few weeks for members and shareholders to find out more.
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We also report from the Railway 200 launch event when more than 100 heritage railway volunteers met up at The Engine House.
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All this and more, in Branch Lines this month. We hope you enjoy reading it!
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Lesley Carr, editor
The Branch Lines team is Lesley Carr, Karen Crick, Amy Baker, Pete Cherry, and Gary Essex.
Contents
Scroll down or click on the item to be taken straight to it
What's new?
Find out more about the One Railway restructure plans
A series of meetings is taking place for members and shareholders who want to know more about the One Railway restructure plans. Gus Dunster, the managing director of SVR (Holdings) plc, and Charlie Wright, a director of the SVR Company Limited, will be available to answer questions.
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The first meeting is this Saturday morning, 18 January, in Kidderminster. On Saturday 25 January, there are meetings in Bridgnorth and Bewdley. Finally, there are two online meetings, on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 February.
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To attend any of the meetings, you should book a place at One Railway meetings.
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The plan for the restructure of the SVR was announced in December’s Branch Lines. It will see the conversion of SVR (Holdings) plc into a Charitable Community Benefit Society, followed by an offer to acquire SVR Company Limited.
Feedback from members and shareholders has been extremely supportive, and a number have taken the opportunity to ask additional questions.
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‘It’s been heartening to hear from so many people, both in person and via email,’ said Gus Dunster. ‘There’s a real groundswell of support for the changes we want to make, and a general attitude of let’s get on with things.
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‘There are quite a number of supplementary questions that we’re in the process of dealing with. Some of these are taking quite a bit of further research, and we’re very grateful to everyone for their patience. Please be assured, we will get back to you.’
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Additional questions, and the answers, are viewable at svrlive.com. Members and shareholders received a password to view the One Railway pages in the letter sent in December.
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75069 at Hampton Loade. LUKE VINES
Marking the start of Railway 200
On Sunday 5 January, during the recent Winter Steam Gala, more than 100 heritage railway volunteers from across the UK came together at the Railway to launch Railway 200, a celebration of the 200th anniversary of modern railways.
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Representatives from 15 UK heritage lines and locomotive-owning groups assembled at The Engine House at Highley, to witness the recently overhauled Stanier Mogul No 13268 as it passed shortly before 3pm, carrying a specially commissioned Railway 200 headboard and whistling loudly.
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The Heritage Railway Association coordinated the Railway 200 Get Together event, and HRA president Lord Faulkner of Worcester joined the crowds to cheer on 13268. He thanked the SVR for hosting the meet up, saying, ‘Congratulations on organising such a splendid event…it was a triumph.’
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‘It really was quite something to see so many like-minded people gathered together,’ said Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director. ‘We had representatives from many heritage lines, from all over the country, and we were united in our desire to give a proper heritage welcome to Railway 200.
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‘There’s a tangible sense of anticipation for the many events that are going to take place to celebrate this momentous year, and the SVR is very excited to be a part of it.’
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Heritage Railway Association chief executive Steve Oates, said, ‘Although we all naturally focus on the trains, it’s people that really make heritage railways what they are. So, it’s great that so many heritage-railway people braved the awful weather to come together at the Severn Valley Railway. I'd like to thank the team at the Severn Valley for hosting the Get Together at their excellent Winter Gala.
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‘The personal stories are also what’s going to make Railway 200 special; it’s not all about the engineering and the ‘firsts’. Railway 200 is about the ways that railways transformed the lives of everyone. From standardised time and commuting to holidays and travelling football fans, it was the railways that made them all possible and much, much more.’
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
First guest for Spring Steam Gala
The first guest has been announced for the Spring Steam Gala, between 18 and 21 April.
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LMS Jubilee No 45596 ‘Bahamas’ will be on the roster, following its triumphant appearance at the SVR’s last Autumn Steam Gala, when it proved a strong crowd-puller with its unique double chimney.
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Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director said:
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‘We’re extremely pleased to be able to confirm the appearance of this locomotive, subject to availability, at our Spring Steam Gala, and we’re very grateful to the Bahamas Locomotive Society for agreeing to 45596’s appearance at the Valley. We can’t wait to see it in action on the line, and there’ll be additional guest loco announcements soon.’
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Tickets are now on sale for the four-day event, including money-saving multi-day rover tickets at svr.co.uk .
LMS Jubilee No 45596 Bahamas. ALAN CORFIELD
Winter Diesel Day was ‘well received’
30 December saw a diesel takeover, for the second-ever Winter Diesel Day at the Railway, which was deemed an all-round success by organisers.
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Managing director Gus Dunster said, ‘We had the attraction of steam-heated trains using the boilers fitted to the Class 40 and Class 46 locomotives, recreating that 1960s to 1980s feel. And this time round, we also had the added attraction of the GWR High Speed Train which proved to be very popular.
All in all, another well-received event which we will certainly repeat.’
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Operations manager Matt Robinson added, ‘We saw packed trains and happy passengers. All was well delivered to the plan, and there were very few operational issues to look at, which is great news.'
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We hope you enjoy our gallery of Winter Diesel Day photographs!
Winter Steam Gala success
Across the weekend of 4 and 5 January, the SVR’s second Winter Steam Gala took place.
It featured six steam locomotives from the SVR’s home fleet, including GWR 0-4-2T No 1450 and BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 No 75069. Despite a last-minute issue with No 7714, the event proceeded smoothly with minimal delays.
Managing director Gus Dunster told Branch Lines, ‘Saturday was very busy, Sunday slightly less so due to the unfortunate wet weather but still well attended.
‘I’d say 1450 and 7714 running double-headed was definitely a very popular attraction. Overall, we’re very pleased with how the event went, and it’s certainly something we want to continue with.’
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During the Gala, a Get Together event for heritage railway volunteers took place (see separate article about this) marking the start of Railway 200.
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We hope you enjoy our gallery of Winter Steam Gala photographs!
Other News
SVR shortlisted for four heritage awards
The SVR has been shortlisted in four categories for the prestigious Heritage Railway Association awards for 2025, which recognise excellence and innovation across the heritage rail sector.
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In the running for the Steam Locomotive Award is SVR-based locomotive, Stanier Mogul No 13268. The 90-year-old locomotive returned to service in spring 2024, following an overhaul that saw the overcoming of many engineering challenges.
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Shortlisted for Station of the Year is the SVR’s smallest station, Eardington. Known for its celebrated reopening to stopping trains in September 2023, this unique station is the only station in the UK lit entirely by oil and is looked after by a dedicated and passionate team of volunteers.
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Next up, the SVR’s landmark partnership with Network Rail has been shortlisted for the Achievement of the Year category, a new award which generated the largest number of entries for any single category. The partnership, which began in 2023, allows NR extensive use of the line for training purposes, whilst bringing many benefits to the SVR, including significant volunteer input from NR employees and the acquisition of surplus NR items, such as track and buffer stops.
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Finally, one of the SVR’s volunteers has been shortlisted for the Lord Faulkner Young Volunteer of the Year. Jack Baldwin, 21, has played a leading role in the Railway’s ongoing project to convert a former diesel shunter into a hydrogen-powered vehicle, in partnership with Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions.
Managing director, Gus Dunster said: ​
‘We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted across such a wide range of categories for the 2025 HRA awards. The SVR is a renowned centre of excellence and innovation; I’m extremely proud of the work that we do here, and the impressive dedication of people across the whole Railway.’
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Heritage Railway Association chief executive Steve Oates added:
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‘We’ve never received so many entries for the HRA Awards, despite the huge challenges being faced by heritage railways right now. It’s testament to just how much brilliant work is going on and there is a lot for the whole sector to be very proud of.’
Winners will be announced at the HRA awards ceremony on Saturday, 8 February 2025.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
SVR 60th anniversary gift range in the online shop
As the Railway steams into its 60th anniversary year, there’s a new range of gift items in the online shop.
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The SVR pin badge retails at £4.95 and is already proving a big hit, with lots of orders being placed. There’s also a beanie hat (great for the unpredictable British weather) at £14.99 plus t-shirts, hoodies and bags.
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All profits go towards supporting the work of the Railway and you can browse the collection at:
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What's coming up?
Tickets please! February half term fun at the SVR
During the February half term break, families can step back in time to the golden age of travel with journeys behind steam and heritage diesel locomotives.
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Timetable A will be running on the following dates:
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Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February
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Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 February
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Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February
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Over at The Engine House Highley, there’s the chance to let off steam in the outdoor play area or get hands-on sorting mail in the travelling post office. The Engine House is open 10.45am-4.30pm and entry is free, but parking is limited, so the best way to get there is by heritage train.
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Along the line, the cafes and gift shops at Bridgnorth, Highley and Kidderminster will also be open for treats and snacks to enjoy during a visit.
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Paddington™ Visit
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We’ve got a very special visitor heading our way, from Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 February 2025.
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Enjoy an exciting heritage train ride to Highley to meet Paddington™, who will be appearing at regular intervals throughout the day at The Engine House Visitor Centre, Highley.
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Pre-book a train ticket and travel from either Kidderminster or Bridgnorth. On arrival at Highley, for The Engine House, you can see Paddington at your pre-booked visit time, before exploring the interactive exhibits. There will also be magic shows throughout the day for all the family to enjoy – all included in your ticket price!
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Tickets are on sale now.
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Further information at svr.co.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
All aboard for the brand-new Boogie Lights Express!
Sing, dance and cheer on the SVR’s musical party train – perfect for a night out with friends and family.
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The Boogie Lights Express is an incredible sound and light show, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns.
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Marvel at the canopy of lights in every carriage, bringing the light show inside the train. Enjoy the fun, interactive show hosted by the legendary Voiceover Man (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and the X-Factor). Be part of the show, with your very own LED wristband, adding to the magic on-board the train - and it's yours to keep after the event.
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The Boogie Lights Express departs from Kidderminster on Friday and Saturday nights from 28 February to 29 March.
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Tickets are on sale now. https://svr.co.uk/event/boogie-lights/2025-02-28/ Discounts are available for SVR members, shareholders and Unlimited Pass holders.
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Not sure what to expect? Check out this video clip of the Boogie Lights Express https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc757mpcToc
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​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
A bumper year of events beckons!
The SVR has a packed itinerary of events scheduled for 2025.
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In addition to the ever-popular crowd pleasers, such as the biannual Steam Galas, Diesel Festivals, and model-railway events, the Railway has plenty of additional offerings to expand on last year’s successes, as well as some new events for 2025.
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The Railway will continue to host character visits, with Paddington making an appearance in February and Peter Rabbit hopping by in March. Lego fans will be delighted to see the return of Brick Weekend at The Engine House in August and, for those who enjoy a shopping experience, several fayres are spread throughout the year.
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Open House weekend returns in April allowing visitors a detailed look behind the scenes at the running of a heritage line.
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For the musically minded, July will see Morris dancers entertaining visitors for the Day of Dance event, and in August, Singing on the Train welcomes male voice choirs to the Railway to celebrate Kidderminster Male Choir’s 120th anniversary.
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Notably, this summer will also be a big year for marking history, as the Railway celebrates both 200 years of modern railways and 60 years of SVR preservation, with a big portfolio of events in July.
Details for these are currently under wraps but will be announced in due course.
Connoisseurs of history can also enjoy the ever-popular 1940s weekends in June, as well as August’s Vintage Transport Extravaganza.
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As the year reaches spooky season, the Ghost Trains will return before finally, the tables turn to all things festive to end the year on a high!
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For full details of all events visit svr.co.uk/all-events/
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
Across the Railway
It's permanent way open season!
There are no scheduled services on the Railway until February half term, which gives the SVR’s permanent way team the chance to carry out maintenance work that would be almost impossible during operating periods.
Last week the team carried out drainage improvement work at Eymore Cutting, on the Arley side of Victoria Bridge. The cutting suffered several instances of flooding during 2024 and with more extreme weather incidents to come in future years, improvements were needed. The drainage pipes in the cess (the strip of land alongside the outer edge of the ballast) were renewed and more catch pits installed.
This week, the team’s focus is on Kidderminster, where sleeper replacement work is taking place on points 14 (where the loop meets the main running line), followed by points 30 and 31 (part of the double slip/compound point giving access to and from the Diesel Depot.) Finally, the team will replace sleepers on Engine Line One, the track into the station that’s nearest to the main line station.
SEP Rail Ltd, a specialist rail surveying firm, have donated a very nice set of Leica survey equipment via permanent way manager Paul Ingram. They have also been using the line for training their staff on the use of survey equipment, which allows them to work efficiently without the restrictions of working on the main line.
SVR volunteers have also been surveying this month, planning the expansion of the Foley Park storage sidings. There is a noticeable demand for storage sidings, and the Railway has been able to accommodate some requests for rail vehicle storage from main-line clients. When complete, the expansion will give the SVR almost one kilometre of additional storage space.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
Engineering students visit the SVR
In mid-December, the SVR hosted a visit to Kidderminster by engineering students from the University of Sheffield.
The visit came about after several of the students attended the Autumn Diesel Bash and, after engaging with volunteers, arranged to return for a tailored tour. Diesel depot manager Roland Bull said:
‘We often give tours to groups who get in touch with a request, and after the students introduced themselves on one of our Diesel Bash tours, I suggested that they come for a private visit. They were glad to take us up on the offer.’
The tour was conducted by both Roland and senior volunteer tour guide, John Hopkins. As well as a brief visit to Kidderminster signal box to learn about mechanical signalling, the students were shown around the engineering services facilities, carriage works, carriage shed and the diesel depot.
John Hopkins and Roland Bull are in the hi vis clothing, with the group of students from the University of Sheffield
Rolling stock
Successful steam test for ‘Bradley Manor’
The owning group of 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ has reported that the locomotive successfully steamed during its hot insurance examination at Tyseley Locomotive Works last week.
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This marks a significant step forward for the Erlestoke Manor Fund (EMF), which is looking forward to the imminent return of the ex-GWR 4-6-0 locomotive to the Severn Valley Railway.
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The EMF intends that 7802 will arrive on the SVR before the end of January, having been out of service since 2019.
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The group has reached an agreement with the Railway that Bradley Manor will then be the prime EMF locomotive resident on the SVR on an ongoing basis. This arrangement will keep the loco close to hand while the heavy repair and new cylinders bed in, and it provides an attraction in the form of a locomotive that has not run in recent years.
Adrian Hassell, chair of the EMF, said, ‘I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our EMF volunteers for their tireless work since 2019, input from the wider steam movement and to colleagues at Tyseley Locomotive Works for their help and support in the first Manor cylinder-block replacement in the preservation era. It will be so wonderful to see ‘Bradley’ back in action.’
The locomotive’s new-build tender will take another year to complete, and as reported last Autumn, the EMF have reached agreement with the 2857 Society to hire their 3,500-gallon tender to pair with 7802 until the end of the current year.
It has been repainted in BR lined green in the SVR paint shop at Bridgnorth, where 7802 will also receive some finishing touches before being paired with the tender.
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Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
As good as new – No 4786 is finished
A seven-year restoration project is complete at Bewdley! The Great Western (SVR) Association has completed the repaint of its GWR Collett bow-ended third-class carriage No 4786, which emerged from the paint shop last week.
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Originally built in March 1926 to diagram C54 (bow-ended stock), 4786 is a full-third-class carriage, which seats 64 passengers in eight compartments with a side corridor and end toilets.
Together with brake thirds and composites, it was used on cross-country and express services until the late 1950s. After conversion to a dormitory coach for departmental use, it saw service with Shrewsbury Signal & Telegraph department until it was withdrawn in 1986.
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After being tendered for disposal, it was acquired by SVR Holdings and used as volunteer accommodation at Kidderminster until it was replaced by 9084, a 1951-built first-class sleeper.
Its ownership passed to the Great Western (SVR) Association in 2017. By this time, it was in poor condition, due to water ingress and mistreatment since main line use, although thankfully the compartment structure was complete, but damaged.
The extensive restoration, which has cost around £150,000, has been ongoing since 2017. It has involved extensive repair and replacement work on all areas of the carriage, including reroofing, new corridor connections, extensive replacement panelling and structural timbers, as well as entirely new seating in replica GWR moquette.
The compartments have been restored to a very high standard, with replacements of all the original fittings, including pictures, signage and mirrors. The exemplary standard of the restoration is made even more impressive by the fact that most of it was carried out with the vehicle under tarpaulins in Bewdley yard for much of the project. The carriage wasn’t moved into the paint shop until last July.
The outside is now resplendent in 1920s GWR fully lined livery with pseudo panelling, replica garter and lettering. It will shortly be moved to Kidderminster to be reunited with its original bogies, which are undergoing restoration in the carriage and wagon works.
The GWR SVR Association owns 20 GWR carriages and wagons, as well as GWR Mogul 7325, which is currently awaiting overhaul in The Engine House at Highley. The group’s next project is the oldest carriage currently based on the SVR, a GWR Churchward third class No 2426, built in 1910.
The Association welcomes new supporters and volunteers and is asking people to use a charity search engine to raise funds.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
v1 16th January 2025
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Any opinions or views expressed in this newsletter are entirely the opinions of the contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Directors of Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) PLC. which owns the Severn Valley Railway, Severn Valley Railway Company Limited, the members of which are responsible for its operation, or the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust.