Severn Valley Railway

Heritage Railway
name =
Severn Valley Railway



locale = Bewdley, Worcestershire
terminus = Bridgnorth, Shropshire
linename = Severn Valley Line
builtby = Great Western Railway
originalgauge = RailGauge|ussg
preservedgauge = RailGauge|ussg
operator = Severn Valley Railway Company
|
stations = 8 (including 2 "halts")
length = convert|16|mi|km|0
originalopen =1 February 1862
closed = January 1970 (Bewdley Station)
stageyears = 1965
stage = Severn Valley Railway Society formed
years = 1970
events = Bridgnorth - Hampton Loade reopened
years1 = 1974
events1 = Hampton Loade - Bewdley reopened
years2 = 1984
events2 = Bewdley - Kidderminster reopened

The Severn Valley Railway is a heritage railway in Shropshire and Worcestershire, England. The convert|16|mi|km|0|sing=on 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.

Due to extensive damage to infrastructure during bad storms and heavy rainfall in Summer 2007, the railway was closed between Bewdley and Hampton Loade, and services did not resume until 21 March 2008.

The section of line between Bewdley and Kidderminster is presently closed for repairs to the bridge which carries the railway over the A449 road in Kidderminster. It will re-open on December 6th.

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 only use these stations during daylight hours. 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 "Saturday Evening Fish and Chip Special" from May to August, leaving Kidderminster at around 7pm and returning at 10pm after one hour in Bridgnorth. [cite web|title=Saturday evening trains|url=http://www.svr-visitor.org.uk/]

The SVR's rail connection to the National Rail network at Kidderminster permits occasional through charter trains to operate from many parts of the country to Bridgnorth. A recent example of these visitors was that of the VSOE Northern Belle in 2006. 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 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.

ignalling

The entire railway is one of the most comprehensively signalled heritage railways. The whole railway is signalled using GW style lower quadrant signals.

All sections between Bridgnorth and Bewdley North operate using the Tyer's Electric Train Token. 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 signalled using acceptance lever.

History

The Severn Valley Railway was used as transport route for 101 years, from 1862 until 1963. [cite book|author=Marshall, John|title=The Severn Valley Railway|year=1989|publisher=David St John Thomas|location=Newton Abbot|isbn=0-946537-45-3] The Severn Valley line was built between 1858 and 1862, and linked Hartlebury, near Droitwich Spa, with Shrewsbury, a distance of convert|40|mi|km|0. Important stations on the line were Stourport-on-Severn, Bewdley, Arley, Highley, Hampton Loade, Bridgnorth, Coalport, Ironbridge and Broseley, Buildwas, Cressage and Berrington. [cite book|author=Siviter, Roger|title=Past and Present special: The Severn Valley Railway|year=1995|publisher=Past & Present Publishing|location=Wadenhoe|isbn=1-85895-080-5] 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. A very small section of the original Severn Valley line continues to carry coal traffic to Ironbridge Power Station.

After nationalisation in 1948, passenger traffic started to dwindle. Many people think the line was closed to through passenger and freight services under the "Beeching Axe" in 1963 and the track north of Bridgnorth was dismantled, but the Severn Valley Line was scheduled for closure prior to the release of his document. A few passenger services continued to link Bewdley with Kidderminster and Hartlebury, and coal traffic survived south of Alveley, though these activities were stopped in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

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.

Major Infrastructure Damage - Summer 2007

During violent thunderstorms on the evening of 19 June 2007 the railway suffered major damage, much more extensive than any in its history. [ [http://www.svr.co.uk/cgi-bin/WebObjects/SVR.woa/wo/0.0.107.3.0.1 Severn Valley Railway ] ] [cite journal|author=Jones, Robin|title=Preservation's Boscastle! – Severn Valley wrecked by freak £1m storm|journal=Heritage Railway|issue=100|pages=6–9|date=5 July–1 August 2007] [cite journal|author=Dunn, Pip|title=Severn Valley – the aftermath|journal=Railways Illustrated|volume=5|issue=9|pages=20–1|month=September | year=2007] 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.( [http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/image_galleries/hampton_loade_floods_gallery.shtml?7 BBC photo] ) Many cuttings were filled with debris. At Highley 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. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/6769829.stm BBC NEWS | England | Hereford/Worcs | Flash floods hit homes and roads ] ] ( [http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/image_galleries/hampton_loade_floods_gallery.shtml?5 BBC photo] ).

A dozen other heritage railways pledged to help the stricken SVR, including Mid Hampshire 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. [cite journal|author=Wilcock, David|title=New 'landslide in waiting' blow for Severn Valley|journal=Steam Railway|issue=339|date=10 August–6 September 2007|pages=24–5]

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; [cite web|url=http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/06/22/svrs-%c2%a3500k-cash-plea|title=SVR’s £500k cash plea|work=Express and Star|accessdate=2007-08-10] 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. [cite web|url=http://www.svr.co.uk/appeal.php|author=Severn Valley Railway|title=Flood Damage Appeal|accessdate=2007-08-10]

The Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade section eventually re-opened on 9th 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 of 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. [ [http://adrian856.fotopic.net/p48313855.html Picture of first train Bridgnorth - Hampton Loade, February 2008] ] 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.

tations

* Bridgnorth 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 Loade
* Country Park Halt (request stop) 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)
* Highley
* Arley
* Northwood Halt (request stop)
* Bewdley
* Kidderminster Town

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 has sidings leading off it with points not controlled from the signal box, 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). [cite journal|author=Smith, D. J.|title=Kidderminster's extraordinary terminus|journal=Railway Magazine|volume=133|year=1987|pages=227–9] Various projects have been carried out by volunteers and contractors to add to the general GWR ambience. Major projects include the port cochère to the front of the station, the ornamental crestings on the two towers and the canopy over the concourse which was recently completed, along with the final, east, wing of the station.

The main locomotive works is located at Bridgnorth. [cite journal|author=Ridgway, C. R. P.|title=The Severn Valley Railway - locomotive maintenance at Bridgnorth|journal=Railway World|volume=41|year=1980|pages=77–83] [cite journal|author=Hardingham, Roger|title=The Bridgnorth Locomotive Works|journal=Trains Illustrated: Railway Preservation|issue=44|year=1982|pages=13–17] 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 and ex-LT lifting jacks.

There are plans to extend the main station building at Bridgnorth to provide new catering, shop and toilet facilities. This is 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.

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.

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:

* Stourport [ [http://www.unlocking-stourports-past.co.uk/station/station.html Unlocking Stourport's Past - Stourport Station] ] (1862 - 3rd January 1970)
* Burlish Halt, towards the north of Stourport at Burlish Crossing

Between Kidderminster and Bewdley:

* Foley Park Halt (1905 - 1970)
* Rifle Range Halt (1905 - 1920)

North of Bridgnorth:

* Linley Halt (1862 - 1963)
* Coalport (1862 - 1963)
* Jackfield Halt (1934 - 1954) & (1954 - 1963) Relocated due to land instability.
* Ironbridge and Broseley (1862 - 1963)
* Buildwas Junction (1862 - 1963)
* Cressage (1862 - 1963)
* Cound (1934 - 1963)
* Berrington (1862 - 1963) [ [http://svr-highley.cjb.net Highley Station Site] ] [cite book|author=Quick, M. E.|title=Railway Passenger Stations in England, Scotland and Wales: a chronology|year=2005|publisher=Railway & Canal Historical Society|location=Richmond, Surrey]

Extensions to the railway

Northwards

The plan to expand North had been mooted by groups within the SVR in the mid 1970s and more recently. 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 Heritage Lottery Fund & the European Regional Development Fund etc. have caused this extreme 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(R) 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 possible closure of Ironbridge Power Station will further add 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 a recent 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 alignment itself, yet the proponents have identified solutions that would avoid much of the existing housing. The next section to the north is covered by a low quality 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. 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 land instability. For all these reasons, reopening is not being actively pursued by the SVR itself, particularly since the effects of the 2007 floods damage will take time to recover from. 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 facilities in order to maintain the high service standards expected by today's visitors. A concern on both sides of this debate is that it may prove to be divisive amongst the SVR's membership.

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, a span over the Bewdley to Bridnorth 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.

outhwards

Between Burlish and Stourport station, the alignment of the former Bewdley to Hartlebury section has been obliterated by housing and is lost forever. 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. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/7017540.stm|title=Railway line 'would cut traffic'|work=BBC News|accessdate=2007-10-25]

The Engine House

A museum, known as The Engine House, has been built on land adjacent to the station at Highley. This is to be used to provide undercover accommodation for locomotives whose boiler certificates have expired and to provide 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 exhibits were shunted into the building on the 14th and 16th of March 2008, allowing the museum to open in conjunction with the full line reopening.

Rolling Stock

The railway can call on a large fleet to operate its services. [cite book|author=Williams, D. C.|coauthors=McQuade, H. J.|title=Severn Valley Railway Stock Book|year=1998|publisher=Severn Valley Railway|location=Bewdley; Bridgnorth] Only a small 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, [cite web|title=Great Western (SVR) Association|url=http://www.gw-svr-a.org.uk/] [cite journal|author=Haynes, Mike|title=25 years later: the Great Western (SVR) Association celebrates 25 years|journal=Severn Valley Railway News|issue=128|date=Autumn 1998|pages=48–52] and individuals. The SVR is also the base of the DMU (diesel multiple unit) 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.

Locomotives

team Locomotives

Operational Steam Locomotives
**Manchester Ship Canal Hunslet 0-6-0T no.686 "The Lady Armaghdale" "(running as "Thomas the Tank Engine")"
** GWR 2-6-2T 5101 Class no. 5164 - GWR green
** GWR 2-6-2T 45xx class no. 4566 - GWR green
** GWR 0-6-0PT 57xx Class no. 5764 - GWR green
** GWR 0-6-0PT 57xx Class no. 7714 - GWR green
** GWR 4-6-0 78xx "Manor" Class no. 7802 "Bradley Manor" - BR green
** GWR 4-6-0 78xx "Manor" Class no. 7812 "Erlestoke Manor" - BR green
** LMS 2-6-0 Class 5MT no. 42968 - BR black
** LMS 2-6-0 Class 2MT no. 46443 - BR black

Steam locomotives under overhaul, restoration or construction
** GWR 2-8-0 28xx Class no. 2857 [cite web|title=The 2857 Society|url=http://www.2857.org.uk/]
** GWR 2-6-2T 5101 Class no. 4150
** LMS 2-6-0 Class 4MT no. 43106
** SR 4-6-2 West Country Class no. 34027 "Taw Valley"
** BR standard class 3 tank replica (2-6-2T Class 3MT) no. [http://www.82045.org.uk/ 82045] "(component parts beginning to be gathered. Frame plates recently despatched to Boro' Foundry, Lye to be drilled; driving wheel set at Eardington under re-consideration, other smaller components in store in Cheshire, patterns for buffer beam brackets complete, patterns for other cast parts under construction)"
** Catch me who can replica 2-2-0 Richard Trevithick locomotive of 1808. (The boiler has been steamed a number of times and the other outstanding work is progressing well) It appeared as a guest at Barrow Hill round house, Chesterfield during August Bank Holiday 2008.

Steam locomotives awaiting overhaul
** BR standard class 4 4-6-0 (Class 4MT) no. 75069
** LMS 4-6-0 Class 5MT Black Five no. 45110 - BR black (Boiler certificate extended until 31 August 2008) "This locomotive occasionally carries the post-preservation name R.A.F Biggin Hill".

Steam locomotives on static display
**Longmoor Military Railway 2-10-0 600 "Gordon" "(Cosmetically restored and on view in the new Engine House Display Centre at Highley)"
**Manning Wardle Contractors Locomotive 0-6-0ST no. 2047 "Warwickshire" "(displayed outside Kidderminster Railway museum as a static exhibit until funds are raised for overhaul)"
**GWR 0-6-0PT 15xx Class no. 1501 "(Cosmetically restored and on view in the new Engine House Display Centre at Highley)"
**Midland Railway Compound 4-4-0 No. 1000 (on display in the Engine House, on two year loan from the National Railway Museum)
**GWR 4-6-0 49xx "Hall" Class no. 4930 "Hagley Hall" "(recently returned to the SVR for display in the Engine House having been on display at the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet in Swindon, Wiltshire)"
**GWR 2-6-0 43xx Class no. 9303 "(Cosmetically restored and on view in the new Engine House Display Centre at Highley)"
**LMS 0-6-0T LMS Fowler Class 3F "Jinty" no. 47383 "(Cosmetically restored and on view in the new Engine House Display Centre at Highley)"
**LMS 2-8-0 Class 8F no. 48773 "(Now Out of Service, Now in the Engine House at Highley)"
**BR standard class 4 tank (2-6-4T Class 4MT) no. 80079 "(Cosmetically restored and on view in the new Engine House Display Centre at Highley)"

Steam locomotives currently elsewhere
**GWR 4-6-0 78xx "Manor" Class no. 7819 "Hinton Manor" "(cosmetic restoration complete; this has been exchanged for "Hagley Hall" at Swindon)"
** Port Talbot Railway 0-6-0ST no. 813 "(on loan to the East Somerset Railway)"(the loco is rarely on the line and onloan to other railways often due to its lack of use to the line)

Diesel Locomotives

**BR 0-6-0 Class 08 nos. D3022, D3201, D3586 and D3937 "(in service)"
**BR 0-6-0 Class 11, no. 12099 "(running agreement negotiated)"
**BR Bo-Bo Class 20 no. D8188 "(in service)"
**BR Bo-Bo Class 27 no. D5410 "(awaiting restoration)"
**BR B-B Class 35 no. D7029 "(undergoing restoration)"
**BR Co-Co Class 37 no. 37906 "(in service)"
**BR Bo-Bo Class 42 no. D821 "Greyhound" "(currently being repaired)"
**BR C-C Class 52 no. D1013 "Western Ranger" "(in service)"cite journal|author=Tompkins, Doug|title=Preservation 'Western'-style|journal=Railway Magazine|volume=136|year=1990|pages=722–6]
**BR C-C Class 52 no. D1062 "Western Courier" "(in service)"
**BR Bo-Bo Class 73 no. E6005 "(in service)"
**BR Bo-Bo Class 73 no. E6006 "(in service)"

Diesel Multiple Units

**BR Class 108 units 51941+59250+52064 and 51935+56208 (One of these vehicles has recently been severely damaged by fire. It is presently unknown if the vehicle will be written off.)

Carriages

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. [cite journal|author=Madgin, Hugh|title=Why carriages come first at the SVR|journal=Steam Railway|issue=204|month=April | year=1997|pages=44–5] [cite book|author=Great Western (SVR) Association|title=Guide book to Bewdley|year=1971|publisher=GW(SVR)A|location=Bewdley]

To complement its large collection of GWR coaches the SVR 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 are usually only used on the intensive timetable and at special events. The LMS set is frequently used, being based at Bridgnorth and forming the first up train of the day.(It was because of this that when the line was severed by storm damage the stock was marooned at Bridgnorth

The collection of operational carriages is constantly growing. Near future entrants to the fleet will include LMS RFO 7511 and LNER Kitchen Composite 7960. These two vehicles are nearing completion of restoration 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.

Goods stock

The railway can also muster convincing demonstration goods trains as well as works trains from its wagon fleet, the restoration base being at Bewdley goods shed. [cite journal|author=Peplow, Steve|title=Fitted to the task!|journal=Steam Railway|issue=122|month=June | year=1990|pages=65–7]

The Railway in Television and Movies

The 1978 film version of "The Thirty-Nine Steps" was partly filmed on the railway- the scenes where Hannay (Robert Powell) hangs from the Victoria Bridge. The scene is supposed to be in Scotland- the landscape is very out of place for that area.

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.

The railway was used for the 1990s sitcom "Oh, Doctor Beeching!"

Portions of "The Seven-Per-Cent Solution" were filmed on the SVR.

In the 2005 film, "" GWR Manor no. 7802 "Bradley Manor" appeared as the train that brought the Pevensies to the nearest station to the Professor's house.

The railway has also featured in several television advertisements.

References

External links

* [http://www.svr.co.uk/ Severn Valley Railway official site.]
* [http://www.svr-vlo.org.uk/ SVR Volunteer Office]
* [http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/17612 Handbook to the Severn Valley Railway (1863)]
* [http://player26.narrowstep.tv/nsp.aspx?player=CEN_News_26&void=62357&title=Severn/ 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)]
* [http://player26.narrowstep.tv/popup-iteminfo.aspx?player=CEN_HomePage_15&void=199295&title=Charles/ Prince Charles visits the railway 2008]
* [http://www.thesectionalappendix.co.uk/WRBD33.html British Railways in 1960 - Severn Valley Branch (Bewdley to Bridgnorth)]
* [http://www.thesectionalappendix.co.uk/WRBD34.html British Railways in 1960 - Severn Valley Branch (Kidderminster to Bridgnorth)]

Station Sites
* [http://www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk/ Bridgnorth Station Site]
* [http://www.hloade.free-online.co.uk/index.html Hampton Loade Station Site]
* [http://svr-highley.cjb.net/ Highley Station Site]
* [http://www.arleystation.org.uk/ Arley Station Site]
* [http://www.bewdleystation.co.uk/ Bewdley Station Site]
* [http://www.kfriends.org.uk/ Kidderminster Station Site]