#severn valley railway

[itsstreetlove]

Steaming out of Bridgnorth Station.....4930 Hagley Hall leaving for Kidderminster

2024

[redgriffinsphotos]

Severn Valley Railway, Shropshire, Autumn 2009

[guerrerense]

ex SR Bulleid Pacific 34053 Sir Keith Park crossing Borle Viaduct heading for Arley por Graham Por Flickr: Severn Valley Railway

[the-time-lord-oracle]

Ffestiniog Railway No 2 Prince at the 2017 Severn Valley Railway autumn steam gala.

[mjalford98]

Happy St George's Day! Putting the "Great" in "Great Britain" thanks to the wonderful legacy of the Great Western Railway, I had a great evening last night photographing GWR steam locomotive no 4079 Pendennis Castle with a set of vintage GWR coaches at the lovely Bewdley station thanks to Time Line Events, so lots to edit and post. Starting today, we have a scene from earlier in the evening when the train is seen running through the station past the railway's vintage freight wagons and waiting passengers on the sheltered island platform.

Find these and more on my Flickr, available under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

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A post shared by Michael Alford (@michael.tradinnovate)

[eagleofthe9th]

It’s funny to think that this was a tank engine once

[tishfarrell]

Dads And Lads At The Severn Valley Railway

Dads And Lads At The Severn Valley Railway

This week Cee wants to see tender moments. Here are some that caught my eye on a couple of visits to Shropshire’s Severn Valley Railway. They make me wonder too: young dads sharing their passion for steam trains; little lads not quite big enough to be sure. Which is also touching. * And quite another take on the topic… A case of sore feet and a tender behind… (I know, it’s an old…

[hazel-of-sodor]

Presenting the Great Western Railway 85xx Stone Circle class. This engine came from a discussion with a friend about a 'what if' next step for Great Western Express Locomotives had nationalization not occured.  It's not a Cathedral, but a further design. Some history on these giants.

 8500 Ring of Brodgar was the prototype, and would be purchased by a private owner before being officially being withdrawn from service. Upon her owner's death in 1982, she was donated to the National Collection. 

8501 Mitchel's Fold was the first production 85xx. She would be rescued from Barry's Scrapyard in 1973 by a preservation group dedicated to saving and restoring her. While the group would go on to save other engines after her restoration, she remains their pride and joy.

8502 Avebury was included in the purchase of the  Kingsbridge Branchline from British Railways by the Kingsbridge Preservation Group. She would serve as the line's main attraction until the late seventies, when she was withdrawn from service for overhaul. It wouldn't be until 1998 that she would return to service. Since then she has spent the majority of her time in service, although she is currently awaiting overhaul.

8503 Callanish Stones would be purchased directly from British Rails by the Great Western Society.

8504 Castleriggs Stones would be wrecked in 1965 on an embankment. British Rails determined it would cost more to recover the stricken engine then she was worth in scrap, so the engine was left abandoned.  In 1968 the Severn Valley Railway Society approached BR for permission to recover the engine. After negotiations they were given a 24  hour window to bring Castleriggs Stones back to the rails. In the waning hours of May 13th, 1969, Wrexham Cathedral pulled her newly righted cousin back onto the rails. She was found to be in shockingly good condition, having been mostly sheltered from the weather by the embankment. She would steam for the first time in 12 years in 1977.

8005 Boscawen-Un was purchased for testing by the London North Eastern Railway. Upon Nationalization she remained with the Eastern Region. When Gywneth Amari purchased the former Great Central line in 1966, 8005 was allocated to the line, and transfered to her ownership. It is hard to say which angers Great Western purists more, that she is in LNER Apple Green, or that is historically accurate.

8006 Nine Ladies would the last withdrawn from service. The workers at Swindon hid her on unused sidings, moving her evertime she was discovered, until BR just gave up and donated her to the Dart Valley railway in late 1969 just to be rid of her. Donated her as in dumping her in their yard with ownership papers left in the cab.

8007 Merry Maidens was allocated to the Midland region in 1962, and was painted in their maroon livery. Less than a year later she was scheduled for immediate withdrawl, the first of the class to be withdrawn, only for the engine to disappear. In 1973 she would be found by volunteers on the Coleford Preservation Railway in an abandoned shed during an expansion project, hidden by her old crew

[mmprviolet]

An issue I have with the show even before Nia and Rebecca came along was the female characters didn't have many flaws or really a character arc compared to the guys so I'm taking a moment to see if i can rework my OCs

Audrey: NWR 100; said to be shy and reserved, but has trouble voicing her needs and consumed by regret. She also over apologizes for things, people pleases, and suffers anxiety issues. She learns to see her own self worth and value, enforcing her boundaries and not wasting her time trying to please ungrateful assholes. Royal Blue livery

Britt: NWR 99: A talkative engine who loves to gossip and show the new engines the ropes. Sometimes she can say things she doesn't actually mean or talk over people, often leading to her ignoring their input. She learns to stop and listen to others, and to be careful with her gossip. Britt is Victoria's rival. Named after Britt Allcroft, the creator of the TV series. NWR blue livery

Chelsea: NWR 98: American newbie reconfigured to fit British rail lines. While friendly and helpful she also has anger/resentment and self esteem issues from being bullied on her old railway. She learns how to let things go and see her anger as a gift. Maroon and gold livery

Tyona: NWR 97: An engine from North Africa, Tyona is a spunky headstrong type who also likes undertaking tasks bc she dislikes staying in one place or rest. Has a rivalry with James over who is the Best Red™. Tyona struggles to find her footing in an unfamiliar land and culture clash that comes with it. She also gets upset when people devalue her work. She learns to accept change, and the value of self worth. Rose livery.

Queen Victoria. NWR 96 Pompous and arrogant, she looks down on engines she deems lesser. Competitive and strong she can take any tasks no matter how dirty to get attention, as well as spreading rumors about diesels and electric type engines. She learns the value of cooperation and humility. Named after Queen Victoria. Purple livery (based on Severn Valley)

Diana: NWR 95: Built in 2002 as a tribute to the late Princess. She was used as a museum piece before moving to Sodor. Inexperienced with hard tasks, she struggles to find her footing and tries to live up to her famous name. She learns to adapt to her strengths and weaknesses to a healthy Middle ground. White and gold livery (think Stanley & Spencer)

Goldie Conductor: The team leader of the Fab Five, she is a friendly if clumsy lady who strives to do her best job as Conductor. She uses a magic whistle to cast simple spells although it can malfunction at times. Her goal to preserve Sodor's railway lines leads her butting heads with the greedy PT Boomer. Just like in previous seasons she is played by a live actress.

[itsstreetlove]

A fine romance.....

Cosmos and steam trains

Bridgnorth Railway Station ~ Seven Valley Railway

2023

[airmanisr]

RD23834sc. LADY OF LEGEND approaching Highley. by Ron Fisher Via Flickr: RD23834sc. In April, 2022, the Severn Valley Railway held their annual Spring steam Gala – and a splendid gala it was too. Special attractions were GWR Churchward ‘Saint’ Class 4-6-0 2999 LADY OF LEGEND from the Didcot Railway Centre, Southern Railway Urie S15 Class 4-6-0 506 from the Mid-Hants Railway and LNER Gresley A4 Class Pacific 4498 SIR NIGEL GRESLEY. This is a screenshot from the video footage that I took whilst there and it shows LADY OF LEGEND approaching Highley on its way to Bridgnorth. To see the video, click here: www.flickr.com/photos/train-pix/52045979783/in/album-7215... or here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EehyXarneXo Sunday, 24th April 2022. Copyright © Ron Fisher 2022. ***For more videos of UK heritage railways see: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFsbViNeGSHnOuAr10FmQ85ao_...

[guerrerense]

The Beast Approaches por Jason Hood Por Flickr: Ex-British Railways 9F No. 92214 approaches Highley, Severn Valley Railway.

[the-time-lord-oracle]

4930 Hagley Hall and No 7325 at Bewdley, 21/07/2023

[mjalford98]

I'm competing in the LCE Photographer of the Year 2024! Help me out by clicking on the images below to vote for them in the "People's Choice" category!

[moreeverydaythings]

Day 1475 Wye (Why) am I doing this?

The next in my railway station to railway station walks is Chepstow to Knighton. This is part of the Offa’s Dyke Path along the England/Wales border. The constant zig zagging over the border did pose a problem for tagging the photographs. Often I might be stood in Wales but photographing a scene in England or vice versa which meant I didn’t know whether to tag photographs England or Wales or Herefordshire or Montgomery etc.

I would be joined by my friend, R, who also joined me last year on the Wolds Way which was a walk through my childhood. This time it was R’s choice and having been born in Wales and as a Welsh speaker, R wanted to walk the length of Wales. Work commitments (well let’s face probably more like lack of fitness) meant we were not attempting all 177 miles of Offa’s Dyke in one go. Instead we would walk the first official 82 miles from Chepstow northwards to Knighton.

R and I agreed the following walk rules:

1.      Not one extra metre

One of the issues with the Wolds Way has been that some of the overnight accommodation was some distance from the trail. This time we had organized all accommodation right on the trail. Not only did this rule apply to the logistics, it also applied to our navigation skills. On the Wolds Way we had wandered off the trail a number of times adding miles on to our walk. This time we committed to 100% concentration and no mistakes! Unsurprisingly, we managed to break this rule within the first hour!

2.      Carry our own bags

We both agreed that, just as like the Wolds Way, a big part of the challenge is to carry our own rucksacks with everything we need. Well not tents and food obviously. Imagine my surprise therefore when R phoned me at 7 am the day we were due to meet suggesting that I arrange for someone to carry our rucksacks and citing my own dodgy knee for the reason. Much as I was tempted especially having struggled to lift my rucksack onto the train, I did politely point out “how the f*** am I going to arrange this when we start the walk in less than 2hours”.  And so this rule was complied with throughout!

3.      No pub stops during the day

Obviously, pub stops were allowed at the end of the day. Indeed, we’d be staying in pubs. However, they were only to be a reward for the day’s efforts. We broke this rule on days 2 and 4 but in each case it was a fully justified emergency!

4.      Lunch is for wimps

Yes I’m fully aware that it is necessary to remain properly fueled. However, with carrying a heavy rucksack any stop for more than a few minutes results in me stiffening up and struggling to get moving again. We largely complied with this. Although arguably technically broken at the same times as rule 3, as I didn’t have anything to eat on either occasion, I’m claiming compliance with this rule.

We met at approximately 9am at Chepstow station. Because of rule 1 (not one extra metre), I’d organized a taxi from the station to take us to as near to the start as a car can make it. It took me seven phone calls to find a taxi in Chepstow so note to self, if I ever wanted to start a taxi business, there’s clearly a market in Chepstow.

Chepstow is in Wales but the start of the walk is England but the route goes back into Wales at Chepstow before returning to England on the Forest of Dean side of the Wye Valley and then back into Wales for the last couple of miles into Monmouth. Got that! Well actually this was one of the less zigzagging across borders days!

A large rock (which I think was several smaller stones bonded together with cement) at the side of the Severn Estuary signifies the start of the Offa’s Dyke national trail. The early stage of the walk is relatively easy going and are largely on pavements which take you through a housing estate. Here about 30 minutes in we go the wrong way. The route really should be signed better so end up walking twice as far on a circuitous route through the estate. That’s rule 1 broken already!

From Chepstow the walk climbs up through fields and small woods enabling us to take a last look back towards the Severn Estuary and Severn Bridges before entering into the darkness of the Forest of Dean up above the Wye Valley. I had been expecting spectacular views down into the valley, particularly of Tintern Abbey. Unfortunately, the forest only permits the occasional glimpse. Therefore, it is a case of heads down and just walk. Not that the walking is easy either. The path contains a series of steep descents to the valley floor followed by an equally steep ascent back up to the ridge. At the bottom of one steep decent we enter the village of Redbrook. By this time we had just about exhausted our supply of energy drinks and R spots a pub about 200m down the road in the opposite direction to our destination. I have to remind R of both Rule 1 (Not one extra metre) and Rule 3 (No pub stops during the day). Instead therefore we have to rehydrate with cans of coke from the village post office.

The final descent into Monmouth is a real killer with gravity pushing you downwards and your tired legs trying to resist. Our stop for the night is the lovely Punch House pub in the heart of Monmouth. It is a beautiful warm evening and the pub has plenty of large tables set out in the town square where we enjoy good food and good beer. The only slight spoiler is that we are surrounded by a group of Brummie golfers. Not that I have anything against Birmingham and its inhabitants. Indeed, having lived in Birmingham for more than 20 years, they are both very close to my heart. But Golf and its ridiculously petty rules! FFS!!! I could write a book on everything that’s wrong with golf. However I’ve promised to be more positive and just say, each to his own, and leave it at that…for now!

[tornadoyoungiron]

Traintober | Day 17 - Holiday 

Taw Valley takes a holiday to the Great Western. Chaos ensues.

For Nick. And our discussions about Taw Valley being the premier, desperate Wine Aunt of the UK heritage railway scene.

~~~

“We need to talk about your sister.”

Braunton sighed as he heard the bark of a Black 5 coming up beside him. He looked over and found a polished black engine with red trim, the number, 5025 emblazoned on his cab and buffer beam.

“If anything the less talk about my sister the more she’ll cease being an insufferable flirt!” Braunton interjected. “I don’t know whether she does it for attention or she’s just that desperate to find an engine to settle down with.”

“I’ve struggled to find anyone who wants to go down to Severn for their winter gala,” 5025 stressed. “The main trouble being-”

“They don’t want Taw Valley to incessantly flirt with them while they’re there,” Braunton conceded with a frustrated sigh. “You don’t think I’ve been trying for decades to get her to stop Connor?”

The Black 5 gazed at Braunton sympathetically. He gave a thoughtful hum and tutted.

“I was actually thinking of sending her away for that weekend, maybe an exhibit or a visit to the NRM,” Connor suggested and Braunton gave a choke of a laugh.

“Flying Scotsman is tolerant but he’s not that tolerant,” the West Country scoffed. “The more famous they are the more she’s going to be extra… ah shall we say, insistent. Despite, well, you know.”

“The fact that Scotsman and Truro are a thing?”

Braunton snorted in mirth.

“Worst kept secret in existence, no thanks to Pendennis.”

Connor stared at the sheds in front of him for a long while, considering their options before a smirk appeared on his face.

“What?” Braunton questioned as he saw the devious look in the Black 5 eyes.

“Pendennis hmm? I was thinking, has Taw Valley ever experienced, ‘the Great Western Way?’” Connor asked of the Southern Engine.

Braunton smirked, knowing exactly where the LMS engine was going.

“Why, no, I don’t believe she has Connor.”

~~~

“The Great Western’s?” Taw Valley was surprisingly unenthused by the prospect of meeting new engines she could mingle (or more accurately, flirt) with. “A bunch of prudes stuck in their ways, it’s incredibly undesirable!”

Braunton bit back his impulse to shout in frustration. 

“That friend of yours though…” Taw Valley inquired suggestively. “Will he be there? I don’t think I’ve met him.”

Braunton looked back at his sister in surprise. He knew exactly who she meant and he was reluctant to throw his friend onto the tracks.

“I’ve told you to leave my friends out of your conquests,” Braunton hissed at her annoyed. “Yet you keep flirting with Scotsman!”

“Oh everyone flirts with Scotsman!” Taw Valley dismissed his concerns.

“That doesn’t mean he likes it!” Braunton snapped back. “There are boundaries you should not cross Dotti!”

Taw Valley sighed and huffed at him. 

“You’re such a drag, little brother,” Taw Valley tartly chirped. “So Scotsman’s really with that pretty little Western hmm?”

“Will you at the very least entertain the idea of going to Didcot?” Braunton asked exasperated, ignoring her question.

“If it pleases you, little brother, I shall,” Taw Valley finally conceded. 

“Please just leave Pendennis out of your conquests, he’s one of my best friends,” Braunton appealed to his elder sister.

To his surprise, Taw Valley smiled at him, her eyes kind.

“I promise, Braunton, I am, of course, not completely without scruples.”

Braunton however wasn’t so sure.

~~~

Taw Valley did attempt to make good on her promise to her brother, however, it was all so tempting, but she kept strong and refused to even look at the Castle class who seemed to be there at every turn.

She was getting frustrated and tried to distract herself with the King Edwards but they were insufferably up their own tenders. They were always insisting upon themselves, always looking down on the other engines even though Taw Valley towered above them.

How irritating.

King George was marginally better but he seemed… well, he seemed old, to put it one way. She did not want to settle down with someone whose personality felt like a doddering elderly man. It was exceedingly poor form. Even if his Golden Bell was extremely charming.

That Clun Castle was the one she disliked the most. She was snivelling and she was crass, not a single rivet of class in her. Taw Valley had shooed her away, the irritating engine cursing her and calling her ugly.

Ha! Her? Ugly? 

She was as blind as she was stupid.

There was a reason why she never really tried to flirt with the Great Western’s. They were all obsessed with work or with adhering to the ‘Great Western Way,’ whatever that meant. They were all so… boring.

“Is there any reason why yer avoidin’ me, you purple beaut?” A very Australian-sounding voice greeted her and to her surprise, she found the engine of the hour, Pendennis Castle himself idling up next to her.

“Oh, hello you!” Taw Valley shrilly exclaimed, flattered by the Great Western. “I’ll have you know that my brother does not approve of me ‘flirting’ with his friends.”

“Ah, I see,” Pendennis chuckled, his voice changing to a strange mix between Welsh and Australian which Taw Valley could only assume was his natural accent. “Well, we’re both adults, we can make our own choices.”

“Contrary to many people’s beliefs, I do actually want to respect the wishes of my little brother,” Taw Valley disputed, she eyed Pendennis with a wandering gaze. “No matter how hard such a thing may be.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, My Lady in Purple,” Pendennis charmed her and Taw Valley blushed, she wasn’t used to being flirted at for once. “And if Braunton asks, I did approach and flirt first, so technically-”

“It doesn’t count,” Taw Valley chortled. “You’re a sly thing, Pendennis Castle. And here was I thinking that you Great Western’s were nothing but boring and tasteless!”

“Now, I’m technically an honorary Australian,” Pendennis laughed. “I suppose that’s where the ‘forwardness’ comes from. No nonsense over there, just straight to the point. Pendennis before Australia was just as boring.”

“Straight to the point is how I like my engines!” Taw Valley implored. “And here was me thinking you had a big crush on the Flying One.”

Pendennis simply chuckled at that.

“Once. A long time ago. But we discussed it and it was never meant to be I’m afraid,” Pendennis admitted regretfully. “I do adore Scotsman, but we just don’t… ‘click’ if you know what I mean?”

“I don’t,” Taw Valley bluntly replied. “But I’d like to find out if you ‘click’ with me, if you know what I mean.”

Pendennis gave her a smirk. 

“I do believe I do, Taw Valley.”

“Please, it’s Dottie!” 

“Charmed, call me Penpen or Rio Fe!”

Taw Valley couldn’t help but feel a little guilty at her interactions with Pendennis because of her promise to her brother. But then again, like he said, Pendennis had approached her. He couldn’t be mad at her for that.

Maybe this little Holiday would turn out to be a good one after all.

~~~

Hey Nick, if you’re reading this then I want you to know that this is equally your fault as it is mine. Go say hi to Taw Valley and Pendennis for me if you see them again. <3