Wet this morning, so no walk along the river but straight to Arley station. The camera stayed in the bag as 42968 arrived, sounding very off-beat, with the first train from Kidderminster. After sandwiches, my plan was to head for Kidderminster to see the Panniers arrive later in the day. Margaret & KC headed back to the car & I caught the train to Bewdley behind 5164.

At Bewdley, 6024 was being prepared to work on Sunday & 6695 could be seen in the distance on the Stourport siding. After a cuppa & warming myself in front of the open fire in the waiting room, I waited for the SVR double-header – 5764 & 4566, which would work the 10 coach train arriving off the main line.

At Kidderminster I heard the special was running late, but took my place on the footbridge. Eventually 9600 & 9466 arrived in the main line station. Minutes later they were away & beyond the footbridge before reversing, then crossing onto the SVR, finally reversing the stock into the SVR station. After uncoupling, 5764 & 4566 were coupled to the train, finally heading for Bridgnorth.

A 60 & a 66 were also seen on engineers trains heading south through Kidderminster.

I’m sure there will be some photos soon!!

We headed to Arley for a walk alongside the river to see the 11.15 but as we parked the car a train was heard in the distance, going by the whistle it was 46443 on Footplate Experience. It wasn’t long before we heard the other train, the first from Kidderminster, which was worked by 42968 and due away at 11.15.

There was plenty of time before the next two trains were due, as we ambled up to the station. 7812 was on the next from Kidderminster and 5164 from Bridgnorth. At this time of year when trains aren’t so frequent, we don’t hang around and head off home.

‘Twas on the Saturday morning the plumber came to call, well, lunchtime actually – he was late!

At least the heating system is working properly now, but we were late going out & didn’t get to Arley until just before 3pm. Just time for a cuppa before the trains due to pass at 3.14pm. KC was most unhappy that the sheep had been moved out of the field adjacent to the picnic area, normally she is happy to peer through the hedge and watch them.

7812 was on the train from Kidderminster, 42968 on the other. I did notice that 7511 was on the rear of the Bridgnorth bound train, possibly the first day in service, but for a private party.

Only photos taken were of 7511, will add them to the “coaching stock” section as well as the 7th Nov album later this evening