Monthly Archives: April 2010

Update 333. Royal Saloon 798 into The Engine House, Severn Valley Railway. 28/04/10

A “big shunt” at The Engine House today. The Royal Saloon, built at Wolverton, 1941, was taken to Highley by D3022 and would to take the place of the TPO. This meant 3 locos had to be moved first, Pannier 7714, 8F 48773 & Midland Compound 1000. The locos were all shunted onto the “main line” to allow removal of the TPO, its place being taken by the Saloon. Plenty of photos were taken, including my first shots of the Compound in daylight.

Link to photos

The Saloon is seen at Highley station

Update 332. 31602 & Serco test train at Kidderminster, Severn Valley Railway. 26/04/10

The train arrived at Kidderminster during the afternoon and was due to run to Bridgnorth & back before returning to Network Rail tracks during the evening. My compact flash card displayed “corrupt data” so I reformatted the card and lost the first few photos as the train arrived, but don’t panic – I still managed plenty of shots. Photos of stock & DBSO also included.

Link to photos

Still on Network Rail tracks, about to cross over to the up line before reversing onto the SVR.

Update 331. D1062, 5164, 5764 & 43106 at Arley, Severn Valley Railway. 25/04/10

The cloud hid the sun as 43106 rolled down from Arley station, so I put the camera away. Up at the station I was waiting for the next train through, but was surprised to find D1062 was hauling it. Apparently one of the steam locos was unavailable & the Western was used. It made a pleasant change from the usual steam locos! The next two steamers were “backwards”, but we waited for the return of 43106 from Kidderminster, knowing it would be facing the right way.

Link to photos

D1062 is seen waiting to depart from Arley

Update 329. Hastings Diesel Limited 1001 “Severn Explorer” at Old Hill, 24/04/10

The previous update showed the DEMU at Kidderminster, this one shows the unit later in the afternoon, having left the SVR and returning to Hastings via Birmingham Snow Hill. It certainly made a change from the Class 150 units which work the majority of services on this line.

Link to photos

The light was better for a “going away” shot

Update 328. Hastings Diesel Limited 1001 “Severn Explorer” at Kidderminster, 24/04/10

This railtour started at Hastings and ran to Kidderminster via Swindon & Worcester. I saw it arrive at Kidderminster and cross onto the SVR. It then ran through to Bridgnorth before returning later in the afternoon.

Link to photos

It is seen here approaching Kidderminster

I saw the unit again in the afternoon as it climbed through Old Hill on the return journey, running via Snow Hill. Those photos will be uploaded later.