I hadn’t been to Worcester for a few years & didn’t realise how difficult it was to get to Snow Hill. I had to change at Stourbridge & Foregate Street, then wait ages for the Brit to arrive, even though it was on time. On top of that, it was drizzling, so not a fun trip out. At least I enjoyed seeing the train arrive and the photos have come out well, considering the poor light.

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70000 waiting to take the empty stock to the sidings

My lucky day, caught a glimpse of the loco as I was driving down the Bewdley bypass. Grabbing my camera, I tried a shot through the trees, hoping it would soon cross the bridge towards Bewdley – but it went the other way. Walking down the lane, I did see it again on some test runs & took some photos. I didn’t upload the photos at the time, as it seemed everything about the runs was being kept quiet, but since then photos have appeared in the press elsewhere, and the loco is no longer at the SVR, having had recent test runs in London.

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My first glimpse of the loco from Bewdley bypass

A better view as it headed towards Foley Park tunnel

Link to the TFL London Underground’s 150th anniversary

Decision time, see the Hall or go to the SVR? Chose the Hall, also the last DRS “boat train” was also running through Small Heath – but that will be in another album. Small Heath is a nightmare when trains are coming from Tyseley yard, as there is every chance of a DMU from Birmingham getting in the way. Last time this happened, a Chiltern driver very kindly stopped short of the signal so as not to block our view, but this time a London Midland unit did spoil some of the shots. Not to worry, I was pleased with the results.

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At least the DMU was on the move as 4965 passed by

Couldn’t make up my mind what I was going to do – forecast was for cloudy weather, but do they ever get it right? Bright sunshine when I left home, then dark clouds by the time I reached Stourbridge. Decided to try the fields by the river at Arley, into the sun, which decided to shine when I didn’t really want it to! It was too sunny for that angle so I went up above Victoria Bridge for the long shots, but you need sun for those, and you can’t guarantee it will always shine. Ended up at Arley station for shots of 1501 before heading home. Other locos seen were 34053, 42968, 43106 & visiting 44871.

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A contrast in photos, 1501 against the light

34053 in sunlight

Makes a change to do something a bit different.

44871 is assisting at the SVR during December and into January, after a couple of failures with the home fleet. It travelled down from the ELR today and was booked into Rowley loop, giving me a chance to see it first at Langley Green, then hop on a train to Rowley to see it again. It left the loop about 30 minutes early, but at least I was in position to photograph it.

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An impressive departure from Rowley loop

I was only at Kidderminster for about 2 hours, but 6 locos are seen in sunny conditions – 1501, 4566, 5164, 34053, 42968 & 43106. Also, my last photos to include the old signal box, which I believe was demolished in the early hours of Sunday morning. Yes, I am getting behind with this blog, as usual – I think the cold weather slows me down!

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Nice set of Stanier coaches behind 34053

Very little sun today, so I decided for some closer shots at Arley. I was there for about 3 hours and just the 4 locos were hauling the trains, as 2857 was not running. With the cold weather there was plenty of steam showing, even when the locos were not moving – very atmospheric.

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See what I mean about the steam!

A sunny day at “Safari Park Curve”. I say day, but it was less than 3 hours – as I had to get home by bus, no quick journey! What can I say but mostly blue sky & plenty of steam.

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34053 heading towards Foley Park tunnel