The Severn Valley Venturer 60163 Thursday 8 September 2016

Email received from UKR today

Here’s something a little different! Enjoy a special midweek tour, taking 60163 ‘Tornado’ all the way from London to the Severn Valley Railway.
‘Tornado’ storms out of London Victoria, taking us via Kensington Olympia, Willesden, Acton, Slough and Reading. We continue past Oxford’s ‘dreaming spires’ to Banbury where we pause for water.
severn-valley-train-1357x850
After passing through Leamington Spa, Solihull and Tyseley our journey takes us through the revived Birmingham Snow Hill, then on via Smethwick, Old Hill and Stourbridge Junction to Kidderminster where we take the link that connects the national rail network to the Severn Valley Railway.
With 60163 still at the head, the train calls at Bewdley before travelling the length of this superbly preserved railway, passing through idyllic countryside before reaching Bridgnorth. Here you have a break of around three hours. The pleasant town is just a short walk from the station, linked by an authentic cliff lift – an unusual feature for an inland location.
For the return journey from Bridgnorth to Bewdley we have requested the use of Bulleid ‘West Country’ Pacific 34027. At Bewdley a DB Class 66 takes over for the return journey which re-traces our outward route to London Victoria.
Your tour ticket will also be valid for travel on scheduled Severn Valley Railway trains, giving a variety of alternative itinerary opportunities.
All timings are provisional and are intended only as a guide.
Station Depart Arrive
London Victoria 08.30 21.35
Slough (for M25) 09.25 20.45
Reading 09.55 20.25

 

http://www.ukrailtours.com/product/the-severn-valley-venturer/

Patrick

 

Well, it's one way for 60163 to get to the Valley for the end of September.
Also as mid-week September is fairly quiet, there should be plenty of room for the charter passengers.

 

These kind of tours are very popular and I expect it will sell quickly. The only downside for the purist is that the 66 will need to be on the rear for the outward leg until reaching Kiddie, unless an additional light engine move for the 66 can be arranged for later on. Taw Valley on the return leg is also a bonus !

 

It may be possible to use a local 66 used on the Round Oak/ Cardiff ./ Margam trains