SVR Spring Steam Gala 16-19 April 2026

Many thanks for the update, looking forward to it tomorrow.

 

Sounds like a great job has been done by all involved both in terms of shed staff and organisers. Well done!

 

Great day on the railway yesterday, the vast majority of services were bang on time to the minute (if not early arriving!).

Trains were well loaded and I think the railway deserves credit for basically making Thursday now a full day rather than a preview day. 9 locos were planned and in the end all were out.

Great performances off 7802 in the afternoon, 4 coaches no bother, and I was surprised how much noise I could hear off 71000 from the 7th vehicle on the approach to Bewdley Tunnel, good stuff. Fantastic view through the cab of 238 viewing Judy on the climb out of Bewdley too.

Fantastic cake from Arley as usual! A female volunteer TTI on the Duke's rake was very polite towards me too which added to the day, the general public would be very impressed and it's these interactions which will want people to return for another day out.

Eavesdropping, the HL shuttle set is made up of 24617 (the BR livery LMS carriage) and Mk1 BCK 21254 and due to an oversight the pair will have no gangway connection for the event, and as we all know how busy those trains can be, just thought I'd mention it so some can be prepared.

 

Pug and Judy didn't double head this morning.

Top and tailed to Bewdley

 

The Duke of Gloucester heading back to Kidderminster Thursday evening.

 

Hagley Hall on an afternoons goods heading towards Bridgnorth.

 

Lovely day with trains running exceptionally to time (well once I arrived, had to come down from Manchester through the overhead electric chaos). Services seemed a bit lightly loaded outside of peak hours and the Duke's rake, but we'll see if tomorrow brings the crowds.

 

Well I couldn't fault the time table.

Or anything else.