SVR General Discussion

One benefit of running diesel's is that I believe the operating costs for the railway are generally cheaper. The downside being that a certain percentage of the customers want and expect a ride behind a steam loco. Are there any figures from the SVR or other railways on the impact of passenger numbers when trains are not steam hauled. Do a significant percentage of passengers simply decide not to travel at all or do many simply try, where they can, to delay their visit until steam is operating again

 

I'd need to find the article, but a few years ago the NYMR was cited as saying passenger numbers went down by at least 50% whenever steam was stopped for lengthy dry periods. I'm certain another has more recently said they see a 70% drop in footfall, but can't remember which line that was at.

 

Consistently about 40% drop at NNR when diesels sub for steam during high fire risk spells.

 

Post on SVR Diesels Facebook page shows services delayed due to leaves on the line at Hampton Loade. Said leaves are still attached to the tree!

 

Lol! (at comment, not incident)

 

A decent sized tree, delays were up to 50 mins but making up time now.

 

Missed opportunity to bill it as a branch line gala IMHO

 

Double Western weekend with D1015 and D1062 in use both days. On Saturday both do two round trips, while on the Sunday only D1015 does 2 rts.

 

Website now states "Due to increased risk of lineside fires, all trains will be hauled by one of our Heritage Diesel fleet until at least the end of August." Yesterday's events in nearby Stourbridge show just what a tinder box the area is.

 

The decision had been made a couple of days ago. The NBI about it came out on Tuesday. There is a review meeting next week but I can't see anything changing anytime soon.
I walked KR to BY via the rifle range and AY to BY yesterday. Scorched is an understatement.

 

Having been in Birmingham yesterday and nearly getting stranded in Lye on the return train due to the line closure with the fire at Stourbridge, the heat yesterday was like nothing I've experienced before. The smoke from the fire was enormous. Unfortunately the hill opposite us at home has also gone up in flames this week as well. The smell of burnt vegetative is horrid with everything covered in ash.
This really is turning into a very destructive period of weather, any idea of running steam would be completely irresponsible.
Well done to the SVR for being on the front foot and advertising the diesels in advance - im sure there will be a few takers for the 52s!

 

If anyone is coming tomorrow by rail, the Snow Hill lines are still likely to be affected after yesterday's fire. Today it has been rail replacement bus between Stourbridge and Kidderminster, and an emergency hourly service from Worcester Shrub Hill to Kidderminster.

 

This may be the situation for some days to come. The fire caused extensive damage to lineside cabling.

 

Whilst by no means an accurate measure, YouTube seems to continue to show trains with healthy loadings at the SVR - hopefully the steam ban is not impacting income too much.
It helps that Kidderminster TMD has a very impressive allocation of immaculate looking traction to call on!

 

Absolutely fantastic news from the Severn Valley Railway!

What an incredible achievement by everyone involved in the restoration of BR Mk1 coach No. 16202. The sheer amount of work that has gone into this vehicle is remarkable, from the painstaking refurbishment of the compartment interiors and retrimming of the seating, right through to the major structural repairs hidden behind the gangways.

Projects like this are what heritage railways are all about. Visitors will see a beautifully presented coach, but it's clear that countless hours of skilled work have gone on behind the scenes to bring it up to such a high standard. The attention to detail, including restoring timber panelling, overhauling windows, renewing flooring, and tackling significant corrosion issues, is truly impressive.

Huge congratulations to the SVR C&W team, the volunteers, and everyone who helped fund and support the project. Every completed restoration helps preserve an important piece of Britain's railway heritage, ensuring future generations can experience these wonderful coaches as they were intended to be enjoyed.

The finished result looks superb and is a real credit to all concerned. It's heartening to see traditional craftsmanship, dedication, and pride producing such outstanding results. A magnificent achievement that the railway and its supporters can be immensely proud of.

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2026/0...-completes-refurbishment-of-mark-1-coach.html

 

Blimey. Thats gilding the lily .
16202 was good project to allow volunteers to take the lead with paid staff involvement kept to a minimum. We are currently working on LMS TK 2300 using the same approach. Volunteers leading the way with paid staff only involved in giving guidance and completing the rewire.

Very quickly after 16202 was finished, we released BSO 9220 after a full repaint, new toilet tank and 1 brand new door.

 

For those of you with an FT subscription, the SVR has unusually featured as a story. Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles.

Railway enthusiasts split over plan to restore train services in rural areas Some are hopeful upgraded tracks will preserve steam engine rides, but others fear they will morph into commuter services

https://giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/actions/redeem/eb48099e-05cd-473b-81d8-299360fb90fc

 

Steam back from Wednesday 2nd.

 

Thought this was interesting. <BJ>

Commuter service: 17:45 & 18:50 Kidder – Bewdley: 7714

Realtime Trains | Departures from Bewdley all day on 01/09/2026

 

Yes, it has been said that the afternoon commuter service will use the daytime set and loco if it's a running day. That's not new.