THE KIDDERMINSTER –based Severn Valley Railway welcomed steam enthusiasts to its annual Autumn Steam Gala over the long weekend from Thursday to Sunday, September 19 to 22.
Eight steam locos carried passengers over the 16-mile route between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. Visiting locos from other heritage railways included 2999 ‘Lady of Legend’, 45596 ‘Bahamas’, Black Five number 44932, and LMS saddle tank engine11456.
Picture by Geoff Hawkesworth. s
These four locos were supported by four of the railway’s own steam engines and class 108 diesel multiple unit (DMU). In addition, 2 locos were on static display at Kidderminster station.
Railway enthusiasts young and old could enjoy the Coalyard miniature railway running outside the Kidderminster Railway Museum, and other attractions were open along the line, including The Engine House at Highley, and the Paddock garden railway at Hampton Loade.
Picture by Geoff Hawkesworth. s
Refreshments were available at stations along the line, including the pubs on Bridgnorth and Kidderminster stations, and a pup-up beer hut at Bewdley.
The annual RailArt exhibition was also open in the museum at Kidderminster where enthusiasts enjoyed a sizeable range of artworks by a wide range of artists.
Picture by Geoff Hawkesworth. s
Whilst the rain may have dampened the ground on Sunday, it certainly did not dampen the enthusiasm for travelling in style, with some visitors choosing to wear period costumes.
Picture by Geoff Hawkesworth. s
The railway is hosting many more events before the end of the year, including gin trains, vintage afternoon teas, Sunday lunch services, a Christmas gift fayre, Halloween Scream Trains, carol services, and of course the ever-popular Santa Trains. There will also be the Autum Diesel Gala for enthusiasts of all types of diesel locomotion.
Picture by Geoff Hawkesworth. s
heClick here for more on the SVR’s upcoming events.
