THE SEVERN Valley Railway (SVR) will welcome enthusiasts and visitors to its Traction Weekend which runs from tomorrow until Sunday (September 7).
The event is being run by the SVR in partnership with GB Railfreight (GBRf) and will bring together an impressive mix of heritage and contemporary locomotives.
Services will be running services across the line and offering visitors a rare opportunity to enjoy the best of both railway worlds.
Profits from the weekend will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital which provides vital treatment and care for seriously ill children.
SVR managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster said: “Throughout the weekend, passengers will be able to travel behind a variety of mainline diesel locomotives from the
GB Railfreight fleet, including 73107, 73136, 66710, 66719 and 69015.
“These will operate alongside members of the SVR’s own home fleet and will include steam locomotive GWR 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’ and Class 40, 50 and 52 diesel locomotives as well as the Diesel Multiple Unit. We have very strong links with GBRf, and it’s thanks to their support that we’re able to offer this rare and rather special opportunity to travel behind locomotives that usually haul freight around the country.
“What’s also very pleasing is that we’re raising money at the same time for Great Ormond Street Hospital, an extremely deserving cause.”
There will be several additional attractions across the line for visitors to enjoy.
On the platform at Kidderminster, there will be a mini beer festival taking place on the platform and there will be a behind-the-scenes tours of the Diesel Depot.
The Engine House at Highley will feature a model railway exhibition, delivered in collaboration with Hornby Magazine.
Tours of the Diesel Depot at Kidderminster are available on a first-come, first-served basis between 10am and 3pm on both days. They will start from the Coalyard Miniature Railway station at the end of the car park.
Standard fares will apply throughout the event, with Freedom of the Line and Short Journey tickets available both in advance and on the day.
Visit svr.co.uk for more on the Traction Weekend and other events.
