26 June 2010: Forties Weekend

Brian Burrows and I visited the Severn Valley on a very hot day drawn by the promise of a frequent steam timetable. Very few other linesiders 'braved' the 'harsh' conditions, but loadings on the trains were another matter; this type of event is undoubtedly very popular with the general public. Brian looked cool in his sunglasses, but damaged his new image when he became very concerned that his black camera bag was actually purple. Had he picked up the wrong bag? Was it in fact his wife's shopping bag? Fortunately when he removed his sunglasses in his perplexity, he discovered that it was the tint from these all along!

Locomotives in action: GWR large Prairie 5164 (Oldbury and Eardington summit); 7802 "Bradley Manor" at Hay Bridge and Crossing Cottage, Eardington; Stanier Mogul 42968 at Oldbury; GWR Small Prairie 4566 at Eardington; 7812 "Erlestoke Manor" at Eardington.

You Tube (9mins 50secs)

22 May 2010: 40th Anniversary Celebrations

Congratulations to the Severn Valley for reaching this notable milestone. The railway is a tribute in itself to the many individuals whose efforts over the years have brought it to its current level of development.

A day of wall to wall sunshine, but the weather was uncomfortably warm and the exhaust from the locos evaporated more or less instantaneously; we are never satisfied. Clive Hanley was noticeably impatient as I drove sedately to the railway in my new car, but we managed to reach the line just in time for the first Bewdley departure with the mandatory run up the line to get to the appointed location in time. The timetable looked a good one with frequent trains, but it somehow contrived the final three evening trains to be chimney-first and these came past while we made our homeward journey. I am therefore reduced to showing a couple of bunker-first run-pasts to 'make up the number'.

The lineside was very quiet, much to the disappointment of Big Issue salesmen Chris Page and Paul Martin who were unable to make any sales whatsoever. I should thank them for returning my hat at Hay Bridge (even if it was carefully placed on Geoff's favourite territory marking spot), which had gone missing as  I filmed 5164 leaving Bridgnorth. Apparently they found it on the ground next to me, just where I thought I had left it! Alan Price, who runs 'On Track', the railway video company, was somewhat recklessly walking the line without any form of protection for his shaven head, which must have been very sore by the evening....ouch! But then again his plans for the evening would result in a massive de-sensitisation of that region!

Locomotives in action: GWR pannier 5764 at Oldbury and Eardington Bank; GWR small prairie 4566 at Bewdley, Hay Bridge and Eardington Bank; GWR large prairie 5164 in Oldbury cutting; GWR manor 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Hay Bridge and Eardington Bank; LMS Ivatt Class 4 43106 at Oldbury Viaduct.

You Tube (8mins 50secs)

8 May 2010: Sixties Gala

An inconclusive weather forecast for the North York Moors led me to opt for the shorter journey to the SVR, in the company of Clive Hanley, who I must thank profusely for doing the driving honours. Alas, with Clive present there was bound to be poor weather and my theory that the rain might clear by lunchtime proved incorrect as it continued for the whole of the visit. An indication of the weather we received can be seen on the last shot of the day when we captured 7802 crossing Victoria Bridge. The rain had relented until a few minutes before when Clive spotted a serious looking rain cloud heading in our direction. Sure enough as we heard 7802 heading towards us, the rain began to fall and became a squall when she came into view.

As suggested by the theme of the Gala, the locomotives were drawn from a pool of steam and a pool of diesels. It seemed truculent not to film the diesels and I have to concede that the red warship and western examples were rather photogenic, especially the former....but I still don't really care for them! The steam locomotives were 7812 Erlestoke Manor (later withdrawn), GWR small prairie 4566, LMS Ivatt Class 4 43106 (Flying Pig) and 7802 Bradley Manor. Pannier Tank 5764 spent the day tucked up behind an ugly, newly restored class 20 diesel (D8059) and only led the train when bunker first and is therefore not shown. The diesels consisted of GWR Warship Class D821 "Greyhound", GWR Western Class D1062 "Western Courier" and a DMU.

The railway used a half-an-hour timetable from Kidderminster, with Bridgnorth and Arley trains alternating; The loop at Highley was used for turning the latter trains. However, a significant delay occurred early in proceedings when 7812 Erlestoke Manor was failed at Kidderminster. This necessitated a reshuffle of the timetable and the cancelling of a couple of trains. The fact that 7812 was running at all was a puzzle with the SVR website stating she was under repair - she obviously should have been.

NB Apologies for the delay in uploading videos these days. HD production / uploading is very time-consuming.

You Tube video (10mins 7 secs)

7812 Erlestoke Manor leaving Bewdley; DMU approaching Bewdley; 4566 leaving Bewdley and later pulling away from Victoria Bridge towards Arley; 43106 at Dowles Junction; D1062 at Victoria Bridge, and later at Arley; 7802 Bradley Manor at Victoria Bridge approaching Arley; arriving at Arley station; leaving Arley. D821 Greyhound at Arley.

6 March 2010: Spring Steam Reunion Gala - the Pig is turned

The Pig was eventually turned for the last run on Friday; having driven down to Highley to see it, we lost ½ hour on the journey home. We heard that the patrons of the Railwayman's on Bridgnorth Station had turned as one man to see the pig entering the station and chorused in unison, 'they've turned the Pig!" If there were any non-enthusiasts in the pub, they would have put it down to some strange local custom, undoubtedly associated with fertility rites perhaps involving the odd virgin (always assuming they could find one over there!) and goodness knows what activities and at which end!

The Standard 2 78019 was failed for the morning run, presumably to repair the leak she exhibited the day before. 7802 Bradley Manor proved a handsome replacement and a credit to the team of cleaners who operate to such good effect at Bewdley. The spotless loco carried the Cambrian Coast headboard complete with white buffers and looked superb. We were all the more pleased when we sneaked a second shot after she was held at the signal outside Bewdley. The afternoon run saw 78019 fully recovered and she put on a fine show at the Safari Park.

This time I accompanied Clive Hanley  to the line, although we met Paul Martin and Chris Page at Oldbury and later came upon Graham Briggs and Gordon McCulloch at Bewdley tunnel in the afternoon. Clive's presence was always going to ensure that the weather would deteriorate, and so it proved; clouds covered the line for the whole day, although there was never the threat of rain. We decided that Eardington would be the best starting to place to film the goods and the first run of the Pig, and a run down to Northwood would yield a second shot of the latter. The morning session around Northwood proved to be very hectic driving up and down the lane to find as many locations as possible, doubtless irritating the locals. The afternoon around the Safari Park area proved soporific by comparison.

Locomotives in action: 4566 near Bewdley and Eardington (with the goods); 43106 (the Flying Pig) at Oldbury, Northwood Halt and Bewdley Tunnel; 5764 and 5786 at Bewdley Tunnel and leaving Bewdley; 7802 Bradley Manor at Northwood and approaching Bewdley; 5164 with the local at Bewdley and the tunnel; 61994 Great Marquess at Bewdley South and Stourport Junction; 6695 near Northwood Halt; 78019 at Stourport Junction.

You Tube 10 mins

5 March 2010: Spring Steam Reunion Gala - this Pig's not for turning

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Severn Valley for putting on a brilliant Spring Gala. Despite the occasional hiccough the time-keeping was excellent and the locomotives put on a wonderful show. The efforts of the Railway in ensuring the completion of the major works at Hampton Loade, which enabled the re-opening of the northern section of the line, were well rewarded.

The weather for this year's Gala was something of a sandwich, with two gloriously sunny days book-ending a thoroughly dull Saturday. Companions for the day were Brian Burrows, battling bravely with a dodgy knee, arch-enthusiast Graham Briggs and representing Clan McCulloch, Garrulous Gordon; but no clan colours or kilt today for this tough, feisty man of Scottish descent, he was taking no chances with the cold....he was wearing his thermals!

Inevitably we met Big Issue Salesman Chris Page and his fellow camper Paul Martin at Oldbury at the begining of the day. Amazingly, evidently warmed by the local brew, they had spent one of the coldest nights of the year in a tent. Chris was surprised to find his woolly hat wrenched from his head as he emerged to look at the weather and was dumbfounded when he found it glued to the tent by the ice! By some quick thinking, unusually for him (!) Paul narrowly missed having to spend the morning attached to the field gate when he removed his hand seconds before that became frozen to the gate.

Trouble follows Chris around. In the pub the previous evening a drinker had knocked his beer over Chris's clothing. When it was pointed out that the beer had been spilled over Chris, the man sized up the situation very quickly; it was not Chris's beer he had knocked over (that wouldn't have mattered), no it was his own! "That's my pint" he uttered in horror, and without further thought or a word of apology to Chris, he went to the bar and ordered himself another pint!

Unusually for the Severn Valley, all four guest locos were scheduled to appear twice on each of the first two days, but the star turn would surely be the elusive Flying Pig (43106) which was scheduled to be turned for the first run from Bridgnorth. On arrival we were greeted with rumours of a failure in carrying out this critical procedure which rapidly turned to reality when she came into view....maybe the SVR did not want to break with their noble tradition of beginning each day with a tender-first engine...what a swine!

Guest locomotives: former resident LNER K4 61994 The Great Marquess (shown at Little Rock and Hampton Loade); GWR 0-6-2 tank 6695 from the Swanage Railway which hauled the goods train (Oldbury Cutting and Hampton Loade); Standard 2 78019 from the Great Central Railway (Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade); Black GWR Pannier 5786 from the South Devon Railway (Hay Bridge).  Representing the Valley were LMS Ivatt 43106 aka "the Flying Pig" (Hay Bridge) ; GWR Small Prairie 4566 and GWR Pannier 5764 double -headed (Hampton Loade and Little Rock). Both LMS Ivatt 46443 and GWR Large Prairie 5164 escaped the camera. 78019 contracted a bad leak which necessitated a repair the following morning.

You Tube Video: 10 mins

27 February 2010: Pre Gala Visit

With a quiet weekend on the local preserved lines, and conquering a powerful desire to see Ivor the Tank at the GCR, Clive Hanley and I visited the Severn Valley a week before the Spring Gala. Clive was all aglow after his all-expenses paid trip to Vancouver to see the Winter Olympics although photographing trains must have represented a comedown from the striking images of long-limbed speed skaters and nubile ice skaters he captured in Canada! Arriving at Kidderminster we met Big Issue salesman Chris Page on the end of the platform and were disappointed to learn from him that a DMU would be sharing the services with GWR small prairie 4566 (I have a suspicion Clive was not that disappointed), but the day was saved when the friendly signalman at Bewdley North gave us the times of two runs by 7812 Erlestoke Manor with a Wedding Charter. Running was limited to the Kidderminster to Highley section due to the work being undertaken at Hampton Loade, with full re-opening to take place on Wednesday.

We treated the day as an opportunity to try a few new locations, but as is usual in these circumstances this merely confirms why the more popular locations are....well popular. These included a shot near the old sugar works with its massive silos at Foley Park - a grim industrial wasteland - and a shot near Trimpley Reservoir. The latter run took place in pouring rain and for good measure the driver cut off completely (quite rightly as he was approaching a speed restriction). The shot of Erlestoke departing Bewdley late in the day, made up for all that had gone before. Some may wonder why I have included a couple of shots of the DMU; I assure you these are purely to link some station scenes!

You Tube 9 mins.

4566 at Foley Park, leaving Bewdley and Trimpley Reservoir; 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Arley, Bewdley and the Safari Park; DMU at Bewdley and approaching Arley.

09 January 2010: Snowfall in the Valley

Calling around for Clive Hanley after a hazardous journey on icy roads I had high hopes of some spectacular shots of steam in snow and sunshine. Needless to say we were disappointed. The first signs of a bad day had the sun going behind clouds before the arrival of 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Bewdley. We then drove to Kidderminster to capture 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcombe flying through Kidderminster's main line station, but delayed by heavy late morning traffic, we arrived in position as she passed through in spectacular style two minutes early. I had been unable to mount my camcorder on its tripod in time, and could only watch in horror as it passed through.

Later, frozen points at Highley, the line terminus while engineering work continues at Hampton Loade, caused a severe delay to services as the two locomotives in operation, 7812 and Stanier Mogul 42968, were forced to top and tail to enable services to continue. A North Easterly wind ensured that any passes at our next location, Bewdley Tunnel, would be shrouded in drifting steam and if this wasn't enough Clive's mobile rang as we waited for 42968 at the tunnel and he was informed that his wife had forgotten her keys and was locked out, so an early return was the only choice. Maybe it was just as well as to round things off I slipped over in the snow as I panned to follow the passing 7812 at the Safari Park!

You Tube 10mins

19 December 2009: Santa Trains

Freezing points at Arley disrupted the day's service and the great promise of a cold, frosty morning and still conditions could not be fulfilled. The frustration of the photographers, however, was a minor issue when so many families had their day spoilt, with a consequent loss in terms of goodwill.

Clive Hanley and I arrived at a freezing Bewdley in time to see reserve engine 4566 and 7812 Erlestoke Manor being prepared. Lighting conditions were fantastic and photographers jockeyed for position to get some rare shots. However, after such a good start affairs rapidly unravelled, commencing with a telephone call from my wife telling me I had forgotten my sandwiches (at least the cafe at Bewdley was open for bacon butties...yum yum..).

A long wait at Arley for the first train proved fruitless as the train was reorganised to a push and pull formation. This resulted in a hasty relocation to the reverse curves NW of Bewdley and an even longer wait in the freezing cold before the first train arrived with the bunker first 5164 1¼ hours late. At least the jinxed 'Flying Pig' 43106, which has already experienced derailment and a couple of failures in its few runs, was present, albeit with a very bad drain cock leak which obscured the wheels on one side. At this point (maybe in desperation) Matt Fielding decided that the prospects for entertainment were better at Villa Park and departed for the match. With his departure a noisy chain saw started up just before the arrival of 7812. which proved to be the last run in the sunshine. Thereafter we concentrated our efforts on the rarely used locations around Northwood Lane with a final stint at Kidderminster where the miniature railway was doing good business with delayed passengers.

You Tube (10mins)

Locomotives: 43106 at Bewdley, Northwood Summit and Kidderminster; 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Bewdley and Waterworks Bridge; 6695 at Northwood Halt; 5164 on Northwood bank; 42968 near Northwood Halt.

12 December 2009: Santa Trains

Fundamentally nothing changes: the weather forecast was completely incorrect and the photographers were moaning vehemently about it. However, on Saturday there was a slight difference; dull, cloudy weather had been forecast, but the day turned out to be wall-to-wall sunshine and the late arrivals who had missed the dramatic early morning lighting at Arley were moaning that they had been grossly misled! Much against our better judgment Clive Hanley and I travelled to the Valley in very dull conditions, only to be greeted by brightening skies as we approached the line.

The usual suspects, "Big Issue" salesman Chris Page and his apprentice Paul Martin welcomed us with a typical lack of enthusiasm. As we anticipated the arrival of 46443 in dream conditions - sunshine with the early morning mist lifting above the river - we wondered where Matt Fielding might be. We learned later that he was still in bed, a decision to have a lie-in which he would live to regret for the rest of the day!

Many thanks to the drivers and fireman who put on such good shows at Arley and Bewdley Tunnel. Among them was Tom Clarke who was firing 46443 and can be seen taking his salute as 46443 exits Bewdley Tunnel in the first clip. Brilliant Tom!

NB Clive, with his scouser's eye for discarded property, found a Sony camcorder battery last week at the end of the cutting East of Stourport Junction: I believe it was an NP-F330. If anyone thinks it may be his, please contact myself or Clive and he will tell you the lot number on e-bay.

NB2: If you have found anything on the lineside at the SVR recently should contact this man  who has reported many missing items; he will be grateful for the return of any of these and any lucky ladies may expect to receive a big hug and kiss!

You Tube: 46443 Bewdley Tunnel and Arley; 6695 Arley, Bewdley Tunnel and Sandy Lane; 4566 Bewdley Tunnel and Arley; 42968 Bewdley Tunnel and Bedley South Box; 5164 Stourport Junction and Bewdley Tunnel

5 December 2009: Santa Trains

Clive Hanley and I visited the Severn Valley for the first Santa trains of the year. After overnight rain, the early morning sun shone brightly as we made our way to the line only foor us to be greeted by a build up of cloud and a sharp shower. The rest of the day remained dry, but mainly cloudy.

We ran into Matt Fielding, Paul Martin and "Big Issue" salesman Chris Page ar Bewdley. Later as we arrived at the location near Bewdley to film Erlestoke Manor we again bumped into Matt and his sidekick Geoff (who makes Compo in "The Last of the Summer Wine" look like a smart city gent. Geoff was in good form: first he waved at the train as it passed right in front of Matt's camcorder, quite forgetting that Matt was still filming. A few minutes later he realised he had lost his car keys and began to panic. Retracing his steps to a place where he (Geoff) had fallen in the scramble to the lineside, Matt began to discover the debris....a spectacle case, what looked like a teabag and a car starter handle all of which Geoff claimed and returned to his ample pockets; he was particularly pleased to find the starter handle which he had not yet missed! Luckily the site of a previous fall revealed the car keys and all the excuses we had hastily dreamed up for not being able to give him a lift were not required. No doubt plenty more of his possessions litter the neighbourhood and he will eventually realise they are missing.

Earlier in the day, at Arley, I managed to lose Clive. I had been filming on the lineside while he had chosen the nearby field by the river as his location. When the train had gone he was nowhere to be seen. Remembering that he said he wished to visit the station I made the half mile trek to discover he wasn't there. I began to worry. Maybe he had gone down to the river bank and fallen into the swift current. How would I tell his wife? In the absence of witnesses maybe I would be accused of pushing him in! Maybe I had pushed him in and forgotten (my memory is very poor)! Maybe his photographic equipment was still lying unprotected by the riverside. By now half an hour had passed since I last saw him, and with all these thoughts preying on my mind I rushed back to the field, where I spotted him walking towards me smiling nonchalantly as if nothing had happened. Thanks mate!

You Tube (10 mins)

Locomotives: 5614 at Bewdley, Northwood and Bewdley Tunnel; 46443 at Northwood and Arley; 42968 at Arley and Stourport Junction; 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Bewdley Tunnel and Bewdley; 6695 at Northwood and Stourport Junction

31 October 2009: Tornado in the Valley

A planned trip to the East Lancs was rescheduled as a trip to the Severn Valley at the last minute to see Tornado and the N2 tank in action. I was accompanied by Clive Hanley who provided the half-time Kit-Kats.

With only one daylight appearance smoke box first, we decided to chase the Tornado from the Bridgnorth area to Bewdley tunnel. Unfortunately, Tornado proved an attractive lure and our attempt to chase the loco was compromised by parking problems at Oldbury where a large gallery had assembled behind the viaduct, glaring at us as we walked up the line minutes before the train was due. This meant  the loss of valuable minutes as we walked back to the car afterwards. Compounding the difficulty was the fact that Tornado was 15 minutes late at Oldbury and to our consternation, as we walked down the footpath by the side of the tunnel some minutes from our target, we heard her departure whistle at Bewdley only 5 minutes after the scheduled time. Instantly Clive disappeared into the distance as we ran hell for leather to the spot where the photographers were assembled, followed by a gender threatening climb through a barbed wire fence under the eyes of an attractive young lady and her barking dog (I prayed my trousers would not be rent asunder by the vicious prongs) as our fellow photographers urged us on from the other side; urgent shouts mingled with mirthful laughs as they enjoyed our plight). We made it with a minute to spare before Tornado appeared!

Regrettably pictures of the animals at the Safari Park have had to be censored due to inappropriate behaviour.

You Tube (9mins 24secs)

60163 Tornado light engine at Stourport Junction, later at Oldbury Viaduct and Bewdley Tunnel; 1744 at Arley and Highley; 42968 at Arley and Bewdley; 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Stourport Junction.

7 October 2009: Kinlet Hall Photographic Charter

Fellow photographer Clive and I attended a joint photographic charter organised by Matt Fielding and Martin Creese involving Tyseley based Kinlet Hall no. 4936 which has been on loan to the railway for some time, but whose boiler ticket expires later this year. The loco hauled 7 GWR Colletts and made a fine site. Many thanks to Matt, Martin, the highly professional footplate crew, Dave and Kev and Mike the guard, all of whom made the event such a success.

The day started full of promise with some sunshine in the morning, but after lunch the cloud, which had begun to build in the morning, covered the sky for the remainder of the day. As the day progressed the grump of 40 or so photographers began to tire of photographing trains and indulged in some favourite party games, such as squeezing the maximum number of photographers into the width of the platforms at Bewdley and Hampton Loade. The results achieved were impressive and a few new friendships were formed, but some photographers should note that much better results could be achieved if some of them lost weight. The race around my tripod was won by Paul Martin, with a time of 47.4 seconds - close to David Hemery's 1968 400m Hurdles world record: well done! (Mr Andrew King - a disgruntled loser - should note that you need to pick up your feet for this particular event!).

Hampton Loade station is now reduced to single track as the derailment of 43106 on Monday of last week had damaged the points at the southern end.

Finally, thanks to SVR trainee Tom Clarke who had awoken early to clean Kinlet Hall long before we arrived. We also hope that the diesel enthusiasts will be impressed with the cleanliness of the coaches which were left spotless (well almost) by the photographers. No prizes for the photographer who suggested that we had left plenty of space for them to chuck their lager cans into!

You Tube (10 mins)

Locations: Bewdley Station; Bewdley South Box, Bewdley Tunnel; Oldbury Viaduct; Little Rock; Hampton Loade; Severn Lodge.

26 September 2009: Autumn Gala

It was no surprise that the first three trains we witnessed were hauled by tender first locos, but this actually worked to our advantage with the clouds lifting around lunchtime and a glut of afternoon trains with smoke-box first locomotives.

This was the first public running of Ivatt Class 4 2-6-0 43106 aka "The Flying Pig". She was accompanied by fellow Ivatts 46443 and 41241 which performed together throughout the day. GCR visitor N2 tank 1744 was making her first visit to the line following her recent restoration.  Port Talbot Railway veteran saddle tank 813 was making one of her last appearances on the line hauling the goods train; I filmed her on the approach to Arley station. GWR Pannier 5764 made up the number with the Hampton Loade - Bridgnorth local.

I was accompanied by Brian Burrows who grumbled constantly about gates being too low to climb, the sun being too warm and poor drivers on the motorways! We ran into Matt Fielding at Eardington, sporting a new super smooth tripod head and remote control. Camper van owner Mark B joined us at Arley and seemed put out by his mention on these pages. When we last met at the GCR Gala he had problems with the aforesaid mentioned van and was using the AA as a private vehicle starter instead of the more orthodox starter motor / battery combination. He revealed this time that more bad luck had struck. On a recent trip to a railway his return was delayed by the discovery a leaking radiator on his vehicle and when he eventually returned home his dog had died!

NB During 813's pass at Arley, several photographers were fatally wounded after coming under fire from a corporate shooting party who mistook their orange vests for exotic birds. Brian told me that at one stage photographers were "dropping like flies". Their families face an anxious wait until forensic examination reveals whether they got their shots.

You Tube (7mins 12secs) 

29 August 2009: A Hall and Two Manors

I ventured down to the Severn Valley with Clive Hanley with the faint hope of witnessing a test run of newly restored Ivatt 2-6-0 43106, known to her friends as the Flying Pig. Whether this refers to her looks - I have seen uglier women - or the chances of the design actually moving a train I do not know. We bumped into the seemingly omni-present Rick Eborall at cottage crossing. Rick is managing to get out and about to record most events around these parts on his impressive website. In fact Mike Perham, the 17 year old who has just returned from a solo circumnavigation, reported seeing a photographer in a nearby rowing boat who answers to Rick's description as he sailed around Cape Horn.

The 2 Manors (7802 Bradley and 7812 Erlestoke) were accompanied by summer visitor 4936 Kinlet Hall away from its base at Tyseley. Diesel support was from D1062 Western Courier which opens this weeks video. We were fortunate to obtain our first view of newly restored Ivatt 2-6-0 43106, the "Flying Pig": to which improbability this refers I do not know!

You Tube: 10mins. D1062 Western Courier at Kidderminster, Oldbury and Eardington; 7802 Bradley manor at Bewdley and Eardington; 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Bewdley and Eardington; 4936 Kinlet Hall at Oldbury, Bewdley and Eardington.

4 July 2009: War Weekend

War Weekends generally throw up more than their fair share of dodgy characters, whether they are wanna-be SS Officers, Winston Churchill look-a-likes from Brum, spivs with mysterious briefcases, Pte Godfrey lookalikes with machine guns, Corporal Jones impersonators praying for a panic-attack or engine cleaners on vintage motor cycles (Tom Clarke). In my case I was joined by Brian Burrows, who was keen to renew his acquaintance with the SVR after a number of years without visiting that railway, and Clive Hanley who is always up for the opportunity of eyeing young ladies in headscarves or washing lines full of bloomers (see Brian's site). Having promised Brian a good timetable, it was embarrassing to wait for 2 hours for a smokebox first loco as swathes of tender-first engines paraded before us.

Locomotives on duty were all from the home fleet: GWR Pannier 7714, GWR Manors 7802 (Bradley) and 7812 (Erlestoke), Stanier Mogul 42968, GWR Prairie 4566.

You Tube: War jollities on Arley station; 4566 at Arley and Eardington Bank; 7714 at Oldbury and Highley; 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Oldbury and Hampton Loade; 7802 Bradley Manor at Hampton Loade and Eardington Station;  42968 at Hay Bridge and Eardington Bank.

6 June 2009: Desperate Times

A desperately grim day with persistent heavy rain. The SVR did not help our mood by unleashing a stream of tender first engines. So scarce were decent steam shots that I have had to resort to a sequence featuring D1062 Western Courier, which turned out to be the best shots of the day: apologies to all those who may take offence at these extreme measures. We are now questioning whether it is worth visiting this railway on normal running days.

Every shot was taken under brollies and I am still not clear whether raising a brolly in response to the train's warning whistle is a correct response. Conditions underfoot were treacherous and Clive Hanley decided to test out the SVR's version of the Cresta run at the site of the former Dowles junction, using his bag in place of a toboggan. Ballast in the form of two expensive cameras served as a good platform for his death defying plummet, after which he became wedged under my car. Fortunately no damage was done except to my frayed nerves, although Clive seemed to develop a tendency to put his hands into puddles for some time afterwards...very strange!

We made our way to Bewdley Station at the end of the day, only to have the journey home delayed by Clive's insistence on looking at a diesel which was to-ing and fro-ing on the viaduct adjacent to the station. Imagine the horror when I followed him onto the platform to be confronted with a diesel hell (heaven to a very excited Clive) with no less than 3 of the beasts on the platform. I was told to stand beside one of them and imagine it was bound for the breaker's yard and the cunning so-and-so took a picture, which made me look as if I was admiring it. Steam forever!!!

You Tube (8m 18s)

Featuring 7812 Erlestoke Manor leaving Arley and approaching Eardington Bank summit; 4566 at Eardington Station; 5764 at Arley and departing Bewdley; D1062 Western Courier at Bewdley and Eardington summit.

Smaller vids of this last weeks's efforts at the GCR will follow. Apologies for the delay.

2 May 2009: Duke of Gloucester's Last Weekend on the SVR

After a couple of weeks away on holiday, this weekend accompanied Clive Hanley to the Severn Valley to witness the last runs of 71000 Duke of Gloucester. We ran into local videographer Matt Fielding, who has just released a  DVD for sale in the SVR shops of events on the line in 2008. We were well rewarded with spirited runs which we captured from 4 locations. Chasing steam locomotives around the Severn Valley is a slow speed affair, but definitely not for the feint-hearted as we were 'brake-tested' by one particularly stupid local, leaving (in Clive's words) 4 black marks and 2 brown marks on the road.

We left the line with enhanced sun tans and memories of a sunny day: if this does not come through in the footage it should not surprise you as the sun chose key moments to pass behind clouds. This is perfectly normal, please do not adjust your computer screens.

You Tube video (9 mins 54 secs)

The Duke was given its head on the Saturday of it last weekend at the Severn Valley; it is seen at Oldbury, approaching Northwood Summit, Hay Bridge and Eardington Bank. The supporting cast includes 7802 Bradley Manor at Bewdley, Hay Bridge and Eardington Bank; Stanier Mogul 42968 hauling the observation car at Highley; GWR Prairie Tank 4566 at Highley and Hay Bridge; 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Little Rock.

NB If you are having trouble with this link after clicking on the picture above, the video can be found on You Tube, under user "steamontheweb".

71000 Duke of Gloucester at Northwood summit, Hay Bridge and Eardington Bank. (4.8mB)

GWR Manors 7802 Bradley Manor and 7812 Erlestoke Manor performing at Eardington Bank and Little Rock respectively. (6.0mB)

GWR Priarie 4566 departs Highley, pistons rocking the loco from side to side. Later we see her at Hay Bridge. (6.3mB)

13 March 2009: Nunney Castle Photographic Charter

A rapid return to the Severn Valley Railway then, this time for a Matt Fielding Charter starring 5029 Nunney Castle. A vast grump of 43 photographers attended this event and at times the surrounding fields were emblazoned in a vast swathe of orange. What a sight this vast herd made as they huddled in the narrow confines between track and embankment; ever the territorial beast they ceaselessly uttered their trademark calls - move that elbow, get your head down, you can't stand there, there's always one....

An unfortunate delay, due to the failure of the JCB coal tipper at Bridgnorth the previous evening, meant that one location had to be removed from the schedule. No suspicions from this quarter I can tell you, but tellingly the Duke of Gloucester had been 'carelessly' parked on the points at Bridgnorth shed, blocking entry to the shed area. Where are the traffic wardens (or whatever they call them these days) when you need them!

The weather was generally dull as you would expect, but the sun did peep through a couple of times mid-morning. The day started at Bewdley with some run-pasts to the south of the station, then the carnival moved to Bridgnorth for lunch (inevitable curiosity from the patrons of the local 'chippy') and more run-pasts at Oldbury Viaduct, Little Rock, Hampton Loade and Arley Station.

A few notable photographers were missing, but I did bump into Steve Bottrill and Paul Martin; the latter gentleman related tales of the glamorous young women who had thrown themselves into his path over his long lifetime. What a huge scoop that would have been for the Claverdon Gazette had their well-known reporter (Mr Hanley) been present. Significantly it was Paul's enormous woolly hat which was chosen when the time came for collecting the 'tip' for the footplate crew.

Incidentally the crew have nominated the Hinton Manor Restoration Fund as the recipient of their collection. If anyone is interested in purchasing a DVD (£10+£1pp) of the four Matt Fielding Charters  featuring 45110, 7812 Erlestoke Manor, 9017 Earl of Berkeley and 5029 Nunney Castle please contact me. All profits will go to the Hinton Manor Fund.

Many thanks to the footplate crew who produced some excellent displays from this wonderful locomotive.

You Tube (10mins)

Please click the HQ button for decent quality.

My thanks to the gentleman (was it Rev. Treacy?) who made the unscriptured [sic] announcement during this clip.

Further scenes from the event on the smaller local files below

5029 at Oldbury Viaduct and Little Rock (4.6mB)

5029 leaving Hampton Loade and running through Arley Station. (5.3mB)

5029 leaving Bewdley. (4.9mB)

7 March 2009: Festival of Steam

In contrast to the traditional March branch line Gala, the Severn Valley hired in some big names this time; LNER A4 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, Britannia Class 70013 Oliver Cromwell, GWR Castle Class 5029 Nunney Castle and 71000 The Duke of Gloucester. On Saturday they were supported by local GWR workhorses 7812 Erlestoke Manor and the Prairie tank 5164.

The day started badly with an early start to see Nunney Castle on the goods at Oldbury. She came into view hauling a mighty freight of just two milk wagons. Maybe there were problems; surely it wasn't the case that they just couldn't be bothered. After chase down to Arley (why???!!!) I was rewarded by the sound of a whistle and the sight of the train coast by in the sunshine from the car park,15 minutes early. The morning sun, which made the sight of 71000 at Arley such a joy, did not last beyond mid-day.

The recession has not been with us all that long, but I encountered two Big Issue salesman on the lineside near Arley. They tried to peddle their wares on this unsuspecting photographer with some force, one of them brandishing a machete, while the other uttered dark threats if I didn't purchase. Luckily their eventual threats amounted to no more than to stand in front of me for the next run past - which I would gladly have accepted the way things are with my new equipment at the moment - but they eventually settled for a mention on my site. My small change had a narrow escape from the clutches of Paul Martin and Chris Page.

Rather than venture to the northern reaches of the line, Clive Hanley decided to savour the atmosphere at Bewdley by filming the preparations and we eventually met up at Bewdley South which I eventually reached flustered and stressed after a long detour to avoid the perennial Bewdley road works. We later met up with Charter impresario Matt Fielding who was in a subdued mood, and filmed hardly anything at all on what was a big day for the railway. He definitely needs a change in the form of a visit to a more vibrant railway such as the GCR!

You Tube Video (8mins 35secs)

5029 Nunney Castle at Bewdley Tunnel and earlier on the so-called "freight"; 70013 Oliver Cromwell at the tunnel and departing Arley (spot Clive strolling in the distance); 5164 with the local and a particularly scruffy lead coach at Arley, the cutting after Stourport Junction and near the tunnel; the peerless Erlestoke Manor (7812) at Arley and the tunnel; 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley near Stourport Junction; 71000 The Duke of Gloucester at Arley in bright sunshine.

Note

If you are not able to obtain the above in HQ you will obtain better quality than the jittery and poor image quality of You Tube in non-HQ mode in the files below which are 6 times smaller. What do those clever chaps on You Tube do to the footage??!!

71000 Duke of Gloucester at Arley with the 10:30 (3.6mB)

70013 Oliver Cromwell leaving Arley and 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley near the site of Stourport Junction. (4.5mB)

5029 Nunney Castle and 5164 near Stourport Junction (3.2mB)

7812 Erlestoke Manor at Arley and Bewdley Tunnel (3.8mB)

17 January 2009: A Quest for Steam

This was not to be one of our best days on the Severn Valley. By lunchtime after a beautiful, sunny morning we had failed to get a single shot of a moving smoke-box first train, with 3 tender facing locos and the one we missed, fooled by a late change to the loco roster. By afternoon we managed to get some shots, but by then frontal cloud had arrived. The two manors ran one trip each - backwards. Verdict: sheer frustration!

While we waited for some action the Tom Clarke and the cleaning team at Bewdley allowed us to look around their charge which they were preparing prior to a two years sojourn at Barrow Hill. Many thanks to the team who spend vast amounts of their own time, with little public acknowledgement, ensuring the SVR locomotives look pristine. Clive and I were joined in our quest by Matt Fielding and Phil Neale, two regulars on the line, who were similarly caught out by the change in the loco roster. The latter are both Charter organisers and Phil explained to Clive that unlike the place of his roots, near Liverpool, where everyone is reliable and trustworthy, around these parts it is necessary to pay in advance if you wish to be booked on a charter!

Today's video features our tour around Bewdley station and action from GWR Prairie tank 5164 at Oldbury and later at Bewdley South; GWR Pannier tank 5764 (I think) at Bewdley South; GWR Prairie tank 4566 at Little Rock later seen rolling towards Bewdley station. Message to drivers of bright yellow cars: please lock them in your garage if I am filming in your area; please do not drive them around!

You Tube (6mins 40secs)

Main run pasts in the traditional wmv format for those with small bandwidth, who are in in a hurry or simply have a short-attention span...like me.

GWR Prairie Tank 5164 at Oldbury viaduct and Bewdley South (3.6mB)

GWR Pannier Tank 5764 at Bewdley South (1.7mB)

20 December 2008: Santa Specials 2

The weather was not so favourable this weekend, but at least we managed to escape with only a small amount of rain. Local line expert Matt Fielding, Clive Hanley  and I decided to concentrate on the area of the line between Northwood and Victoria Bridge; this section is seldom visited by railway photographers, but we began to doubt the wisdom of our choice after drivers of the first few trains cut-off the regulators as they passed - and all of these drivers were friends of Matt!

Zoo-time: Later we met up with Paul Martin, Chris Page and Geoff who had been practising silhouette shots of the passing trains in front of the Elephant House at the Safari Park for most of the afternoon. Disconcertingly as we waited for the arrival of the 3:40 ex Bewdley from this location, a fence between us and the Safari Park visitor route, some of the visitors began to stop their cars alongside the fence, point us out to their children and take photographs. One lady, pointing us out to her infant child was heard to utter "look dear aren't they funny!" Maybe they thought we were part of the animal collection! Honestly! It's enough to make you want to reach for a consoling banana!

You Tube (7mins 18secs)

Video contents: 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Trimpley and later at Bewdley South; Ivatt Mogul 46443 at Trimpley; Stanier Mogul 42968 leaving Bewdley, later at Trimpley; GWR Paririe 5164 at Trimpley; 7802 Bradley Manor at Eymoor Woods and Bewdley South.

7812 at Trimpley (3.9mB)

42968 at Bewdley and Trimpley (3.9mB)

7802 at Eymoor Woods and later leaving Bewdley with the 3:10 (4.2mB)

7812 Erlestoke Manor passes the Safari Park with the 3:40. Many thanks to Geoff for the sound effects! (2.1mB)

6 December 2008: Santa Specials 1

The first Saturday of Santa Specials at the SVR was greeted with glorious weather. Arriving at Arley with Clive Hanley, newly re-appointed as Henley in Arden local affairs correspondent, we joined up with serial photographers "Big Issue" salesman Chris Page, Paul "Machete" Martin,  "Headless" Geoff and Charter impressario Matt Fielding. Many thanks to Matt for showing us some new locations on a line I thought I knew inside out. Paul could easily have been  helping Bewdley police with their enquiries if he had been being caught in possession of Geoff's fearsome sack of tools which he generously volunteered to carry.

Five locomotives were on duty for the half hourly service: Ivatt Mogul 46443, Manors 7812 "Erlestoke Manor" and 7802 "Bradley Manor", LMS Mogul 42968 and GWR Prairie 5164. Locations included Arley, Northwood and Bewdley (or Foley Park) Tunnel situated alongside the main runway of Bewdley International Airport.

(You Tube 9mins 36secs)

For those with neither the time nor patience to sit through the full-length video, a selection of individual run pasts are shown below

7812 Erlestoke Manor leaves Arley with the staff train. (2.8mB)

GWR Manor 7802 Bradley Manor at Bewdley Tunnel (1.9mB)

Ivatt Mogul 46443 at Arley

GWR large Prairie 5164 at Arley and later at Bewdley Tunnel

LMS Stanier Mogul 42968 at Bewdley Tunnel

3 October 2008: 9017 Earl of Berkeley Photo Charter

I joined a host of photographers on a highly successful Matt Fielding Photo Charter to see the guest loco from the Bluebell Railway - Dukedog, Earl of Berkeley.

Unfortunately I have found it necessary to put the two videos on You Tube to avoid excess bandwidth charges on my web account. The videos have been produced in higher quality than usual to counteract the destructive actions of the You Tube software on the quality of the material and it is recommended they are watched in High Quality mode** Those with bandwidth speeds of 2mB or less (like me!) should pause the video for a short time at the beginning to avoid the playback catching up with the downloading material.

** Those who do not watch in High Quality may find themselves subject to my "Zapper Virus". When this activates, computers using MS Windows will continue to work as normal (ie hang-up, crash etc) but the user will be instantly dematerialised. You have been warned!

Morning session: 9017 Earl of Berkeley hauls the goods train from Bewdley Station to Bewdley (Foley Park) Tunnel. Enjoy the spot the photter game near the beginning!

Locations: Bewdley Station, Foley Park Tunnel. (5m 7s)

Afternoon session: this time we see the Dukedog hauling a splendid rake consisting of the Syphon G and three toplights.

Locations: Oldbury Vaiduct, Little Rock, Rifle Range and Foley Park Tunnel. (5m 27s)

20 September 2008

A glorious day at the Severn Valley and plenty of action involving 4 guest engines (King Edward I was indisposed). The trains looked heavily loaded throughout the day so it seems to have been a great success for the railway. Many thanks to all volunteers involved in this storming event.

The day started badly for Clive and I with our late arrival at Arley. Intending to record Bradley Manor entering the station followed by the departure of the goods, we found both in the station, from which they departed simultaneously. It turned out to be a double whammy for me as I did not get a decent shot of either.

We confined ourselves to the section between Bewdley and the tunnel during the day to take advantage of the double-headers, locals and the auto trailer which were restricted to this section: just like last year, as Clive noted.

We ran into several friends on the lineside - Matt Fielding (the Charter events organiser), GB Productions, Paul Martin and Chris Page who was no doubt looking forward to a comfortable night on board the trains rather than a cold, damp field! It was particularly good to meet Henry Elliot (aka Smith) and Dee Davison ; rumours that Henry has become a Freemason after he was seen rolling up a trouser leg in the middle of a field near the tunnel can quickly be scotched; he was showing us the scars he had received after an operation on a serious leg injury incurred at the North Yorks Moors in the Spring. Happily he is making progress, but still lacks considerable flexibility in the leg and like the expensive players in his local football team (Newcastle United) he would struggle to kick a football!

Meanwhile Graham Briggs has serious issues with the Mid-Hants (which has banned lineside photography after the stupid activities of some diesel enthusiasts a few years ago) finding the limited filming opportunities increasingly compromised by vegetation. He is thinking of standing outside Alresford Station with a bill-board in protest!

The two outside frame guest engines, 9017 Earl of Berkeley from the Bluebell and 3440 City of Truro from the Gloucester Warwicks are seen at Bewdley South Box and Bewdley Tunnel respectively. Note the intruder with the grey shirt in going-away shot of the second clip. He was one of many freeloaders who neither wore a hi-viz vest nor had a lineside pass. Come on chaps do the decent thing; preserved railways spend vast amounts of money and volunteers expend great quantities of their valuable time to entertain you! (2.9mB)

9017 and 3440 were paired together on the 11:30 ex Bewdley. We see them at the Rifle Range. (3.1mB)

The world's favourite Prairie, 5542, shows classmate 4566 the way to do it at the approaches to Bewdley Tunnel! (1.8mB)

7812 Erlestoke Manor and 9017 Earl of Berkeley stand side by side at Bewdley Station prior to the Manor's imposing departure with the 10:30am. Later that afternoon we found ourselves at Bewdley Station again to witness the same loco and, because of imminent arrivals, had little chance of moving up the line to avoid the repeat shot. What a cock-up! (4.6mB)

Visiting Prairie 5526 from the South Devon Railway spent the first half of the day pulling the auto-trailer between Bewdley and Kidderminster. Unfortunately communication problems between loco and carriage caused the runs to be abandoned. Here are shots from three of the runs. (2.6mB)

Large Prairie 5164 passes over the bridge south of Bewdley with the 18:05. Earlier in the day, as the loco cleaning team set to work on the elephants, Clive was busy sizing up the location with a friend. (1.9mB)

Seen and heard: during a recent holiday in the lakes I was lucky enough to stay at an excellent hotel. The hosts are wild-life lovers as are many of the guests. On the second night I witnessed a conversation in the bar along the lines of:

Hotel owner: "We have a visiting red squirrel you know" - Wildlife loving Guests: "Oh how wonderful!" - Hotel owner "We have also noticed a grey squirrel in the garden" - Wildlife loving Lady Guest "oh no, that's terrible!....We have grey squirrels in our garden, but you shoot them with your airgun don't you dear (looking proudly at her wildlife loving husband)... you've killed twelve of them haven't you?" While the hotel owner hastily tried to change the subject I quietly decided that I would not wear my favourite cuddly grey squirrel suit to dinner that evening........Well why are you looking at me that way? What do you expect? I always wear grey - I'm an accountant for goodness sake!

23 August 2008

When I arrived at Bewdley, I was delighted to see newly restored Erlestoke Manor reversing away towards Kidderminster to join the 11:15. In the meantime I waited at Arley for the 10:35 from Bridgnorth and was amazed to hear a Stanier hooter. I had seen 46443 at Bewdley so there could only be one contender. Steam Railway had assured me that veteran Black 5 45110 was out of ticket on 11 August, but here she was, upstaging Erlestoke.

A sunny morning gave me the opportunity for just two shots in the sunshine (from 7812's first run), but during the afternoon, when I worked hard for a further six shots from a 'thin' timetable, it was cloudy.

For virtually the whole day I saw no other phoographers - presumably they were crowded together at Barrow Hill - until the penultimate train from Bridgnorth when I heard the familiar voice of big issue salesman and countryman Chris, who had set up his tent for the weekend at Bridgnorth.

Seen and heard: recently I came across a cartoon in a satirical magazine showing a picture of Nelson's column engraved with giant lettering apologising, to all those who might be offended, for the unfortunate incident of 21/10/1805 (the Battle of Trafalgar). The magazine was Punch... the year 1908! As they say, "what goes around comes around"!

Black 5 45134 aka 45110 passes the overgrown Hay Bridge location around lunchtime, and we see her later making a fine sight with the maroon set on the upper stages of Eardington Bank. (3.5mB)

PS if anyone finds a set of secateurs in a smart plastic case in the location above Hay Bridge, they are mine!

No, there are not two of us filming out there and neither does the higher part of Eardington Bank suffer a harsher climate than the lower reaches. 7812 Erlestoke Manor on the 11:15 ex Kidderminster in the sunshine and later on the 3:15 in the gathering gloom . The latter was the second run I had filmed from the narrow bridge on the rarely used farm track and on both occasions a car had arrived literally just after the train had passed...spooky! (3.6mB)

A 1½ mile walk and a ½ hour wait at Little Rock for the return of the lunchtime Charter headed by Prairie Tank 5164 proved fruitless and made me wonder for the hundredth time why I bother with this stupid hobby, but I eventually saw the train purely by chance at Eardington just before 5 o'clock at no cost but a rapid set up. (2.1mB)

1940s Weekend 5 July 2008

Clive Hanley and I were the only linesiders in evidence on the Severn Valley for the 1940s weekend. The rain which fell on our journey disappeared as we approached Bewdley and we had a largely fine day although the sun was in its usual teasing mood.

Locomotives in action included Black 5 45110, 7802 Bradley Manor, 42968, 4566 and 5164.

GWR Prairie 4566 on the last section of the climb to Eardington Summit. A clip of "two halves" as (scarily) the bright sun disappears at the instant the loco passes through the bridge. A large group of people arrived at the crossing and wisely stayed put until the train had passed. (2.4mB)

Stanier Mogul 42968 makes an energetic departure from Bewdley in the late afternoon. Around lunchtime we saw a fine run past Cottage Crossing near Eardington summit. This is an impressive locomotive.(3.5mB)

7802 Bradley Manor emerges from the short 'tunnel' at Knowlesands with the 1:55 ex Bridgnorth. This is the first time I have filmed at this location as there are very few locations in this vicinity. (1.8mB)

Once again we found ourselves short of time an needing to run up the track to our planned location immediately prior to the departure of the first train of the day; in this case Black Five 45110. After some wheel slipping, during the inexorable time it takes my camcorder to 'boot up', the loco had recovered her feet by the time I was on the case. (2.6mB)

Warning:  The files are of substantial size and will take a considerable time to  download for non-broadband users.

All photographs and videos copyright ©  Mike Snow