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Sunday morning along the Severn Valley

Dukedog

Entry posted by Dukedog

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Although the Severn Valley Railway is virtually on my door step I never seem to get down there as often as I should.

It's been over 8 months since my last visit so, with the sun shining SWMBO and myself set off for a quick visit.

 

We wanted to visit the "Engine House" at Highley, as, believe it or not I have never been there since it opened a few years ago.

So off we went and made our way to Highley via Bridgnorth.

What a morning! Half way along Highley High Street the road was completely blocked off by road works! and to get to Highley station meant a detour all the way back to Bridgnorth , then over the river Severn, follow the A442 to Kidderminster, then on to Bewdley, then up the west bank of the Severn back to Highley! A round trip of 40 miles just to get to the other end of Highley High Street!

Sod that for a game of soldiers! The engine house visit will have to wait until June when I shall go by train instead of car.

Anyway, to make something of the morning we stopped off at Hampton Loade and took refreshment at the station tea room(?). It's not actually a tea room though, more of a kiosk really but, it says "Tea Room" on the sign!

 

Hampton Loade is a passing place on the SVR where both up & down trains are in the station at the same time. Makes things interesting to watch but not that good for photography as once both trains have departed it's an hour and a half wait for the next pair to cross, one of them being a train you have just seen depart towards Bridgnorth. This time it would be running bunker/tender first though, again not ideal for photographs.

 

Moan over!

 

I did manage about 6 pictures some of which were total crap and deleted straight away, Of the ones worth keeping, although not fantastic I've posted below.

 

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5164 arriving at Hampton Loade from Kidderminster, Bewdley , Arley & Highley.

The fireman giving up and receiving the single line token from the Hampton Loade signalman.

 

 

5164 about to depart for Bridgnorth.

(The southbound train behind the Stanier Mogul has already departed.)

 

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Finally back to Meldrew moaning mode!

 

I had to take this shot to show the amount of weeds both in the four foot and in the ballast each side.

 

It may be an acceptable standard for Network Rail but the GWR would never have countenanced weed infested track!

 

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One other good thing came out of our trip. I picked up a bit of railwayania from the sales van at the station.

More of that in another entry.

 

Cheers for now

Frank

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gwrrob
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Nice article Frank.I too have a soft spot for the SVR and do the santas grotto trip every year.Worth doing if you have grandchildren.

 

Any idea what that T18 disc on 5164 is ?

 

I'm also waiting for my visit to the Engine House.

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andyram

Although I live 60 miles away from the SVR I visit most school holidays as I can ride for free on my workers pass from the GCR. Not that it saves me any money as I always end up spending quite a bit in the shops etc.

I like this line, and always ensure I do a full trip. I also always break my journey at the Engine House. It is a great musuem and if you have not visited before you could easily spend an hour or two amongst the exhibits. The view from the viewing gallery is brilliant and you can get some great shots of trains arriving and departing Highley. I also recommend the food in the balcony resturant / cafe. Excellent. I would recommend a visit!

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PaternosterRow
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Ah Frank, you've conjured up some fond memories of the SVR for me. I used to go and stay at a friends caravan down in Highley when in my early twenties - brilliant fun in the local pub (can't remember the name of the site though). We also took Mom and Dad for a meal on the train way back about 15 years ago before they retired and left to live in Ireland - a great, great day out. There was also a building site meeting I attended in 2004 and we all took a bit of time out to watch one of the trains steaming through the valley. Great memories and it's one those places I miss a lot - thanks very much for sharing.

 

Regards,

 

Mike

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ess1uk

Myself and Ruby visited in Easter holidays and had a great day out.

The engine shed is ok for an hour between trains and is a fantastic building with great views.

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