BobM

Turntable layout as here Regards always Bob

Afternoon all, I hope that today’s weather has been as glorious with your good selves as it has been here in South Staffordshire, after a mornings gym rehabilitation session at Action Heart, a walk into the village for lunch and a walk along the tow path of the Staffs/ Worcestershire canal in the most wonderful sunshine, came back home to settle on the track arrangement for the loco shed and yard. Have placed the intended track layout into position and now needs to be separated into sections, pinned down and wired up. Will post further as hopefully progress is made as time goes on? Hope all are well? Regards always Bob

There Are No Miracles - Bright Light Bright Light

Hi all There are many fine views across the SVR and its stations, many too on other heritage lines and stations, however and I know I am biased when I say this, but standing on the road bridge at Arley, just soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of the village and valley, there is perhaps none finer? I am greatly privileged to be just one member of a wide, fine bunch of volunteer and paid staff colleagues both at Arley and right across the SVR as a whole. Here's to a successful 2023 operating season which seemingly got off to a fine start with the Spring Steam Gala, thanks to everyone who visited us and continue to support the SVR so brilliantly in many ways. Regards always Bob Arley 141 miles from Paddington via Oxford...!

That's a beautifully atmospheric image Ben, perfectly illustrates the day and SVR we all love, that view of Arley positioned from the road bridge is just so idyllic! If you compare it to this BR publicity shot taken in 1959, not much has altered? (Copyright Kidderminster Railway Museum) Thanks Bob

Hi All Been 'back at The Ranch' today and spent much of the time working 'behind the Pway hut' in readiness for replanting work, but emerged at times to see splendid views such as these! Regards always, cheers for the superb support folks! Bob

Hello all, Had a very pleasant day today (as a change as a travelling 'bod', rather than a working volunteer at Arley), it was very pleasing to see the trains very busy, yes it was 'standing room' only on some, but heard very few grumbles on this score, and yes there were queues at all catering outlets I visited but again , everyone being served promptly from what I could see too, most folks understanding the situation well? Here's a selection of images from the day, back to normal tomorrow volunteering on the SVR, so will have a chance to see the 'traffic' passing through my fine 'second home' namely Arley! Thank you to everyone for their constant support and good wishes... Regards always Bob

In all aspects of life, is possible to do everything you believe to be right and just, but still fail, that is not a sign of personal weakness or a lack of correct judgement, it just a fact of life! I am sure that with combined efforts of goodwill and the dedication from its volunteers/ staff/ shareholders and travelling supporters, with perhaps more than just a smidgin of good fortune, the SVR will undoubtedly prevail through this rough patch just as it has done previously when it has faced what were initially and potentially seen as insurmountable challenges. Thanks for all the very sincere good wishes from you guys on here, from a now ageing SVR volunteer of 20 years at Arley. Regards Bob

I will refrain from commenting on specifics and as a shareholder and working volunteer member of the SVR for nearly 20 years, and a member of the GWR...I will only repeat a previous posting of mine made in February of this year.... The SVR is indeed, akin to many, going through and faces many challenges. However difficult and painful these will undoubtedly be, especially for those paid staff whose livelihoods may be uncertain, knowing the railway as I do it will, with the support and affection of its staff, volunteers and long standing supporters weather this uncertain patch. Together is the only way forward, each heritage railway relies upon the collective strength of the movement. Keep the faith! Regards always Bob

Evening All, It is, always a privilege to be able to undertake volunteer work on the SVR among good friends, to further the Heritage Railway movement and to protect and preserve the wonderful station at Arley which has been a major part of my life for nearly 20 years now. There may be no remuneration for volunteer work but who needs paying for a hobby when you stand back at a safe distance and obtain a view such as this? 4079 out on test runs today...looks superb and sounded even greater as she 'barked' her way through Arley. The Spring Gala is fast approaching.....! Regards always Bob

Evening all, Here’s the bridge, placed for effect into its intended position… hope it looks great okay? Regards always, Bob

On my return to Bridgnorth, 4079 was ‘warming’…..should see her out on test soon hopefully? Regards Bob

Taw Valley was out on a charter today, despite its inauthentic colour scheme, it looks impressive in black. Regards all, Bob

Thank you Bill for your very kind comments, I have enjoyed working on this small project, it’s been great to switch off! Used three shades of tan to paint irregular areas or groupings of setts, with a darker grey on some, then dry brushed a light grey over all of the surface, finally finger rubbing ‘smoke’ weathering powder into the gaps between. A light scattering of light flock added to give a bit of mossy effect. Just need to weather the sides of the bridge to complete? Regards always Bob

Afternoon my dear friends, Sorry it’s been a while posting (things been a bit up and down health wise) , have been building and creating the scenic, disused road bridge that is intended to form the break over the discussed sidings. Weathered up and painted now, hope that it’ll do the business? Comments as always appreciated. Will post when inserted in position. Further weathering to be done. Regards always, stay safe please! Bob

Take Me Where The Poor Boys Dance - Lulu

Summer Night City - ABBA

Hi All, A further image to update you good folk, feel it fits the purpose? Regards always Bob

Afternoon from a snowy Staffordshire! This is how we are now, the bridge facade is made up and although tweaking required, this is how the ‘siding’s’ concept may take shape? Regards Bob

Evening guys... Just by way of an update, a bridge facade has been obtained from Skytrax to begin the process of forming the scenic break for the 'disappearing' siding project, this taking a little while longer than intended due to continuing health issues, but being on here with you guys, working on the layout, having the SVR at Arley to concentrate on, are all great therapy. Will post further when able.... Cheers with regards always, Bob

Evening.... Restarted services yesterday, but good to see steam today too, Regards Bob

Walk Away - Matt Munro

Evening, Just a quick update and muse on intentions, a bridge will firm interest hopefully to tie in both the tunnel portal and the inference of some distant facility or destination beyond where the (non operational) tracks disappear? Have set the position for this bridge slightly ahead, do it casts a shadow upon the stock beneath for effect. Regards always Bob

All the very best wishes for a speedy recovery Tony. Regards Bob

Yes I am sorry I should have made my posting clearer that it was the latter built ship, not the earlier referenced build. Cheers Bob