Rob Coote

And the same loco 47805 on the back of the rail tour heading towards Bridgenorth today with Royal Scott on the front end.

And the newly arrived HST power cars to the SVR, It certainly is something you don't see everyday on the SVR!

And seen from the main line Kidderminster Station working from Derby to SVR.

As seen on Friday 23 July 2021, HST power cars sitting at SVR kidderminster. I must say that I do like the one off HST on EMR Livery.

As seen this afternoon on the SVR at Kidderminster, 37057 having just delivered two HST power cars.

Well Mine arrived yesterday afternoon and certainly well worth the wait. As to be expected, a very high standard product from Accurascale. I just need to extend the layout to fit it all on now. Keep up the great work. Roll on the next batch of PFA's!

Hi Fran, thats great news and really looking forward to receiving mine!

Thats Great News, really looking forward to receiving mine.

Resting between the Class 69 Testing at Highley, 50007 Hercules having a nice rest.

A nice and shiny Class 60, Class 60100 - SVR Diesel Gala.

Thats what I understand, a cheap version of a tram but with no over-head equipment. (found the below for which might be of interest) This project aims to deliver all of the benefits of trams but at a cost of £10m per kilometre (compared with an average of £50m per kilometre for a traditional tram solution). The vehicle will be smaller than traditional trams and battery powered avoiding the need for overhead power cables. With a passenger capacity of 50, the vehicles will provide a hop-on, hop-off service. To minimise driver costs, it is envisaged that the vehicles will ultimately be autonomous.

Hi Zomboid A bit of information below, but is something that the University of Warwick University is working with. I think that they are due to operate in Coventry, very useful page on the Warwick.ac.uk / very light railway. Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre A joint venture between WMG and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. The proposed centre will be located at Castle Hill, Dudley. The Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre will offer: Co-ordination of strategic initiatives Meeting rooms and a networking area A resident R&D team with research labs and offices A workshop for the assembly of prototype vehicles and systems Test and evaluation track for prototype vehicle trials Conference and exhibition facilities Masters level courses for next generation light rail technical specialists Training courses in maintenance and operation of light rail systems Incubator units for SME companies engaged in very light rail

Being a Friday and the sun breaking through, I thought I wonder past Dudley to see the latest on construction of the test track and buildings. As you will see, development has occurred quickly over the last couple of weeks. (the new test building on the left, not sure what the small building is on the left) (a further view of the new point work for which is all being wired in with the track work ready to enter the building) (down the other end, Im lead to believe that a platform is being installed to the left hand side where the track is) (the below shows where the midland metro returns to the track bed with a lot of clearance and preparation being undertaken. I noticed that there have been notices fitted to the security fences relating to planning and complusery purchase orders for the midland metro)

On route back to Derby from the SVR, rail operations group class 37 800 trails two Network Rail Class 73's after testing following conversion.

Flash back to the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala in 2016, with DRS Class 37, 37716 running round for its journey out to Bridgnorth bound for Kidderminster.

What seems to be a life time ago, but back in 2016 the two Network Rail class 73's return from the Severn Valley Railway to Derby passing through Stourbridge Junction. And on test and being used through the SVR gala of the same year

Indeed they are, but what makes me wonder is that the test track starts on the right coming off the depot and then swings over to the left as it comes out of the tunnel. The reason for my thought is that with the possible thoughts of re-opening the Bescot to Stourbridge Junction freight line, won't they need to re-adjust the alignment to allow for the network rail line.

Evening All. Not knowing if there is already a topic set up for the above, and being a local to Dudley I thought I would share some recent photos of the the re-developenment of Dudley Railway Station / Dudley Freight liner terminal and now the VLR test centre in Dudley. The building work in progressing well, but since my last visit the steel work and lift shafts have been erected at the Tipton Road end along with the added works of the midland metro extension. (Dudley - Tipton Road prior to steel work being erected) (New point work being installed - looking towards Dudley Tunnel) (Blowers Green end of Dudley Tunnel) (The site of Blowers Green Railway Station, even though the platforms have long since gone the building is still there) (The end of the test track, where the midland metro shall take over and rejoin the of the line bound for Brierley Hill)

From 2019 Severn Valley Railways Diesel Gala, 88006 Juno leads a service away from Kidderminster

One from the history books, 68026 leads the loaded Berkeley to Crewe nuclear waste through Stourbridge Junction.

Class 66, 66074 running the Margam T.C. to Round Oak loaded steels, at its arrival destination.

I wondered why you Dad was more focused on keeping the steak bakes warm!

Finding a couple of photos that you have forgotten about is always nice. Taken back in 2018 at Highley on the Severn Valley Railway, 66763 named after the railway taking part in driver experiences.

Looking through some old photographs from the 2019 Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala. You can't beat a shiny Class 60 in GBRF livery!

He did mention that to me, but thats another conversation. Great shot at Shrewsbury.