Gordon the Big Engine is not just a large blue steam engine to be found in the literary works of the Reverend Awdry’s and subsequent tv and film episodes, but also a real big and blue locomotive. The Longmoor Military Railway was a complex system of railway lines in and around Woolmer Forest in Hampshire, used for training…
Having only caught a glimpse of her on my trip on the Severn Valley Railway in 2015, I was very hopeful that I would get a good look at Ivatt 4MT 43106 this year and fortunately I wasn’t disappointed!
The Severn Valley Railway’s open day in July 2016 gave a rare opportunity to look behind the scenes in the railway’s locomotive works in Bridgnorth. The railway has a large fleet of steam locomotives and there are several ongoing overhauls/restorations and two new-builds, so plenty to keep the staff and volunteers of Bridgnorth busy!
During the open day on the Severn Valley Railway last Saturday, I was given the opportunity to explore the carriage works in Kidderminster. As with most facilities on the preserved railway, this was an impressive set up within a relatively large building. Furthermore, it should be noted that this is a separate facility to a large carriage shed, also used…
Last Saturday the Severn Valley Railway held an open day where by paying a small supplement of £5 the visitor got to have a look at what was happening behind the scenes. This was very much a busman’s holiday for me, but nonetheless very interesting! The first port of call was Bewdley where Mrs Locoyard and I…
Ever wondered what remains of the Severn Valley Railway north of Bridgnorth and the preserved line? This reblog shows what remains… North of Bridgnorth, the track has gone; for much of the way to Coalport, it’s a private road with permissive access, a rough but very walkable surface, and plenty of shade. We’ll need that…
This coming weekend May 28th-30th is the GWSR’s annual Cotswold Festival of Steam, This year with the theme “Swindon built” to celebrate 175 years since the GWR’s Swindon workshops opened. 8 locos will be in steam for the event operating an intensive service, including steam runs to Laverton over Stanway Viaduct (not usually possible any…
There is perhaps nothing more “chocolate box” in appearance on the railways than a 14xx and an autocoach chuffing up and down a small branchline, and with lots of mainline engines, 1450 was a welcome reminder of a more authentic Severn Valley line image. 1450 is owned by Mike Little, and has been staying on the SVR…
The Severn Valley’s Third guest for their Autumn steam gala was previous long time resident on the railway Ivatt class 2 46521, and was used in filming of “Oh Doctor Beaching!” gaining the unofficial name ‘Blossom’. It moved to the GCR in 2000 but returned for the SVR’s fiftieth anniversary, paired with resident GWR prairie…
Despite being there for most of the event, I didn’t see an awful lot of Britannia during the Severn Valley’s gala. Having seen it twice this year already at the Mid-Hants and West Somerset it wasn’t too high on my hit list though. After several attempts to get Britannia back to the Valley it is…
Loco Yard 