SVR General Discussion

1st up, the FAQ question here "I would like to come on my own, do I have to pay £75?" is all I was asking for the other day. If that was always available, I apologise and withdraw my earlier comments.

To more enjoyable matters. It wasn't planned but I happened to see 7714 pass over Bewdley Viaduct northbound yesterday - 2nd train of the day I think? Several people stopping to watch or take photos despite the road noise. Quite a bit of waving, more than you'd usually get in town. I talked to a few people there & in the town centre, a very positive reaction. "I didn't realise how much I'd missed those whistles" was one comment.

Many congratulations to everyone at the SVR for what appears to have been a highly successful reopening! 7714's train looked splendidly turned out, not a surprise but still very good to see.

 

I was just trying to get a feel how Covid 19 was still affecting the SVR now it is up and running against what it might normally expect to take over a summer weekend. Probably not on here but I am sure that there are plenty of the general public who see trains running and think things are back to normal Hopefully the £9k a day income is not to far out as there do not seem to be that many discounts given but it is probably well what they would normally hope to take thought I am sure there will be the odd day when because all trains are pre booked they might do better than when the rain is going horizontal all day and people do not want to venture out.

 

It's a well made point that the SVR would in the old normal have significantly more than 600 on an August weekend. The public pronouncement is that the SVR is hoping to break even on August trains and September's service might is hoped to move into profit. Fingers crossed on both counts.

Patrick

 

My wife and I took our 14 month old on the 'Flyer' today. It was uncomfortably hot, particularly this afternoon, but I'm not going blame the SVR for that!

As I said a couple of weeks ago I am somewhat anxious about the Covid situation and therefore I was on heightened alert in relation to precautions taken. Generally speaking I felt that the railway did a good job, and the public responded reasonably well.

The one issue for me was Highley station, which became quite crowded prior to the train arriving, and as there seemed to be some confusion for passengers about whether face coverings should be worn on platforms (people were very compliant in buildings) I did feel a bit unsafe and we moved off the platform for a few minutes, along with another family. I also noted that Highley's staff were less obvious (not counting the Engine House staff, who were very obvious and very clear in terms of rules, delivered in a friendly and considerate manner) than at other stations.

On numbers, I was surprised that despite our train being fully booked (and little space on the other Kiddy train) the station carpark was only half full. I hope that the numbers are holding up.

Sent from my SM-J330FN using Tapatalk

 

Excellent run today, great to see the dedication.

 

Good news for us solo travellers. SVR will be including a Mk1 TSO in the set as from next month. Tickets now on sale via their website.

 

Good news indeed! I have done one 'compartment at full fare' day as a way of making a donation, but it's nice to have a cheaper option (I don't see any point in using my free shareholder pass at the moment as it doesn't help the railway). The new prices are £20 for a table for 1 and £40 for a table for 2; a compartment is still £75 for up to 6.

There is also a new option for diesel fans who want some mileage. "The Pioneer, diesel train, 9.45am-7.30pm - Kidderminster to Bridgnorth return, three times. Available on Fridays; September 4th Class 50s, September 11th Class 33, September 18th Class 37, September 25th Class 17."

 

Ooh the Claytons out.

 

Just booked a compartment for Sunday 20th September as we never cancelled our hotel booked for the gala as wanted to still visit the Severn Valley to support. Plan is to watch some trains on the Saturday as can't run to two days travelling, does anyone know if Arley & Hampton Loade will remain closed or will the public be allowed to watch, would happily pay platform tickets if such a thing exists!

 

You can always use the Road bridge at Arley to have a look, can do the same with Hampton Loade,

 

The official policy is "Stations - Arley and Hampton Loade Station will remain closed, with no public access."
https://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=166
The field at Eardington Bank is another option for photography.

 

I've bought a solo ticket for The Explorer on Sunday 6th. I've no doubt it will be the first of several visits over the next few months.

 

There's also the public footpath that crosses the line at the north end of Arley station, and the footpath that runs alongside the line southward from Hampton Loade.

 

Thanks for the replies will no doubt use those spots!

 

A new motion picture, "2857 and her toplights", has a 23 September release. There are some actors in it as well

Patrick

 

The Sunset Special: 5, 12, 19, 26 September will also convey passengers for Evening Dining at the Engine House.

Steam in Lights tickets are on sale too https://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=159

Patrick

 

September newsletters come a week earlier than advertised – with the editorial team away next week, we decided to bring things forward, and this month’s editions are packed with news from across the Railway. Hope you enjoy them!

https://www.svrlive.com/newsletters

Patrick

 

Updated: now showing September 4th: Class 50s. September 11th: Class 33. September 18th: Class 37. September 25th: Class 42 & Class 14.

 

Great day on the railway today, travelling behind 75069 (pictured here arriving at Kidderminster in the morning to couple onto the train). Superb lunch in the Flag & Whistle at the Engine House.

It seems that coming so soon after the problems with Falling Sands are more infrastructure problems, this time at the Bridgnorth end of the line. Two speed restrictions in place due to subsidence.

The railway seems to have benefited from GWR retiring their HSTs and Serco upgrading the Caledonian Sleeper, as both Kidderminster and Arley have a rake of Mk.3 coaches and sleeper coaches, presumably used as accommodation for volunteers/staff.

I'll be back for more in a few weeks.