SVR Spring Steam Gala 16-19 April 2026

So presumably no problem coming in from the M5 via the A456 ?

 

Not in Kidderminster.

 

So the weather forecast for the gala is mostly dry Thursday and Sunday (both BBC and Met Office). Sunshine and showers Friday (again both BBC and Met Office). For Saturday, BBC reckons some showers in the afternoon while Met Office reckons dry.
I'll leave it to readers to decide which forecast they prefer.

 

So we are all set up…..Bit of a long day with lots happening late on but all is ready!

As a reminder…..

Loco Directions
North - 75069, 7714, 813, 1450, Pug
South - 71000, 7802, 4930, 13268, Judy

Sets GW(4) and M(2) have no wheelchair access, the rest are all accessible.

Well documented on various threads but lots of roadworks around the SVR. Anyone driving on the Wyre Forest route to Highley and so on mind the potholes as they are everywhere.

And please enjoy it! It should be great fun.

 

Hi Harry
Well done. Hope to be there for the day on Saturday. I note the references to GW(4) and M(2) - are the carriage sets published anywhere - can’t see them.
Best wishes / good luck for the event.
Julian

 

Oh I thought we had noted them, sorry. M(2) is the set that works the Bridgnorth local most of the weekend, GW(4) is one of the two south end locals

 

7714 has issues this morning so please note -

7714 will now take 2N01 (0800 service) Kidderminster and will swap at Bridgnorth for 13268 which will work 2K18, 1N15, 1K34 & 1N33.

75069 will work 2H03 (0815 service) 2B12/2K14, 2N11, 2L28 & 2N19.

Further changes will communicated later today if needed.

 

Are they using P1 at Bewdley for all trains to Bridgnorth?, wouldn't P3 be longer?

 

Mix of P1 and 3. Whilst 3 is longer, signalling wise it is more awkward to use thus P1 (Down Main) is preferred.

 

Coupling issue between Pug and 75069 has meant the triple header has been altered and the pair of small tanks has gone LE

 

Thanks

 

Hi, Harry.
Just ridden behind 7714. What problems does it have?

 

The grate needs attention so it was a 1 trip wonder to get it to Bridgnorth

 

Due to unforeseen issues with the coupling arrangements between the L&Y Pug and mainline locomotives the following changes will apply for the remainder of the Spring Steam Gala -

Thursday - The 1735 ex KDR will be hauled by the Pug and Judy ‘Top and Tailed’

Friday - The 0855 ex BDY will be doubleheaded by Judy and 813. The Pug will be on the tail of the train.

Saturday - The 0855 ex BDY will be doubleheaded by Judy and 1450. The Pug will be on the tail of the train.

Sunday - The 0850 ex BDY will be doubleheaded by Judy and 71000. The Pug will be on the tail of the train.

We apologise the Triple Headed workings cannot take place, but for Safety Purposes we must amend these workings.

 

Safety quite rightly comes first. A real disappointment given how unusual it would have been, but nothing you can do about it of course. Judy+71000 will still be quite a sight!

Will the triple header on Sunday (813/1450/7714) still be able to go ahead, if all those locos are available?

 

Sunday with 813/1450/7714 will go ahead as booked.

 

7714 has had its old grate completely removed, a new grate fully rebuilt, and is back in steam. It will re-enter traffic this afternoon. A superb effort by ESMP and the Bridgnorth staff.

 

Fantastic news. No doubt a trifle warm in the firebox if it came on shed after hauling a train to Bridgnorth. Thoroughly looking forward to tomorrow (less so the 3.30am alarm)

 

Glad that 7714 has been fixed, well done to all involved. if it is ready would it replace 4930 on the goods down to Bewdley? I am only speculating/assuming this on the premise that Hagley seems to do a LE move back to Bridgnorth...

 

7714 can’t do the goods so no it won’t.

I won’t post the plan here as it’s a bit detailed but everything will work as booked tomorrow