Changes

''For a description of the network connection signalling, see [[File:Severn Valley and mainline railways, Kidderminster - geograph.org.uk - 1534.jpgStation signal box (1987 onwards)|thumb|300px|right|A train approaching Kidderminster crosses the points leading to the adjacent Network Rail trackstation signal box]][[File:Diesels on crossing.jpg|thumb|300px|right|A convoy of diesel locomotives crossing from Network Rail to the SVR]]''

A The '''Exchange Line''' is a short length of track just outside [[Kidderminster]] terminus allows the through running of trains between the SVR and Network Rail(NR).

The connection was upgraded by the SVR ==Early history==From its opening in August 20121987, to coincide with a Network Rail upgrade of signalling on the adjacent main line. Signalling of movements through the crossing are now controlled by the West Midlands Signalling Centre (WMSC) at Saltley in conjunction with the SVR's Kidderminster signal box worked to [[Kidderminster Junction signal box]], 'over the fence' and operated successively by BR, RailTrack and finally NR. A [https://forum.svr-online.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2529&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 discussion thread] The method of connection between the SVR and national rail was cumbersome, requiring staff on the SVR-Online Forum included many pictures of track for any movement between the work being carried outtwo railways. A description of Under this arrangement the work with images can also be found in [http://www.svrsig.org.uk/svr/Iss180.htm SVR News 180, on S&T Notes online]'s exchange line was designated as a siding.

The alterations now allow both ingress ==2012 upgrade==In 2012 NR upgraded signalling on the adjacent main line, which included the closure of its Kidderminster Junction box and egress transfer of passenger carrying trains control to the SVRWest Midlands Signalling Centre (WMSC) at Saltley.

The SVR took the opportunity to extensively upgrade the connection, with many hundreds of hours of work included by NR and SVR S&T technicians. Commissioned in August 2012, to coincide with the mainline resignalling, it installed one of the most comprehensive connections between the national rail network and a private heritage railway in existence. The alterations allow access for passenger- and non-passenger trains coming onto or leaving from the first ever installation SVR. As part of the resignalling of the network connection, the exchange line was upgraded from a colour light signal siding to a running line. Movements can be made from the SVR exchange line onto the NR Down Main, and from the NR Up & Down Mains onto the SVR exchange line. In addition, an incoming or outgoing train may be held on the exchange line awaiting a path, without it affecting trains on the SVRor NR main lines. It is jointly operated All such movements are now locked and signalled, controlled by the WMSC in conjunction with the SVR 's Kidderminster signal box and by , which is now a fringe box of the WMSC. Movements do, therefore, require the SVR's signal box to be manned and controls movements open.  [[File:Kidderminster diagram 25.jpg|1000px]]<br>''Kidderminster signal box diagram 2020, showing the network connection.'' The upgrade also saw the first non-GWR/BR(W) signal installed on the SVR, in the form of a colour light signal leading from the SVR's exchange line onto Network Rail either the national network or into the SVR's [[Carriage Repair Works|carriage workshopNorth Star Carriage & Wagon Works]].  On Network Rail's open data TRUST timetabling system the SVR is 'Kidderminster S.V.R.' and the [[Diesel Depot]] sidingsis 'Kidderminster Tmd (Svr)'. Trains across the network connection are shown on independent sources of live realtime running information.  A description of the work with images can also be found in [http://www.svrsig.org.uk/svr/Iss180.htm SVR News 180, on S&T Notes online].