Difference between revisions of "Severn Valley Railway Timeline 1980-1989"

1980

Over the winter of 1979-80, major engineering work was carried out on Victoria Bridge, including replacement of the bridge decking and a complete repaint. 1980 again saw BRBritish Rail or British Railways providing a DMUDiesel Multiple Unit service from Kidderminster to the SVRSevern Valley Railway at Bewdley on summer Saturdays and Bank Holidays.

May 1980:

SVRSevern Valley Railway participants in the grand parade at the Rocket 150 celebrations at Rainhill were 3205, 43106, 45000, 600 Gordon, 80079, D1062 Western Courier and 3 coaches. 3020 Cornwall was also due to take part, but was forced to withdraw when the BRBritish Rail or British Railways boiler inspector put his hammer right through the front ring of the boiler barrel!

The Railway played host to two incoming main line rail tours through to Bridgnorth on the same day. The Bridgnorth station announcer took the opportunity to make an announcement surely never heard before or since, “The next service will call at Bewdley, Basingstoke, Winchester, Eastleigh and Southampton. Change at Bewdley for Leeds, Keighley, Haworth and Oxenhope.” The two 10-coach tours passed at Arley, the only loop large enough to handle the crossing.

June 1980:

The SVRSevern Valley Railway membership exceeded 10,000 for the first time.

The Great Western Weekend saw 7 of the SVRSevern Valley Railway’s GWRGreat Western Railway engines in action.

September 1980:

In the annual Enthusiasts Weekend, considered the most successful to date, 12 SVRSevern Valley Railway locomotives were in steam including 45690 Leander which had just returned from main line duties for an overhaul.

Locomotives used during the year and the mileages recorded were as follows:

1981

In 1981, Eardington was reinstated as a request stop in the timetble. BRBritish Rail or British Railways again ran a limited DMUDiesel Multiple Unit shuttle service between Kidderminster and the SVRSevern Valley Railway at Bewdley. The SVRSevern Valley Railway continued to provide locomotives to work on main line rail tours from Hereford and elsewhere.

January 1981:

4930 and 45000 departed for Hereford on main line duties, accompanied by WD 193 which left on loan to the 6000 LA group based there. The 4-6-0s would return in April, 193’s loan would be extended.

March 1981:

The first public main line excursion from Bridgnorth ran on 14 March. The 11-coach ‘Severn Valley Crusader’ to Paddington was hauled to Bewdley by 7819 and 46521, where two BRBritish Rail or British Railways class 25s took over.

June 1981:

The newly installed ex-Whitchurch water tower at Highley was used for the first time.

September 1981:

Enthusiasts Weekend was scheduled to include 10 SVRSevern Valley Railway locomotives in steam (SVRSevern Valley Railway news does not confirm the final number).

Late 1981:

WD 193’s loan to Hereford was extended, while 45690 Leander left following completion of the overhaul begun the previous year. 3020 Cornwall was to return to the NRMThe Railway Museum, formerly the National Railway Museum until funds could be found for its overhaul.

December 1981:

The Santa steam specials struggled thorough in the worst winter weather seen in 31 years, with snow and daytime temperatures of -25°C hampering operations.

Filming for an episode of ITV’s ‘Game for a Laugh’ took place, involving musician and entertainer Joe Brown firing 80079, repeating a job he previously did for BRBritish Rail or British Railways while a fireman at Plaistow.

Locomotives used during the year and the mileages recorded (including mileage on BRBritish Rail or British Railways while SVRSevern Valley Railway-based) were as follows:

1982

1983

1984

July 1984: Kidderminster Station was opened on 31 July 1984. Trains ran over the full 16 miles from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster for the first time in the preservation-era.

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

References and sources

Information is from past editions of Severn Valley Railway News unless otherwise stated. Locomotive mileages for 1980 taken from SVRSevern Valley Railway News #58 Winter 1980/81, page 34, "Steam Locomotive Mileages for the Decade".

See also

The Severn Valley Railway in preservation
1970-1979