On getting the gen that the Severn Valley was offering a solid Sulzer day with 3 round trips for a bargain £30 was a must. Despite West Midlands trains doing their best to delay us there was still time to join the breakfast throng at “AJ’s”.
25262/25278 1000 Kidderminster – Bridgnorth
46045 1130 Bridgnorth – Kidderminster
33108 1300 Kidderminster – Bridgnorth
25278/25262 1430 Bridgnorth – Kidderminster
25278 1600 Kidderminster – Bridgnorth
46045 1730 Bridgnorth – Kidderminster
At Kidderminster (SVR) 46045 looked good on the blocks steaming the Gresley rake on a dark but dry Midlands morning. The Gresley rake was the only disappointment of the day, a load of 7 Mk I’s would have been preferred. At the other end was 25262 (from the South Devon) and 25278 (from the NYMR, Sybilla had been on a lorry the day before) what a superb site, was this the first pair of 25s on the Severn Valley in preserved service we mused?.
46045 looking good at the blocks with the emcars for the 1000 departure from Kidderminster
Superb or what, 25262 and 25279 prior to departure with the 1000 to Bridgnorth
Rat thrash and clag soon filled the morning air and very enjoyable it was too especially from Hampton Loade up to Eardington summit. Much Gala power was being shunted around en route, an awful lot of HST’s seemed to present, 33108 was stabled in her usual spot outside Highley box.
33108 looking good outside Highley box
Tail engine 46045 then powered us back South, load 7 being nought for a mighty type 4, loads of impressive acceleration and some thrash! At Kidderminster depot a big shunt allowed glimpses of the likes of 1015 and 1062 amongst the sea of 50s!. 33108 which had run light from Highley then formed the 1300 departure with the 46 as tail engine creating quite a load. 33108 didnt disappoint thrashing nicely even a fallen tree on the line North of Highley couldn’t hamper her thrash potential, probably the best run of the day.
33108 at Kidderminster about to couple up to the 1300 departure to Bridgnorth
25262 and 25278 at Bridgnorth prior to working the 1430 to Kidderminster
A shunt at Bridgnorth saw the 46 replaced by the thrashing rats again for a steady run back South. 25278 was removed from our train by Kidderminster Carriage shed. My colleague then went into a sneezing fit, a concerned female nearby asked if he was “allergic to something”. His reply “yes, class 50’s” raised a good few chuckles!
25262 complete with refitted tablet catcher recess at Kidderminster after arrival at Kidderminster
58023 expected to debut in preserved service for the class at Kidderminster in the afternoon sun
In now late afternoon sun 25262 positively gleamed on the blocks at Kidderminster with 25278 now at the business end with the 1600 departure. On a now slightly quieter train the green rat put in a solid claggy performance, great fun! 46045 then rejoined the stock for the final 1730 departure South.
46045 rumbles off the siding at Bridgnorth to work the 1730 Kidder South the last train of an excellent day.
This run like all the others was a good one, with just one rake of stock out we didnt even stop yet alone fester for half an hour for passing traffic at the likes of Hampton Loade and Arley, this helped make the day more memorable. A quick glance at the 46 as we rushed across to the rancid railway for the 1837 departure. It was caped!!!
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