Heritage weekend draws the crowds at Severn Valley Railway

A charity event at the Severn Valley Railway smashed visitor expectations and provided a truly unique opportunity to see many examples of modern freight traction alongside heritage locomotives.

With 1,748 people attending, 50% more than expected, organisers have confirmed a substantial donation will be going to Great Ormond Street Hospital, supporting vital care for seriously ill children.

SVR managing director, Jonathan Dunster said: “There was a really good vibe across the railway. We’ve had some tremendous feedback online, and many people made a point of saying to me at the event how well organised it was, and what a rare opportunity we’d brought together in terms of the sheer range of traction, plus the fact that so much of it was provided by freight locomotives!

“We worked closely on the event with GBRf as well as co-sponsors and organisers Modern Railways and Hornby Magazines and they were delighted with how everything went.

"They’d experienced difficulties at another railway last year, and approached us because, in their words, the SVR is ‘the acknowledged leader in the sector for delivery of special events’.  

Held over Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, the weekend saw passengers travelling behind a variety of locomotives. Modern traction was represented by GB Railfreight mainline diesel locomotives 57305, 66710, 66719 and 69015 to operate on the SVR’s air-braked set, plus 73107 and 73136 (which are dual-braked) operating on the GW set. GBRf also had 69016 on display after it had arrived with a rail tour on the Friday evening, prior to the start of the event.

Meanwhile GWR 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’, 40106 ‘Atlantic Conveyor’, Class 52 D1062 ‘Western Courier’, 50033 ‘Glorious’ and the Diesel Multiple Unit flew the flag for the heritage scene.

On Saturday evening, 40106 ‘Atlantic Conveyor’ made its last appearance at the SVR on a popular evening special. The locomotive is now returning to the East Lancashire Railway, where its owners the Class Forty Preservation Society are based, following a seven-year stay at the SVR.

As always, the locomotives weren't the only attractions. A mini beer festival was held on the platform at Kidderminster, behind-the-scenes tours of the Diesel Depot were given and a model railway exhibition, was held at The Engine House in collaboration with Hornby Magazine.