Steam to return to Severn Valley Railway after recent rainfall
The phased return begins tomorrow (02/09)
Steam locomotive operations are set to return to the Severn Valley Railway this week after significant rainfall in Worcestershire and Shropshire.
Starting on 2nd September, the railway will reinstate steam services, ensuring that the upcoming Autumn Steam Gala can take place from 17th to 20th September as initially planned.
Reports of steady rainfall over the past week have provided the conditions necessary to safely reintroduce steam operations.
This comes after a period during August when the railway's heritage diesel locomotive fleet, supported by various volunteer groups, maintained regular services while steam operations were suspended.
The Severn Valley Railway’s chief executive officer, Gus Dunster, expressed his gratitude to the volunteer groups for their invaluable service.
“I want to give a huge thank you to all the diesel groups and their volunteers who have picked up every one of our service trains during this challenging period," Dunster said.
"Their support has been hugely appreciated, and it’s a great example of the teamwork and commitment that makes the SVR special. We’re now delighted to be able to start bringing our steam locomotives back into operation, especially pleased that this means the Autumn Steam Gala can go ahead as planned.”
The gala boasts an intensive timetable, with four guest locomotives complementing the SVR’s own fleet.
Scheduled services will run late into the evening on both Friday and Saturday, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the steam railway’s unique atmosphere under the stars.
The railway will implement additional measures during the event to mitigate the risk of lineside fires, including water spraying trains and monitoring by volunteer fire marshals at susceptible locations.