The Severn Valley Railway is preparing to bring steam operations back into service this week, following significant rainfall across Worcestershire and Shropshire, meaning its Autumn Steam Gala will go ahead as planned.
At long last, the SVR has received the significant rainfall it has been waiting for, with plenty of much-needed rain falling over the past week. As a result, the railway is now preparing to phase back in steam locomotive operations, with steam set to return from Wednesday 2 September.
The return of steam is particularly welcome news ahead of the Autumn Steam Gala, which takes place from 17 to 20 September, and the SVR is now confident that the four-day event can run safely as planned.
During August, the railway’s resident heritage diesel locomotive fleet has stepped up to cover all regular service trains, supported by their various volunteer owning groups. They have played a vital role in keeping the railway running throughout the period when steam operations were suspended.
The SVR’s chief executive officer Gus Dunster said:
“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. They have done an absolutely amazing job, keeping our railway moving and our visitors travelling while we waited for conditions to improve.
“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, and especially pleased that this means the Autumn Steam Gala can go ahead as planned.”
The return to steam will be phased, with the railway continuing to monitor conditions closely.
Additional measures will also be introduced during the Autumn Steam Gala to further mitigate the risk of lineside fires. These will include water spraying trains and monitoring the line by volunteer fire marshals at locations known to be more susceptible to fires.
The Autumn Steam Gala promises an intensive timetable, featuring four visiting locomotives alongside the pride of the SVR’s home fleet. Services will run into the late evening on Friday and Saturday, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of steam on the railway after dark.
Further details of the Autumn Steam Gala timetable and visiting locomotives are available at svr.co.uk.