Evening all. Today involved another very pleasant outing on the 16-mile long Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire. Along with a couple of our friends, we were booked aboard the popular 'Severn Valley Limited' dining service, departing Kidderminster at 1:25pm. I forget how many times we've done the 'Limited' now, but it must be nearing a couple of dozen. We arrived at the SVR terminus in good time for our train. At the head of the next Bridgnorth departure stood Didcot's visiting Large Prairie No4144, built at Swindon in 1946. The Prairie was coupled to a nine-coach rake which would certainly make her copper capped chimney shout a bit!...
Wandering down towards the station we spotted Bulleid West Country pacific No34027 "Taw Valley" (also built in 1946) standing proud at the head of the dining stock. Despite some warmer spells recently, today's clouds brought with them a cold snap and so it was a relief to see that the Bulleid had the steam heat bagged up. After booking in, we were shown to our table aboard LMS First Open No7511, built in 1934. The table for four was set for the three-course meal ahead...
One thing you can always say for the Valley is that they have a varied and interesting collection of rolling stock, much like the Bluebell really. LMS 7511 is a gem of a coach, beautifully restored with ornate panelling and graceful lines. The level of restoration is clear with this one and it is always a pleasure to travel with her. Right on time, 34027 summoned a small portion of her strength to get the four-coach train away towards Bewdley and beyond. Over our tasty starters it was pleasant to see the elephants at the nearby West Midlands Safari Park putting on a show for their visitors. The 'Limited' train is a well oiled machine when it comes to service. The staff are attentive and efficient, moving quickly through the coaches to satisfy the numerous rumbling stomachs. Our hearty main of a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings was served as we passed 7802 at Arley. I was certainly ready for this...
Steaming into Bridgnorth, 4144 was waiting to depart at the head of her lengthy returning train. We alighted to see the Prairie making an audible departure, with the odd bit of wheel slip. Wandering over the footbridge with our waistbands ever tightening, we had a quick look in the gift shop before returning to the diner. In Bridgnorth yard was 75069: something Eddie would refer to as a Riddles masterpiece. A Standard Class 4MT of 1955 vintage, 75069 returned to service in February this year after a 25-year absence. Though out of service for washout during our visit, the double-chimney 4-6-0 made for an impressive sight in the yard...
Once the road was given, "Taw Valley" slipped steadily backwards to reach the yard for coaling and watering. We had 34027 for our previous trip on the 'Limited' and she always makes for a stunning sight. Even the light Bulleid's provide an awe-inspiring spectacle, although Maisie wasn't overly enthused about my talk on their regular 90mph+ performances on the Waterloo to Bournemouth's...
Back at our seats aboard 7511, we enjoyed a stunning dessert before coffee and mints. 34027 strode easily through the Worcestershire countryside with little more than a murmur from her dustbin-style chimney. Once back at Kidderminster we alighted from the diner after yet another lovely experience. I managed to grab a quick shot through the cab door of the Bulleid whilst she waited for the train to empty...
A final view of "Taw Valley" as we walk back towards the car...
Well, that's it folks, another steam visit complete. The 'Severn Valley Limited' always provides a pleasant experience and I doubt it'll be long before we're back again. You just can't beat steaming through the countryside in first class dining whilst enjoying a three-course meal. Thank you all again for reading. Ta, Sam...
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