Severn Valley Rlwy: by Dennis Mitchell

[Steve Appleton]

Posted for the phtographer, Dennin Mitchell:

Probably the best preservation site in the world, but with 26,000 (1980) members paid up it would be wouldn't it!!
1. Arley Station. The attention to detail at this station has to be seen to be believed! From the milk cannisters to the signage you just feel you are on the G.W.R. in the late 1940s. It is absolutely marvellous. If Arley looks familiar, it has been used in many films, from "Heartbeat" to "OH! Doctor Beeching!" (what a naughty man you are).
2. Victoria Bridge. I got off the train to get some shots on this bridge. As soon as I got down the bank it rained and rained. After about an hour and two trains later, I said to myself "This is too bloody wet" and headed off. But I had to climb up the muddy bank again. I got on the train to glares and stares. Back to Bridgenorth for a change of clothes and up to the "Fireman's Arms" to thaw out (that's the pub on Bridgenorth Station. It does a roaring trade for the S.V.R. and serves one of the best drops of beer in all of Pommyland).
The bridge itself was built by John Fowler in 1861 at Coalbrookdale, just down river, where the industrial revolution started after they worked out how to make cast-iron. This bridge was the largest cast-iron bridge at that time.
3. Bridgenorth Loco was a busy place when you had 8 trains running continuously all day! A standard class 4, 4-6-0, a standard class 2, 2-6-0, and a couple of G.W.R. 4-6-0 s of the Grange, Manor and Hall classes are visible.