If you remember the atmosphere from childhood train journeys, you would love the old steam trains still running in Great Britain. Many follow some very scenic routes through areas that you may not have readily access to otherwise, and you can relish the sight in a relaxed and comfortable manor. And at the same time enjoy the trip with one of these wonderful trains that are so lovingly cared for.
Severn Valley Railway is one of the railways that still run regularly between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire, a distance of 16 miles. The route follows closely the meandering course of the River Severn, and the surrounding area is unspoiled and beautiful. At some point the train crosses the River Severn by means of the Victoria Bridge from 1861- a good example of the craftsmanship of that time.
The historic trains run most of the year and from time to time special events are on the programme. Maybe a certain period of time is reconstructed and the participants dress in costumes of the period, or maybe a “Steam Gala” is being held with a great collection of steam locomotives, a very frequent service of trains and all-night operation. This must be something for all railway enthusiasts.
At such a day we went to Arley station; one of the stops on the route. Arley began as a tiny station in 1862, and although the station grew in time, the main passengers were the anglers who came to spend the day fishing in the river. Wagons with coal frequently drove through the station with cargo from the mines, but in the mid-1960s the golden times of the railway were over - the passengers preferred the car, and many rural stations were closed. Arley station was one of them, and soon it became overgrown with bushes and trees.
In 1974 Severn Valley Railway bought the line, and the station was restored and reopened with great festivities. Since then volunteers have looked after the station and kept the buildings, the platforms and the small gardens.
The autumn Steam Gala event saw trains from near and far. Some came all the way from Devon and Sussex, while others had taken the weekend off from the museums, where they normally belonged. One of the guests were the famous City of Truro; the first European steam locomotive to travel in excess of 150 km/h, and another celebrity was the locomotive 6024 King Edward I.
The arrangement lasted for three days, and during that time no less than 350 locomotives were on tracks. Beautiful trains with fine names such as 7802 Bradley Manor and 9017 Earl of Berkeley came puffing into the station for full steam. It was a splendid sight, and the amateur photographers flocked to get the best pictures of their favourite train.
You probably have to be an enthusiast to tell the difference between the trains, because there are so many different kinds. Until 1948 there were four great railway companies in England constructing lines and producing trains, and those four were later nationalised to form British Railways. The locomotives from these four companies each has their own characteristics, and personally I prefer the dark green from Great Western Railway with all the fine details of brass and copper.
Also the carriages for the passengers are different. Outside they can be wooden or painted in chocolate brown and cream colours; inside they can be extremely elegant. Many of the carriages have teak wood interiors, and there is very comfortable seating for the first-class passengers. Some carriages may even have a bar, where you can enjoy refreshments during the ride, and the dining car has cloth covered tables dressed with fine china.
Severn Valley Railway still serves dinner on board the old trains, so you can eat in style while driving through the English landscape. If you want more than just dinner, you could risk it and take part in a murder mystery. Titles like “Murder at the Station” and “Death for Dinner” might indicate what to expect, and the fellow travellers on these trips may not all be trustworthy...
