Severn Valley Railway Diesel Bash

As the country continues to move slowly out of lockdown we’re starting so see a few more events on our heritage railways. We’re not yet back to full blown galas in the traditional sense, where we can jump on and off trains to our heart’s content but things do seem to be heading in the right direction. On Saturday I ventured up to Kidderminster to take part in what the Severn Valley Railway, recognising the limitations imposed by current restrictions, had dubbed the Spring Diesel Bash.

47773 ready for the 'off' at Kidderminster.

Severn Valley events have always been among the very best in terms of organisation and variety of motive power. This weekend’s scaled down ‘bash’ had four trains operating, each with a theme for its motive power. Thus, if you booked early enough, you had the choice of riding up and down the railway all day behind either Class 50s, diesel hydraulics, Sulzer or English Electric powered locos. All trains had two additional return trips to Bewdley thrown in during the layovers at Kidderminster, giving the opportunity for a run behind the Class 14 and the Class 17 ‘Clayton, newly out shopped in BR blue.

               Class 14 D9551 leads Class 17 'Clayton' D8568 away on one of the short trips to Bewdley.

I booked for Train 3 with Sulzer power, comprising of the resident 33108 (a few miles behind a Crompton being my main reason for the choice) and Tyseley’s 47773 which has recently been through some contract maintenance on the SVR. The Duff looked great in its new coat of two-tone green. The Crompton is looking a little more ‘authentic’ in its faded BR blue but sounded absolutely great when under power.

 

33108 prepares to leave Bridgnorth on the last leg of the the days' three round trips. the white cab surrounds at this end of the Crompton recalls the days from the early 1980s when several Eastleigh 33/1s displayed this feature.

Well done SVR, a really enjoyable day. Hopefully we’ll soon be able to indulge in a traditional gala with packed carriages and the mad dash to swap trains at intermediate stations.

           Surely one of the of the most stylish diesel locomotives ever? Hopefully I might get to experience                               D1015 Western Champion out on the main line again before too long.

Not what it appears to be. Despite the 500014 number and Warspite name this is 50007 Hercules, one of three Class 50 Alliance locomotives in operation for the Diesel Bash.