71000 STAYS PUT, while D1015 runs services ahead of SOUTH DEVON railtour! + 7802 & more at the SVR!

A brilliant visit to the Severn Valley Railway today, with a few surprises and improvisations to the original plan. The intention had been to get some footage of BR Standard Class 8P Pacific 71000 ‘Duke Of Gloucester’ which has just completed a mammoth restoration at Tyseley and was moved by road last week to the Severn Valley Railway, captured by @Rail125 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BcRjTi0WgA where light engine testing had been scheduled to begin today.

Upon arriving the footbridge at Kidderminster, it soon became apparent all was not well as the Duke had been turned, but was being shunted back into the transfer siding and the fitters soon began gathering ladders and other tools to fine tune some issues, inevitable at this early stage post overhaul! 71000 spent the remainder of the day steam testing and raising the safety valves, with the right hand side smoke deflector being fitted by the afternoon, but light running was cancelled for the remainder of Wednesday.

However all was certainly not lost, with two scheduled SVR services in the capable hands of two Western region performers, GWR Manor 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ now refitted with its name plates following its recent steam gala appearance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu3i4dKdWyQ&t=5287s and D1015 Western Champion, now adorning BR Blue with full yellow ends, and working SVR timetables services ahead of its forthcoming Vintage Trains railtour to Plymouth and the South Devon Railway this weekend!

Needless to say I needed no persuading, and jumped on for a bash down to Hampton Loade, returning via Highley for a look in the engine shed, and a run back behind the Manor, so enjoy the highlights from a great mid week visit to the railway! Fingers crossed the defects can be rectified with the Duke and we can see this mighty pacific out soon! 🤞 | 07.05.2025

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