Model layouts galore to feature at Severn Valley open house weekend
MORE than 30 model railway layouts are to feature at the Severn Valley Railway’s (SVR) Open House Weekend.
The SVR’S popular event, on May 2/3 invites members, shareholders and visitors alike to celebrate all that the railway has to offer and includes behind the scenes tours and a whole host of attractions up and down the line.
The SVR’S steam and diesel homefleet will be in action running an intensive timetable throughout the weekend and more than 30 intricate model railway displays from across the country will be on show at The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, Kidderminster Diesel Depot and Bridgnorth Paint Shop.
Visitors can take a glimpse behind the scenes at Bridgnorth, with access to the locomotive works, yard and signalbox. For those who want to see how it’s all done, demonstrations will also be underway in the boiler shop and there will be the chance to get up onto the footplate of a locomotive in steam.
The signalbox at Arley and the carriage and wagon yard at Bewdley will also be open – and at Kidderminster, visitors can see inside two signalboxes, enjoy guided tours of the carriage shed (which is a third of a mile long) and visit the diesel depot.
Train rides on a small-scale will be on offer on the Coalyard Miniature Railway (£1 each). Hampton Loade’s Paddock Railway will be open on the Sunday. Operated by a voluntary group, the latter offers an extensive 32mm gauge/16mm scale scenic outdoor layout with three separate running circuits and facilities for both gas and coal fired locomotives.
Highley will be a hive of activity, with regular steam-hauled goods trains on Saturday. The latest exhibitions and interactive exhibits will be on show at The Engine House.
Model railway layouts this year, both fictional and real-life re-creations, include several American layouts, a model of Bridgnorth station and miniature railways in suitcases!
Lewis Maddox, the SVR’S events manager said: “Always a popular event, our Open House Weekend is a great way to bring our supporters together to say a huge thank you for their ongoing hard work and commitment, as well as offering visitors a great day out, with lots of chances to explore behind closed doors.
“We’re thoroughly looking forward to it and hope to attract future supporters and volunteers to the railway in the process.”
Standard Freedom of the Line tickets are valid for the event and allow unlimited travel all along the line during the day, plus free entry to The Engine House. Entry to The Engine House Visitor Centre and Kidderminster carriage works is free with a Freedom of the Line ticket to travel. Otherwise, admission charges apply.