Random Railways

03/06/2026

Unexpected photo opportunity whilst cycling round Prague. Aka don't argue with trams...

03/06/2026

The latest edition (No 584) of Steam Railway Magazine includes my 8 page feature on GWR large prairie 4150, the last Barry loco at the SVR to be restored.
GWR Large Prairie 4150

(Update since publication - a successful steam test was carried out earlier this week)

02/06/2026

Yesterday saw a historic day for the SVR, as the Severn Valley Railway Society Limited was formally launched. 🙂

The change represents a major milestone in the railway’s ambitious One Railway project, a long-term programme designed to create a more resilient, transparent and efficient organisational structure that is better suited to today’s operating and regulatory environment while safeguarding the railway’s future.

Read the full story at: https://svr.co.uk/news/historic-day-for-the-svr-as-the-severn-valley-railway-society-is-formally-launched/

Photo: Kenny Felstead

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

31 years ago 'Motorail' services ceased: they allowed at their peak in the 1970s 100,000 passengers and their cars per year to travel the UK by train between a network of terminals where cars were loaded onto open wagons such as these seen passing Carlisle, while passengers relaxed on normal coaches in the same train. Damage to cars in transit often at the hands of antisocial lineside behaviour en route later led to windscreen protectors being applied, and then enclosed wagons to be provided. The service lost its appeal as cars became more reliable and comfortable for long drives, combined with improvements to the motorway network, and declined during the 1980s. That said, First Greatwestern did introduce car-carrying facilities to their Night Riviera service 1999-2005, providing a brief return of sorts. Dave Hitchborne https://buff.ly/s2QV0DK

29/05/2026

Deltic in the Dark.

27/05/2026

We're pleased to announce that our second guest locomotive for the Summer Gala is Neilson & Co No 2937. 🙂🚂

This fascinating industrial steam locomotive has a rich heritage stretching back to the Victorian era. We’re grateful to Keith Sergeant and the Chasewater Railway for the loan of the locomotive.

🎟️ The Summer Gala is on 18 - 19 July and tickets are on sale at: https://svr.co.uk/specialevents/summer-gala/

Photo: Mick Huckfield