Historic steam train back on the tracks in time for school holidays
After six weeks of maintenance, the Severn Valley Railway is preparing for an action-packed opening during February half term.
Teams at the railway have re-laid track, replaced sleepers, reinforced one of its viaducts, painted a locomotive and cleaned its stations.
The railway's fleet of locomotives will be back in action taking passengers for journeys through the Severn Valley every day from February 16 to 24.
The half term will also see the grand opening of the railway's new refreshment room in Bridgnorth, along with a larger, improved overflow car park.
The new building, constructed in the style of a Great Western Railway building, is part of the plan to transform Bridgnorth Station.
Throughout the half term there will be LEGO builder workshops at The Engine House on February 23 and 24, with a chance to create local landmarks, gardens and a whole town throughout the days.
Teams will also welcome British Railways Standard 4 locomotive No. 75069, which will pull its first train in more than 24 years on February 16.
All activities during the half term can be experienced with the Family Freedom of the Line ticket, including two adults and up to four children, which gives unlimited travel along the line during the day, plus free entry into workshops, costing £49.
Lewis Maddox, events coordinator at SVR, said: "“We really are pulling out all the stops this half term with so much to do and see for all ages. Our LEGO-inspired workshops should be a real hit with kids and adults alike.
"We’ll have lots of fun activities going on throughout the week, with the chance to enjoy a great-value day out thanks to our new, reduced Family Freedom of the Line fare.
“We’re extremely proud of our new refreshment room, which provides a fantastic place for visitors to sit back, relax and re-fuel while our trains steam by, and we are delighted to see the return to the rails of 75069, which has been the subject of so much hard work from so many volunteers. We’re sure our visitors will love to see it in action once again.”
For more information or to book railway tickets, go to svr.co.uk or call 01562 757900.
