The passing earlier this year of Keith Beddoes was a sad loss, as he was the founding father of the Severn Valley Railway, leading the way in saving the historic line in the 1960s and laying the groundwork for its revival as the popular attraction it is today.
But his death has been a loss to railways more generally, as he was a railways historian and author, who over the years was kind enough to share some of his photographic collection, and his knowledge, with the Star.
His spirit lives on in the enthusiasm of the SVR volunteers who bring the world of steam to modern-day passengers who enjoy a trip along the preserved line.
So thanks Keith, and thanks too for giving us the opportunity to showcase a selection of your photos, many featuring the SVR line, giving a window on Shropshire’s railway past.
13. "Good old Dark Lane"
The last day of passenger working on Saturday, May 31, 1952, at Madeley, with the loco adorned with farewell messages. Keith told us: "The train, hauled by a Fowler 2-6-2 tank, 40058, is seen at Madeley with Mr L Mott, the stationmaster, talking to the engine driver, Jack Mapp, of Coalport, and fireman George Lewis of Madeley. Like all railway line closures it was a sad day and local people adorned the engine with chalked messages such as 'Now is the hour,' 'Of beloved Memory of Dark Lane' and 'Good Old Dark Lane' etc. The line was officially closed to passengers from Monday, June 2, 1952, but all the stations, with the exception of Malinslee, which closed, were kept open for goods traffic." | Keith Beddoes
14. Not quite a rival to Llanfair P. G.
Ironbridge Railway Station in 1897, or, to be precise, Ironbridge and Broseley Railway Station, as can be seen by the sign, which Keith said was the longest name board on the Severn Valley Railway at the time. The original of this photo once hung in one of the station rooms. It shows the staff posing by the new nameboard which was changed from simply "Ironbridge" to "Ironbridge and Broseley" on November 9, 1895. It was replaced some time later by a rectangular board. | Keith Beddoes
15. This stop - Llansantffraid
The photo is of ex GWR 0-4-2 locomotive No. 5806 pulling in to Llansantffraid Station on the Llanfyllin branch, circa 1955. No. 5806, an Oswestry engine, had a fairly long association with the branch, being sub-shedded at Llanfyllin until that shed closed in 1952. The engine was withdrawn from Oswestry in June 1957. | Keith Beddoes
16. Up the junction
GWR 2-8-2 tank engine No. 7221 approaching Madeley junction circa 1955. | Keith Beddoes