Saturday 22nd June 2024 was a momentous milestone for the SMF, with the Return to Steam special featuring 8 LMS coaches, and the star of the show 13268. Members and guests came together to ride on all or part of the 2 round trips on the Severn Valley Railway.
The on train buffet did a roaring trade, selling SMF Mighty Mogul beers. Passengers tucked into a delicious LMS style lunchbox full to the brim of sweet and savoury treats including a SMF branded cookie! Plus we ran a raffle which was very popular, with SMF Footplate experience, SVR 1st Class tickets and a crate of SMF beers up for grabs. Everyone travelling received a souviner booklet of 13268’s overhaul produced by Jim Norman.
At Arley in the early evening there was a Hog Roast, and the Kiosk was opened for the purchase of drinks, sweets etc. A small ceremony to commemorate the return of the locomotive was held with the 13268 Cake being in pride of place!
Finally the train went to Bridgnorth, and then a final departure to Kidderminster.
Photo’s courtesy of: Chris Murr, John Oates and John Tidmarsh.
All prepared, clean and ready on Platform 3 at Bewdley ready to depart with our set of carriages, empty to Kidderminster. To then form the 11.20 departure.
On arrival at Platform 1 Kidderminster, a quick run round then the set was propelled to the buffer stops ready for boarding.
Many guests enjoyed an LMS style lunch box, which was put together for us by Kidderminster Railway Museum. It was filled with savoury and sweet treats which were enjoyed by all.
At Bridgnorth the Charter ran into Platform 2, 13268 took Coal and Water in the Yard, and then back onto the head of the train ready for departure at 1.35pm.
After a good run back from Bridgnorth, stopping to put a small fire out at Eardington the train. 13268 and her charter arrives back at Platform 2 buffer stops.
The Hog Roast at Arley in full swing. It was delicious and there was plenty of seconds for those who had room for them.
At Arley, members and guests had the opportunity to visit the footplate while 13268 was parked in Platform 1.
The wonderful bespoke cake of 13268, complete with working steam affect! was admired by all - and tasted as good as it looked.
SMF secretary Peter Holder said a few words to commemorate the occasion and thank all of those people who have made the overhaul of 13268 and todays event possible. Prior to the raffle being drawn by Oliver Speke.
Members and guests give a cheer at Arley Station. (Taken from a position of safety and with the necessary arrangements in place to ensure the safety of all participants).
The footplate of 13268 looking splendid, welcomed many members and guests for a visit over the course of the day.
13268 at the head of the train at Bridgnorth ready to depart with the 8.10pm final run back to Kidderminster.
To bring the day to a close our charter back at Kidderminster, delayed by a lineside fire. But everyone satisfied after a grand day out.
