Unveiling the Hidden Gem: Eardington Station, Severn Valley Railway's Busiest Ever Weekend
Get ready for a thrilling journey back in time as the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) prepares to welcome its busiest-ever weekend at its smallest station, Eardington. After a remarkable 40-year hiatus, the SVR is bringing back scheduled services to Eardington, and you won't want to miss this unique experience.
A Journey Through Time: From Working Days to Branch Line Weekend
Steve Downs, the station master, takes us on a trip down memory lane as he flips through old timetables, including those from Great Western Railway and British Railways. He reflects on the station's past, noting that while there were plenty of trains stopping by on Saturdays in the old days, those were the days when Saturday was still a working day for many. Sundays, on the other hand, were quieter, with just one train in each direction. But now, all that is about to change.
Branch Line Weekend: A Steam Power Extravaganza
The SVR is set to bring the house down with its Branch Line Weekend, a two-day extravaganza of autotrain workings, short local trains, and independently operated diesel multiple units (DMUs). Visitors can expect to see 23 trains stopping at Eardington, a number that surpasses even the busiest days of the past.
Steam Power and Diesel Units: A Dynamic Duo
The SVR volunteers promise a 'strong line-up of steam power' alongside the diesel units. This dynamic duo will be the stars of the show, offering visitors a unique blend of vintage and modern rail experiences.
A Station Revived: Eardington's Transformation
Eardington Station has been transformed by a dedicated team who have worked tirelessly to bring it back to life. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the station was named Station of the Year by the Heritage Railway Association last year. Now, visitors can explore the restored rural station and hop on and off to discover other stations along the line, all thanks to the enhanced timetable.
A Weekend Not to Be Missed
So, mark your calendars for this extraordinary weekend. With the promise of steam power, diesel units, and a bustling station, it's an event that will leave you in awe. But here's where it gets controversial... Will the SVR's efforts to revive Eardington Station set a new standard for heritage railways, or is it just a fleeting trend? And this is the part most people miss... The real question is, will you be there to witness history in the making?
