FLOODLINE NEWS
For insurance reasons only working members of the Railway can be directly involved in repair activity. Any members not currently working volunteers and who wish to assist should contact Dewi Jones in the first instance.
FLOODLINE No 29-A
Friday 10th August 2007
No news today but photos show the difference made at Victoria Bridge in six weeks. The latest photos (lower 2) taken on Wed 8th August.
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
FLOODLINE No 29
Thursday 9th August 2007
Those of you who have just recently been added to the distribution list and would like to read the earlier issues you can find then on either the SVR On Line Forum or the SVR Volunteer Liaison Office page linked off the SVR main web site www.svr.co.uk. Thanks to Chris and Paul for forwarding these issues.
If you would like some technical information about soil nailing, weep pipes, high tensile meshing systems etc at the Severn Tunnel and Daw Edge Cutting between Castle Bromwich and Rycroft and a report on the SVR flood damage all is revealed in the August edition of “The Rail Engineer” magazine.
VICTORIA BRIDGE-FOLLY POINT
Drains have been installed on both sides of the track. Near the bridge abutments there are deep inspection chambers which are linked by another pipe underneath the track before heading off under the rebuilt embankment and into the river. The earthworks repairs are now complete and all the replacement rock is in place and tamped. The AY Down Distant has yet to be planted. 100s of yards of S+T cable have been uprooted from VB to FP by machine in preparation for its replacement. This cable would have inevitably have been damaged by diggers and other machines. The cable had to be severed at FP in the first week after the storm to allow repair work to commence and the chance of retaining the cable in situ and intact Eymore Cutting was quite slim. The decision was taken to renew the cable from Northwood Crossing to VB. This would be 1000 yds VB to just north of FP, a 1000 yds NX to just south of FP and a few 100 yds in the middle to include FP. Three drums of cable are now now on a wagon at KR awaiting clearance to go to north. Another wagon has the concrete troughing to take the cable over FP. As the ground here has been made up of new rock the cable can not be buried. The remainder of the run will be buried by machine or plough.
Last week all the earthworks at VB were completed, a waterproof membrane was rolled out and a thin layer of fresh ballast laid before the two missing panels of track were reassembled.
EYMORE CUTTING Siphon and stream.
Contractors have whenever possible been repointing the stonework and brickworks. Final repairs will have to wait until the stream dries up! Just to illustrate the force of the water on the 19th June the concrete capping for the headwall which is about 12 foot x 9” x 18” was snapped in half – you'll see the join when you go past. Cess in the cutting is now dry and for the first time in a month no water is seeping out of the cutting side although there's still quite a flow in the stream.
LETTER BEING DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS OF HIGHLEY
Severn Valley Railway Highley slip reconstruction work
Dear Resident
As you will be aware the Severn Valley Railway suffered a series of slips along its line after the heavy rains on 19th and 20th June, none more so than at Highley.
We are ready to begin the lengthy and difficult process of reconstruction at Highley in September and would like to give you the opportunity to find out more about what is happening by visiting us at any time between 5.15pm – 8.15pm on Tuesday 14th August at the Severn Centre. Severn Valley Staff will be available to explain the works and answer questions you might have.
Yours faithfully
Nick Ralls
General Manager
A photographic exhibition will also be on display here for two weeks
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
The repaired Folly Point with track back in place.
The delivery point of rock in Eymore Woods before being moved by road railer to FP (remember Northwood Lane closed so no access to Elan Valley car park).
Spoil tip on the lineside at Trimpley Waterworks. This is what was extracted from the VB slip and will have to be removed from the railway.
What's in between sleepers in Eymore Cutting - any P Way man will tell you that you can't run trains on this for too long. Photos taken Wed 8th August.
FLOODLINE No 28
Wednesday 8th August 2007
It is emerging that the problem at Sterns is now increasing and that the amount of work required will take this repair past the end of September. Therefore trains will not be able to depart from Bridgnorth towards Hampton Loade for the the Autumn Steam Gala.
As a result there will be no vintage bus service organised by the SVR between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. Many thanks to those owners who offered their vehicles whether we took up their offer or not.
SVR will be borrowing the North Yorkshire Moors Railway G04 Tracgopher machine. This is a four wheeled piece of plant that can dig out contaminated ballast from shoulders and from underneath the track while it remains on the track. The spent ballast is then either deposited lineside or removed by rail vehicles. We will use this machine south of Knowlesands Tunnel. Here the ballast is 50-50 ballast and sand and we are exploring the option of recycling the ballast, failing this fresh ballast will be required.
Contractors with yellow machines are now repairing the washout and slip damage in the cutting south of the tunnel with new rock being brought in across the fields.
6 year old Thomas Blyth from Bewdley came into the office today to hand over his pocket money of £6.78. Its not how much you give – its how much you are left with.
A few trees had fallen in the last few weeks alongside Northwood Lane. This in some places the roots had been pulled out of the embankment thus leaving voids as well as blocking the lane to vehicular traffic. Repairs to the embankment between Orchard Crossing and Northwood Crossing involved filling the voids with rock and tamping it tight. This work is now complete and the engineers are now allowing engineering trains to run from BY to Northwood Halt.
Press Release
12 – 26 September 2007
Curzon Street Station, Birmingham
An international exhibition of documentary photography with a broad railway theme, combines vintage, iconic and contemporary images with a rare opportunity to explore Birmingham’s historic Curzon Street Station, the oldest surviving railway terminus in the world.
A landmark of British railway architecture, Curzon Street Station was designed in 1838 by Philip Hardwick to serve both the Grand Junction and London and Birmingham Railways. Built in the classical Ionic style, with a magnificent pillared frontage, it was the identical twin of the original station hall at Euston (demolished in 1962). In use as a passenger terminus for less than 20 years, it was relegated to a goods depot and finally closed in 1968. Employed as offices for a number of years, and narrowly escaping several proposals for demolition and redevelopment, the Grade I listed building has been empty since 2001.
Curzon Street Station still faces an uncertain future but for two weeks in September, the building will be transformed into a public gallery, presenting STATION – a collection of three illuminating and evocative photographic records:
RFK Funeral Train: Paul Fusco (a Magnum Photos touring exhibition)
In 1968, following the tragic assassination of Robert F Kennedy, American photographer Paul Fusco boarded the funeral train which carried the Senator’s coffin from New York to his final resting place in Washington DC. In what has since been described as “among the greatest and most singular projects of 20th century photo-journalism”, he recorded the faces, the mood, of the thousands of mourners who waited by the tracks to pay their last respects.
Points and Signals: Photographs from Birmingham Archive
Drawn from Birmingham Central Library’s vast Archive (awarded Designated Status in recognition of national and international importance), the collection includes atmospheric images dating from the early days of photography to the recent past, covering all aspects of railway life from steam engines to the interiors of luxury carriages made by Birmingham firm, Metropolitan Cammell.
Severn Valley Railway: Stephen Morgan
Commissioned for the exhibition, Birmingham-born photographer and former UCE student, Stephen Morgan documents the Severn Valley Railway. This new body of work captures the volunteers who help run and preserve this steam-hauled passenger railway line, as well as the visitors and enthusiasts who ride the vintage trains between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire.
“Curzon Street Station is easily one of Birmingham's most precious
architectural treasures,” says Neville Topping of Elias Topping, the exhibition’s organiser and sponsor. “Its location at the gateway to the emerging Learning & Technology Quarter presents the city with an ideal venue in which to display another of Birmingham's unique yet hidden cultural legacies - the photographic archives. For two weeks in September we want to encourage thousands of visitors to enjoy outstanding photography and architecture - and thereby reclaim their inheritance.”
The STATION project is the result of a unique partnership between Birmingham Central Library, the University of Central England and Birmingham-based developers Elias Topping and Viti. The exhibition is sponsored by Drivers Jonas among other Birmingham firms. Entry is free.
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
3 shots of the line between Oldbury Viaduct and alongside Knowlesands Industrial Estate. Mon 6th August
Pauline Stribblehill, the GM's secretary and one of a small army of the Bewdley office staff that have just about floated above the mountain of paperwork receives a donation from Thomas Blyth to the Flood Damage Appeal today.
www.bridgnorthstation.co.uk web site is now live and welcomes contributions.
Song in aid of flood-hit railway A band has written a song to help raise money to repair the Severn Valley Railway - BBC.
FLOODLINE 27
Tuesday 7th August 2007
OLDBURY VIADUCT
No further signs of significant movement. Repair options being explored which includes soil nailing and piling. Other issues to be resolved are insurance and how the work affects our neighbours.
KNOWLESANDS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
Earthworks now all complete and all the “yellow” machines have left site. Some new drains in position
Stop taps in water main either side of slip need inspection chambers built. Dangerous tree removed by professional. Rails removed from OV to south end of ind est
STERNS
Track is now out of alignment as it has slid sideways a little. May be a case of jacking it back. Trial bore holes being done/planned in this area. Land around Sterns Cottage sunk by 4 foot in some places.
HAMPTON LOADE
Track recovered for about 200 feet, telegraph pole run recovered. Machines have dug down through unstable ground for about 15 feet below track level. Old drainage pipes found. Spoil taken by road railers to Waterwork Crossing and dumped in enlarged car park at side of line. Again agreement from farmer sought before new fencing erected to protect livestock. Need to sort a drainage route from railway to Severn through caravan site. Agreement with neighbours and payment being discussed
Once the drains are sorted then rock and infill will be brought by road to the car park and taken by road railer to fill in the slip. Completion of these earthworks are estimated to take three weeks
At the moment it looks unlikely that BH to HL will be open before October.
HIGHLEY
Hampton to Highley continues with drainage clearance, culvert camera recording, washing out of culverts and vegetation clearance etc
The scheme for repairing the slip at Highley has now been drawn up and is away with a 3rd party for verification. It entails removing a depth of 6 meters before drainage can be installed and the ground made up to track level. A meeting has been held with Shropshire Highways regarding the lorry movements to and from site and their impact on the area. In about two weeks time senior SVR managers will be at the Severn Centre at Highley to be on hand to discuss progress and try and answer questions from the public. Details TBA
BORLE VIADUCT
A specialist contractor has been appointed to repair the trailing walls of the brook. Waiting access agreements from neighbour and then a vehicular access to be built to bring materials to the work site
VICTORIA BRIDGE
Earthworks done and the 20 ton Komatsu crawler bucket was removed by rail to Trimpley waterworks for unloading. Ballast was brought in by rail and laid on a plastic membrane. The road railer and a small P Way gang then relaid the missing four panels.
FOLLY POINT
Yellow machines have completed the gabion rock basket wall and brought the level of the ground back up to track level. It is being ballasted this week and the two missing panels should be reinstated by the weekend.
NORTHWOOD HALT
Bore hole samples have now been taken and are at the laboratory. Slip is still moving slightly with tension cracks and voids present.
It should be noted that although we have had a few days of dry warm weather, the ground with in a few feet of the surface still saturated.
Last week hopper wagons were delivered from the Gwili Railway Nos DB993126 and DB983194 for the hopper wagon spotters! These will be used to ballast eymore Cutting when access is granted past Northwood slip.
Monday 6th August
LMS 27220 moved out of KR paint shop and replaced by DMU car no 52064 for a roof repaint
Meeting between SVR and local authorities and funding bodies at Highley Severn Centre to inform of progress and latest developments with particular reference to the slip at Northwood.
Tuesday 7th Aug
5764 moved today from KR to BY – could do with a polish this coming weekend – report to BY DSM
Inspectors from HMRI visited the railway on another matter but were also given a brief visit to the damaged and work sites.
Saturday 11th August
Staff and new volunteers required to help tidy up the Stourport P Way site. Meet at Bewdley Carriage Workshop 9.00am report to Colin Astbury. New one day volunteer membership available. Bring boots gloves and working clothes. Veg clearance, lifting and tidying.
Bewdley Station maintenance team would welcome help to clear vegetation behind Platform 1, report to the station master on Saturday or Sunday
Bewdley P Way gang will be back in Eymore Woods on Saturday. Meet at Bewdley PW Hut between 8am and 9am. Work involves ditching clearing cesses and vegetation clearance.
Sunday 12th August
9.00am BY Pway gang with motorised trolley will depart BY for KR to pack dipped joints in the KR station area. Available to help meet at BY P Way hut 8am to 9am
11.00am Don Shadwell will be giving tuition to engine cleaners on hooking on and off, just turn up
The weekly engineering update meetings will now be held fortnightly – this is an indication that the workload has now passed from mostly a planning stage and is heading for the implementation and building stages.
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
Photos taken at Hampton Loade Mon 6th Aug. Double check where the track level is!
5th August 2007
News reports from the local press:
Extent revealed of devastation - Shropshire Star
Landslip cost hits £500,000 - Express and Star
31st July 2007
Top Civil Engineer to see SVR damage. News report from the Kidderminster Shuttle.
SPONSORED WALK - 13th October 2007- UPDATE
The LNER (SVR) Coach Fund are organising their biennial Sponsored Walk on Saturday 13th October.
In normal times the Walk would focus on raising funds for the restoration of GNR composite coach No.2701 - which is nearing completion and should be in service in 2008.
But these are not normal times for the SVR, which faces costs of £2m-£3m to restore the line to its former glory. So the Coach Fund has decided to donate 75% of this year's Walk proceeds to the SVR Flood Damage Appeal. The 25% balance will also go to the SVR by a contract to complete the mechanical work on GNR coach No.2701, now nearing completion.
In current circumstances the Walk is planned to start and finish at Bewdley Station. A Barbeque, provided by the Severn Valley Railway Apprentices will greet walkers on their arrival at Bewdley. The Barbeque cost is £2.50 per head.
If you want to help our wonderful Railway back to recovery from the Flood Disaster, this Walk gives you a great opportunity to raise money for the SVR Flood Damage Appeal and to help the coach project.
Do come and join us in October to support two very worthy causes.
Sponsorship forms are available from the Coach Fund (01299-400043) and from Bewdley Station Shop. They can also be down-loaded here (PDF).
Please start collecting sponsors right now!
27th July 2007
There has been no significant change to any part or damaged site on the railway today. Those areas of concern are being constantly monitored - watch this space (get the pun - ah well!)
I'm on leave until Sunday 5th August and Floodline will resume afterwards.
If you need a daily fix of a soap opera I hear East Enders is exciting at the moment!
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
SVR
FLOODLINE No 26
Thursday 26th June 2007
Cl 20 8188 driver training, shunting sets at KR and after Gladys had shunted BY the 20 took the Drain Jetting train BY to KR to unload the machine. The Jetting machine is now of no use rail mounted due to the condition of the track north of Orchard Crossing and therefore will work from the roadside in Northwood Lane on the culverts it has yet to clear.
After the passing of the last passenger train this evening another tree was found falling in the cutting KR side of the Tunnel. Arrangements made to clear it before tomorrow’s services.
Due to the extremely damp conditions on the lineside the instruction is now not to cut down any trees more than 2” in diameter unless authorised by J Symonds or Julian Hughes from Ground Investigation and Piling Limited. Do not increase the risk of further slips.
Jobs to do
Yellow P Way Trolley under steps of BY footbridge – someone to overhaul and oil please
Remove remains of old sign alongside Safari park and dispose
Saw up logs in Eymore woods on opposite bank to the old PW hut and expose culvert entrance
Appeal for staff
Sat 28th July
Cleaners for both Cl 20s Meet at KR TMD 10.00am report to J Price
Sun 29th July
Cl 20 and wagons KR to Bewdley Tunnel to pick up remainder of logs
Staff required to load train and dispose of logs
Meet at KR TMD 10.00am report to J Price
The Diesel Gala Committee have decided to cancel this year’s Diesel Gala.
This was to have been held on 11th and 12th October. On the the 13th diesel would have shared the turns with steam locomotives, this day will now be a steam only service.
A “Thank you” to our staff who helped in anyway with the visit of 5764 to Bradford on Avon. Whether in the preparation, movement, at BoA or on its return.
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
SVR
Cl 20 about to leave BY for KR to unload Drain Jetting vehicle 26 July
Highley looking toward the station 25 July
Fishermans Crossing Slip 25 July
News update today from the SVR website.
FLOODLINE No 25
Wednesday 25th July 2007
Northwood
At 7.00pm last night Wyre Forest District Council in the light of information received from SVR engineers evacuated six bungalows below the “New” Northwood Slip. This included an 83 year old lady. Police and other emergency services were in attendance and the lane is now sealed off. The slippage although still retained on the hillside may well be far bigger than any experienced on the 19th June. The track is now out of alignment and has sunk a few inches. Water is pouring onto the trackside from above and ending up in tension cracks. The largest is 40m in length and some three inches wide. This starts in one cess, makes its way into the four foot and then back to the same cess. Their depth is unknown at this moment. The initial estimated cost for similar repairs would be in the region of £600,000. Detailed costs can not be calculated at the moment.
It is particularly unfortunate as up until Thursday 18th with the moneys available from the funding bodies (£1.25m), insurance company (£500,000) and £241,00 in the Flood Damage Appeal the cost of repairing all the damage was close to being covered. It is evident that this new slip resulted from the heavy rain of Friday 20th July and the cost is now beyond the current available funds which means that efforts to raise further funds must go on. A meeting with funding bodies has been arranged to put everyone in the picture and that the SVR will not be reopening on the first estimated dates.
At a special meeting yesterday, managers resolved to run the Day out with Thomas event and the Autumn Steam Gala in September. The Diesel Gala in October is being considered by its organising committee. The Classic Vehicle Day on October 14th will still go ahead. All the above events will be on a KR to BY railway. If the BH – HL section can also be opened in time this will also be used for the Autumn Steam Gala.
As it is not possible to give a reopening date for Arley the decision has already been taken to run Santa's, DMU Heralds and schoolchildren’s Christmas Cracker Express between KR and BY – business as usual but three miles shorter than planned. Although there might be an outside chance if the weather in the next few months is favourable, the risk of assuming we could reopen to AY in time but then find out that we could not, would cause untold problems with administering paperwork for the 42,000 passengers normally expected in December.
Other items today
Drilling Rig to go to Sterns Cottage to investigate ground conditions
A long reach excavator is to be sent tomorrow to clear the headwalls of culverts in this area
Cl 20 8188 used on driver training KR to BY Tunnel – also used to clear branches that had remained in the cess since Saturday’s tree collapse and clearance.
Saturday 28th July
Scrap removal from the Stourport P W Sidings. Volunteers required to help cut up scrap, move it,
removal of rotten wood, removal of concrete, rocks etc. Anyone not comfortable with heavy duties can help with vegetation clearance to expose scrap metal. The scrap will be loaded with the SVR’s second road railer and moved by train to Bewdley to be unloaded into a skip. The effort has two aims, to sell the scrap to raise money and to tidy the site. If you want to help report to Colin Astbury at the Bewdley carriage workshop by 9.00am.
Sunday 29th July
Appeal for volunteers from Dai Price
Vegetation clearance train out to improve the magnificent vista around Bridge 12 and if that is completed (and if enough willing bods) will attempt to improve the sighting of Bewdley North Up Home signal – so any footplate crews who think the sighting of this signal could be improved here is your chance to participate. Also if we borrow the strimmer from the station possibly strim away all the grass getting entangled with the wire run for the signal.
Regards Dai
For both the above days we will welcome new volunteers and members who have not volunteered before. A day membership scheme will be available which will give you insurance cover. Please wear appropriate footwear, clothing and gloves. If you can bring tools to clear vegetation (loppers and sacateurs) please bring your own.
Others
Since 19th June passenger number have fallen 19,838 over last year ie a 33% of last year’s level
From 15th July to 22 July passenger numbers were at 21% of the 2006 level
Average passengers per day in July to 22nd was 188.
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
SVR
Bridge 12 a few hundred yards north of Bewdley Station Sunday 22nd after a veg clearance gang had been in attendance!
Victoria Bridge 24th July with the level of the repairs nearing track level. To the left of the mechanical bucket is a new concrete chamber which is part of the new drainage system designed to cope with water from the cutting. On the night of 19th June water went past this point half way out onto VB.
Worcester News report on the New slip above Northwood and, on a brighter note, the Wiltshire Times report 5764's visit to Bradford on Avon.
There is Life at Bridgnorth Station
25th July 2007
There will be a loco and coach, giving short rides in Bridgnorth Station at weekends, until such time as the Bridgnorth - Hampton Loade section can be reopened to traffic, with Staff on hand to advise on the latest stage of the flood recovery works, and of course collect donations.
Please pass the message around, and encourage some visitors to a Taste of the SVR, northern end version, complete with excellent hospitality in the Railwayman's Arms. Bridgnorth shops would welcome some more visitors, too.
Chris Thomas
SVRH Director/SVR RST Chairman
Bridgnorth Station
FLOODLINE No 24
Tuesday 24th July 2007
Oldbury Viaduct
The geotechnic solutions are simple! The slip here is about a meter thick and we have the option of either soil nailing it in place, pile driving to safeguard the viaduct or removing the soil by road.
No decision will be made until legal settlements for access are agreed and talks with neighbours to explain the situation has taken place.
Contractors making some progress with drainage alongside the Knowlesands Industrial Estate.
Highley
An extract from a summary of a report from the ground investigation contractor.
“The trial pits on Wed 18th July confirmed the same ground conditions we faced with the possible ancient landslide at the visitor centre. We found around 4m of gravity derived head deposits which are an accumulation type debris that would have washed or slipped down the hillside in geological times. These were underlain by a clay layer of around 1m maximum thickness which contained persistent relic shear surfaces. These are shear planes along which ancient landslides would have once moved and the very low shear strengths that persist in these horizons dominate the stability of the hillside along much of the Severn Valley.”
Ok you may have known much of this from schooldays but we now have the detailed data for the HY slip area. It may be of note that the contractor is the same who surveyed and advised on the stability of the ground now under the HY Engine House. Their personnel are well versed in the valley’s geology especially around HY.
With the information received over the last few weeks the geotechnical engineers have now drawn up a repair plan to a standard that equates to Network Rail requirements. Unfortunately the heavy rains experienced last Friday have now brought down further debris and completely blocked up the main culvert that runs under the tracks to the south of the boarded crossing. The culvert is too deep to excavate and the option of thrust boring a new pipe is being investigated with some urgency.
The new design will incorporate new drains in some places 20 feet below track level and roadside kerbs to channel surface water towards larger culverts which will directly discharge into the Severn and prevent a repetition of when the waters overflowed across the cattle dock onto the track formation.
Fishermans Xing
About another 10m of length of the track formation here was washed away on Friday. They tell me that again the geotechnic solution is simple! The exposed ground under the track is thought to be the natural ground and the embankment was constructed around it using ash. The repair is reasonably straightforward by replacing the ash with rock - benched profiled and a new large drainage system to cope with water flowing from the uphill fields.
Unfortunately these sodden fields at the moment will not support any tracked or rubber tyred vehicles bringing in the rock. The option of removing the rails and sleepers from the actual Fishermans Crossing to the slip is being investigated so that lorries can drive along the lane and then along the track bed and tip rock into the slip. When this plan is established Chris Bagley will lead the recovery team details TBA.
Victoria Bridge
Contractors hope to finish here end of this week and replace the AY Down Distant Signal early next week. Temporary connection of the railway is envisaged using steel sleepers brought to site. C Bagley will lead P Way team to install two panels here again details TBA.
Folly Point
Gabion rock baskets have held despite massive quantities of water descending from above track level on Friday. Contractors now to bring in rock via Trimpley on road railers to site.
New Northwood Slip
The weight of the land and water above and below the track here has forced it to slump downwards forcing the track out of alignment and the ballast under the sleepers to sink. In one place a large tree is all that’s holding back hundreds of tons of debris, soil and rocks.
It has stayed dry and warm today so fortunately this morning we could send in a drilling rig to obtain information from below track level. This work will take about three days. In conjunction a topographical survey has been requested to get more information. This information can then be sent away to the laboratory for engineers to draw up a repair plan. This will take a couple of weeks,not days. In the meantime we are expecting more rain which will undoubtedly make its way into the tension cracks to flood and lubricate the already saturated track formation. With the rain ,the weight of the land above the track and the weakness below the track the outcome of the stability of this section of the line hangs in the balance. At 6.45pm report came in that slip had moved since this morning and it hadn’t rained today,so when the rain comes next time…? NO STAFF ARE TO WALK BETWEEN NH and FP on the track or in the lane below, please. This area is now dangerous to be in. Further details on the above will be released shortly and a press statement will be issued.
The limit of the safe railway has now been brought back to Orchard Crossing, no rail movements or contractors road railers will run between OX and FP
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
SVR
Photos show track 40 feet above Northwood Lane with tension cracks on one side and repaired 20th June slip in center left side of track and slight distortion of the track visible, looking towards Bridgnorth.
Save Our Railway!
SPONSORED WALK - 13th October 2007
The LNER (SVR) Coach Fund are organising their biennial Sponsored Walk on Saturday 13th October (Diesel Gala Weekend).
In normal times the Walk would focus on raising funds for the restoration of GNR composite coach No.2701 - which is nearing completion and should be in service in 2008.
But these are not normal times for the SVR, which faces costs of over £2m to restore the
to its former glory. So the Coach Fund has decided to donate 75% of this year's Walk proceeds to the SVR Flood Damage Appeal. The 25% balance will also go to the SVR by a contract to complete the mechanical work on GNR coach No.2701, now nearing completion.
Subject to progress on re-opening the line after the floods, the Walk will be from Highley or Arley to Bewdley. A Barbeque, provided by the Severn Valley Railway Apprentices will greet walkers on their arrival at Bewdley. The Barbeque cost is £2.50 per head.
If you want to help our wonderful Railway back to recovery from the Flood Disaster, this Walk gives you a great opportunity to raise money for the SVR Flood Damage Appeal and to help the coach project.
Do come and join us in October to support two very worthy causes.
Sponsorship forms are available from the Coach Fund (01299-400043) and from Bewdley Station Shop. They can also be down-loaded here (PDF).
Please start collecting sponsors right now!
FLOODLINE No 23
Monday 23rd July 2007
The gremlins have got into my computer and several recipients of the Floodline were deleted from the distribution list. Anyone who wants to receive them via email should contact me on trafman@svr.co.uk
Email sent to me on Saturday morning from Russell Maiden (Class 08 driver on Friday 20th)
Regarding yesterday's weather, you may be interested in the following saga... David Clarke (Bewdley North Siganalman) didn't get home (Penarth, Glamorganshire) until after 9am this morning, having presumably got stuck in the horrendous jam on the M5 last night.
For myself, when I went to the Hut, Northwood Lane was under water for a good portion of its length and the gully just below the crossing was running well over the roadway, so I did a quick turn round at the Hut and set off towards the M42 at Bromsgrove. My Satnav warned me that the M40 was blocked so I turned round at Spennels and took the A449 towards Worcester - bad mistake!! Took FOUR HOURS to get from Kidder to the Worcester Northern Link road (major floods at two places on both carriageways and unable to divert at Ombersley due to the Droitwich road being closed too and the town roundabout under running water). Managed to get onto the A44 (passing over the M5 at Jn 6 - totally blocked southbound) and as far as the roundabout at the Stratford Road Jn. Totally immersed. Tried to make for Warwick (friends had offered to put me up if I could get there) but no chance - water too deep about a mile onwards) so turned back and headed for Evesham. Road Blocked by police van at Pershore turn so into Pershore. Road closed behind me so now marooned.
Managed to get a space at the Wych Avon Community Centre for the night. Woken at 5.30 am with message that only one route available out of the town (back to the M5 at J6) and this only for a short time as waters rising again. A44 blocked in two places with road surface displaced by force of running water. Finally back in Ealing at around 9 am (M5 North/M42/
M40 all pretty clear at that time but M5 South still jammed solid). I think we will remember this day for quite a while!!
After his shift Kidderminster Signalman Andy Hitchman took 2 1/2 hours to get from KR to Worcester. I’m sure many railwaymen had similar stories which underlines the commitment of our staff to keeping the operational bit of the railway going.
Saturday 21st July
EWS Class 66 hauling 15 four wheeled spoil wagons from Bescot had to be diverted around the houses in the Birmingham area due to its booked routes being flooded or closed due to landslips. It arrived two hours later than booked. These vehicles and the movement to the SVR has been as a result of close co-operation between Network Rail and EWS. It is a good example of a cross-industry support for the SVR for which we are indebted to them.
First movement of the day was the exhibits from Kidder to Bewdley for the Station Gala. Train stopped at Bewdley Tunnel as a very large tree had collapsed above the KR end portal completely covering the entrance. 45110 dispatched from BY with P Way, MPD and anyone else available. Clearance of the tree started about 10.00am with four chainsaw operators and about 15 other staff in attendance. It took 150 minutes to clear the tree. The consist arrived at Bewdley about 12.30pm 45110, Class 08 Gladys, Shrewsbury Saloon 80975, Hagley Hall, 7325.
Also on display was 4566 and 46443 “on shed”
Bewdley Station Gala quickly had the DMU running within the station area before the line was reopened and cab rides for the public were hastily organised on the Class 08 “Gladys”.
Unfortunately the Class 37 was not available to work its service train so Class 20 227 which was to have been used on driver training duties substituted and ran top and tail with 45110 on the service set for remainder of day.
From Simon Turner, Bewdley Station ASM
Given the amount of rain that fell on Friday & Saturday, and the tree that fell down and blocked the only bit of line we had for 4 hours, I don't think we came off too bad. We managed to attract an additional 110 visitors from the town who just came to the event and bought a platform ticket. With donations we raised £1,396.00 in total, this means a donation of around £600.00 to the Flood Damage Appeal, with the remainder covering costs and for Station Funds. This whole event was put on with ABSOLUTELY NO BUDGET! Families etc who arrived for the evening BBQ enjoyed themselves and managed to polish off 4 barrels of ale! We had so much support from the Bewdley Beer Festival that some of them are coming back next week to help with the vegetation clearing train! Note the SVR would like to support the Bewdley Beer Festival on 23rd-26th August so see their web site on www.bewdleybeerfestival.co.uk
Sunday 22nd July
Vegetation clearing train at Bridge 12 alongside Northwood Lane. So who missed out on the bacon butties then?
Reports received over the weekend
Knowlesands
Further wash out damage to embankment, drains overflowing although the newly installed drains were working well but discharging water and debris into the neighbour’s field. The drainage scheme if it had been given a chance to be completed would have drained the water into the River Severn. Concern over stability embankment south of Oldbury Viaduct.
South of tunnel, breach in cutting side water flowing off the fields back onto the railway (repeat of one month ago).
Sterns Cottage culvert blocked damming cess drain to rail height, water over track and for 150 to 15 PSR sign at Sterns
Highley
Further washing out of ballast and ash now slip is getting uncomfortably close to cattle dock
Fishermans Xing washout
Further erosion of embankment
Borle Viaduct
Further erosion of the brook banks and further collapses of the brook retaining walls
Victoria Bridge
Washout of repairs but contractors back in Saturday to recover some of the damage.
Folly Point
Little progress no work on Monday
Northwood “New” slip
Track has moved slightly out of alignment and sunk. Erosion of the ballast and sink holes in the ballast. Large quantities of water still making its way down onto the track from above the line. Inspection of this area made Monday morning. Many tension cracks running parallel to the rails. The largest 40m long in the cess and in the four foot. Further cracks in the cutting side above the line and below. Vast quantities of water still coming of the fields above the railway and now ending up in the cracks. SVR requested that the Council close Northwood Lane beyond Northwood Halt to the Elan Valley Aqueduct and bungalows to be evacuated as a precaution in case the hillside slips further. No railway staff to walk the line NH to FP. No rail vehicles or contractors’ road rail vehicles permitted to traverse this section which will give us a logistic problem soon as we will have RR vehicles in the wrong place.
NX to Orchard Xing
Water seeping through the embankments where there has never been a need for drains
End of safe railway brought back from Northwood to Orchard Xing.
You may have seen on the TV News the flooding to the south of the the SVR all the way to Gloucester. Picture the scene that a lot of that fell as rain on the SVR on Friday. Culverts and drains which had been cleared over the last month were again overwhelmed by the quantity of water running off fields. With drains blocked, water began collecting alongside the line in some places 10-20 feet deep. These pools were in places held back by the railway embankments which were already saturated. Some of the work done by contractors and SVR staff over the last month has now been damaged and will, when safe and the weather improves, start again.
A detailed inspection of the line will be made tomorrow (it’s going to rain heavily again today!)
Hopefully I can give a detailed report soon
Report Sunday evening of a 60 foot tension crack in the embankment near Worcester Rd Bridge KR. So this morning the 10.30am ex KR was cancelled until a soil engineer had in conjunction with SVR P Way inspected the damage. It was evident that this was the only damaged area and excavation revealed that the ash was not integral to the stability of the embankment and the all clear was given. Fortunately borings made earlier on this year in conjunction with next year’s repairs of the Worcester Road Bridge held the information on what the ground is like on this embankment.
Monday 23rd
Delivery of rail by road to KR postponed (for Eymore Cutting)
GWR 5764 returned to KR and made good for movement to BY
Tuesday 24th
Drilling Rig to be moved from NX to “New” Northwood Slip under extreme caution. This will then extract samples to give geologists an idea of what materials are under the track.
FROM THE SVR CATERING DEPARTMENT
Special Offers on SEVERN VALLEY LIMITED RESTAURANT CAR for the Month of AUGUST
Friday 3rd August :
Evening Murder Mystery @ £20.00 per person + relevant rail fare
Wednesday 8th August :
Midweek Lunch @ £15.00 + relevant rail fare
Saturday 11th August
Daytime Salmon & Strawberries@ £15.00 + relevant rail fare
Wednesday 15th August:
Midweek Lunch@ £15.00 + relevant rail fare
5th , 12th, 19th & 26th
Sunday Lunches (2 sittings 12.15pm or 1.45pm ex KR)@ £15.00 + relevant rail fare
Thank you to those who used the offer in July, I do hope more will join us in August.
Call the Catering Department on 01562 827232 (Monday to Friday 9.30 - 4.30)
to book either by credit card or simply make the booking and send us a cheque.
Note if you are entitled to free travel on the SVR then that’s the relevant rail fare!
An Appeal for a plasterer.
Hampton Loade staff were replacing rotten skirting boards in the Booking Office and Waiting room only to find that the lime plaster on the walls was also disintegrating. Staff can repair the woodwork but is there a plasterer out there willing to do this job for free. Ring Richard Dodds on 07989 633150 for further details and the condition of the station road.
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
SVR
Photo taken above the washout at Fishermans Crossing on Saturday morning 21st July shows more water going into the nearest "lagoon" with several hundred tons of the railway's embankment spread around the field and new streams forming on the opposite bank and discharging into the Severn. Photo Johnathan Simonds
Class 20 227 running around its train at the Bewdley Station Gala. Hagley Hall is parked in Platform 1 on display.
FLOODLINE No 22
Friday 20th July 2007
Heavy rain and thunderstorms experienced last night in the Severn Valley.
Report from John Robinson Bridgnorth MPD Production Manager to Dewi Jones at 9.49am
“The boiler shop is flooded (again).
The machine shop is flooded (again).
The paint shop is flooded (again).
The urinals are over flowing.
The wash basins are blocked.
Both the above awaiting the drain man.
Graham Beddow watered his garden last night with a hose pipe.
Robbo”
Reports received by 10.50am this morning (a month to the day of the destruction)
Knowlesands
The repairs done to the embankment have held but a new washout in another part of the embankment has appeared overnight.
South of tunnel more debris washed off field onto track.
Sterns Cottage
Culvert to the north blocked by new debris being brought down the streams, water now backing up and crossing the track. Water is now crossing Sterns Cottage car park and threatening the foundations of its gas tank. No report of unstable land at Sterns slip.
Country Park Halt
Track again covered by rocks and debris brought down the lane by water. Road Railer cleared the rail head, driver inspected the line to HL and was instructed to return to safe location.
Between HL and HY
Farmer reports a new slip on his land in the woods above the railway
Highley
Further washouts of land already slipped
Fishermans Crossing Slip
Further embankment collapse
Victoria Bridge
Contractors called off site due to weather conditions.
Folly Point
Contractors removed from site for their safety
Other Reports
Northwood Culvert
Drain jetting train left BY shortly after 9.00am. No work started, flow of water in stream rising and too dangerous for workmen. Train returned to BY
Road Railer then used to move contaminated spoil from FP to Tenbury Wall
5.00pm
Report from Northwood that culvert south of NX “blowing out like a fountain” and Northwood Lane underwater in several places. Water seen flowing through the embankments indicating further blocked drains.
Most of the Bewdley office staff have left as roads around Kidderminster are one by one being closed by floods. KR to BH road closed at Quatt due to floods.
Bewdley Tunnel
Water collecting in cesses in such quantities that water now 50 yards into tunnel
MP 144 3/4
8 foot x 8 foot hole in embankment appeared after washout on side of track alongside/same damage repaired on evening of 19th June.
MP 145
Culvert entrance which had been cleared is now chocked up with branches and debris again after rising levels of stream. Water still flowing through culvert.
Cl 20 No 20 227 moved from Barrow Hill Engine Shed and unloaded at KR (to be used in relaying track in Eymore Cutting)
Cl 08 Gladys moved BY to KR to move Hagley Hall and 7325 from KR to BY tomorrow
GWR 5764 on its way by road to Bradford on Avon
Saturday 21st July
15 four wheeled spoil wagons being delivered after offers of assistance from Network Rail and EWS Railways (will be used in conjunction with 2 x Cl 20s and 1 x Cl 73 on track relaying in Eymore Cutting).
Sunday 22nd July
Vegetation clearance train will depart Bewdley at 10.30am
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
Victoria Bridge showing the rebuild earthworks to the left of the bridge and new drainage pipe.
A culvert just south of Northwood Crossing being cleaned out by a high pressure hose.
FLOODLINE No 21
Thursday 19th July 2007
900 steel sleepers unloaded today at Kidderminster car park. Stacked here awaiting their movement by road railers to Eymore Cutting.
Road Railer sent out tonight to remove tree fallen in cutting Kidderminster side of Bewdley Tunnel
GWR 5764 moved by road Bridgnorth to Kidderminster, unloaded, turned on turntable, reloaded onto lorry for departure tomorrow to Bradford On Avon.
Cl 73 73101 driver training and shunting traffic sets at Kidderminster
Class 20 No 8188 from Swanage Railway unloaded at Kidderminster
Mon 23rd
GWR 5764 due back at Kidderminster
Monday to Friday 23rd to 27th July
Class 08 drivers and guards (passenger qualified) required for Drain Jetting train
Bewdley d 8.30/9.00am Bewdley a 4.00pm. Contact Dewi.
Tuesday 24th
Sixty x 60 foot flat bottom rail to be delivered to Kidderminster (required for Eymore Cutting)
Autumn Steam Gala Vintage Bus Connection Kidderminster-Bridgnorth
As a result of the appeal for buses in Floodmail and through other connections, several serious offers are being investigated. These vehicle owners will be contacted within three weeks (details of buses TBA). Only vehicles with the necessary, paperwork (insurance etc) in place will be contacted.
It's not a bus rally for anyone with any old bus and only SVR invited operators/owners will be used.
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
SVR
Further recent photos from Adrian Hassell
FLOODLINE No 20
Wednesday 18th July 2007
Class 73 101 (Pullman livery) delivered from the Avon Valley Railway and unloaded at Kidderminster.
Light engine test this afternoon Kidderminster to Bewdley ok. Driver conversion/training to starts tomorrow.
Appeal from MPD Bridgnorth
Rostered steam crews still required to turn up at Bridgnorth to assist MPD full time staff. Plenty of catch up jobs, tidy up jobs, restoration, painting, cleaning and tons of other jobs - and that's before you get onto the engines! How about bulling up our engines to the nines ready for reopening. Contact Mark Vrettos who will organise a job for you.
In areas where vegetation requires clearing this should be on growth no more that 9” (20cms) diameter at 3 feet (1m) above ground on slopes where there could be a possibility of land slippage. On areas where land is slipping no vegetation clearance should be undertaken without consulting with P Sowden. Trees have been enthusiastically felled in the wrong places.
Thursday 19th
900 steel sleepers to be delivered to Kidderminster car park (required for Eymore Cutting)
GWR pannier 5764 to be taken by road Bridgnorth to Kidderminster
Friday 20th July
Cl 08 driver and guard (passenger qualified) required Bewdley d 8.00am a 4.00pm for drain cleaning train. Contact Dewi
GWR No 5764 to be unloaded, turned on the turntable, loaded back onto the lorry and then off to Bradford on Avon. Reason is that it has to be loaded a particular way at Bridgnorth due to space and needs to be a particular way at Bradford on Avon for pre-arranged display.
36 pallets of concrete signalling channelling to be delivered to Kidderminster (required for Northwood Crossing to Victoria Bridge).
Cl 20 No 8188 due to be delivered to Kidderminster.
Sunday 22nd July
Guard (passenger qualified) required (contact Dewi) for vegetation clearance train Bewdley d 10.30am
Train may also convey the concrete troughing to be unloaded Northwood Crossing northwards for 200 yards.
Non SVR members wishing to assist with vegetation clearance and unloading of concrete S+T troughing will be issued free day membership. Similarly SVR members who are not current volunteers are also welcome to join us on this train. Please contact Dewi Jones on trafmanATsvr.co.uk if you intend coming.
Dewi Jones
Traffic Manager
SVR