IT is hoped that the Severn Valley Railway can re-open from 1st August 2020 if all goes
accordingto plan. In the meantime The Railwaymans Arms (Bridgnorth) & The King &
Castle (Kidderminster) Pubs are likely to re-open on Saturday 4th July according to the
latest Government Guidelines on Coronavirus.
We are expecting to be allowed to return to work at Bewdley sometime in July
It was intended that the new boiler would have been on order by now but this has been
delayed due the advent of Coronavirus and also the fact that minor design modifications
have been necessary to eliminate the use of existing internal components off old boiler.
Thus the new boiler will be entirely 'new' and built in line with current boiler regulations
(no use of 'Grandfather Rights). This will ensure a much longer boiler life but will cost
more than original quotation. The boiler will be ordered through the SVR but will be
constructed by Israel Newton in Derbyshire.
It is anticipated that a new smokebox and cast chimney will also be required.
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
During Lockdown Carl Jones has been busy
at home making 32 new fitted bolts needed
to retain new buffer beams in place. These
bolts have been made slightly oversize and
the holes in the new beams and loco frames
will need to be reamed to suit.
(photo: Carl Jones)
Work on 0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire' resumed on Sunday 19th July 2020 with Carl
Jones, Andy Poole, Mike & Brian Hill present at SVR Bewdley working under restrictions imposed
due to Covid-19. Attention to MW2047 axleboxes, removal of loose items, and brake rigging was
made secure. Locomotive is now chocked but otherwise mobile. The 1501-2047 Working Group
under the leadership of Carl jones has been established with all group members obtaining
prevent Covid-19 Certificates. The remaining working group members (Robin Jones, David &
Richard Cooke) are scheduled to attend on Sunday 26th July and are hoping to start carrying
out tasks from a list drawn up the team leader. More details next Month.
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
First view of locomotive after four
months of lockdown and enforced
closure due to Coronavirus at SVR
Bewdley on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
Another view of locomotive following
a four month closure of the Railway
due to Coronavirus at SVR Bewdley
on Suday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
Ashpan moved to a safer location next
to perimeter fence at SVR Bewdley
on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
Sign of the times (the new normal?)
with David Cooke wearing a visor,
one of the required Coronavirus
protection devices (face masks also
available) to enable restoration
work to restart at SVR Bewdley
on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: Richard Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
View of rear of old bunker showing
lamp brackets still in place at
SVR Bewdley 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
Lamp brackets after being removed
from rear of bunker at SVR Bewdley
on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
New bufferbeams alongside locomotive
after being given another coat of red
oxide and potective cover at SVR
Bewdley on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
Locomotive components (including cab
sides, smokebox door and firebox hoops)
moved to a safer location at SVR Bewdley
on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
Underside of LH front footplate with
one bolt securing leading sandbox
removed and one remaining at SVR
Bewdley on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
More success on underside of front RH
footplate with both bolts securing
leading sandbox removed at SVR
Bewdley on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
New bufferbeam strengthening angles
(heavy duty) after being given a coat
of red oxide primer at SVR Bewdley
on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
Remaining new bufferbeam angles (top)
also given a coat of red oxide primer at
SVR Bewdley on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)
0-6-0ST MW2047 of 1926 'Warwickshire'
Removed rear bunker lamp brackets
and RH leading sandbox lid awaiting
restoration at SVR Bewdley
on Sunday 26th July 2020.
(photo: David Cooke)