our yyour Local Times
Local Trains
Pioneers in preserving a railway heritage When we have a relaxing day out, travelling on preserved railways like the Severn Valley, few of us realise how much time and effort has been exerted in keeping our heritage alive. Never mind about the fund raising but these pioneers had to overcome the politics involved in restoring the line it used to run on every day before the Beeching cuts. Over the next twelve’s issues we will bring you the history of the Severn Valley Railway, the trains which now take you from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth and the heartache involved in restoring the carriages and the engines which pull them. Having lived in Bewdley for eight years I have travelled many times on the famous line, enjoyed the special events which have been organised which can be enjoyed by all the family, but knew little of an engine being quietly restored in Bewdley. 4150 is a G.W.R. 2‑6‑2T from Dai Woodham’s scrap yard at Barry in South Wales, where the five remaining 4100’s were surveyed and No 4150 was chosen as the most complete and in the best condition having been previously reserved by others but not purchased. In early 1973 a formal inspection by a B.R. boiler smith confirmed this choice and Dai Woodham set the price at £2,750. A committee was formed and The 4150 Fund was announced to the world on 5th March 1973 with an initial share issue of up to 5000 shares at £1 each. 50
Mr Woodham, having a habit of cutting up engines whenever trade in other areas grew slack encouraged a quick sale and with the aid of a generous private loan the full purchase price was handed over in July of that same year. Having become the proud owners of 78 tons of scrap locomotive, the Fund Committee spent each weekend dismantling valve gear and freeing rusted brakes etc. ready for the journey to the engine’s new home. During this time a team was in action raising much needed funds; some things never change. In company with No.7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’, No 4150 left Barry in 1974 and was towed by a Class 25 diesel to the Dean Forest Railway at Parkend. The engine was left on the Marsh Branch siding but site difficulties meant that no restoration was possible. This situation remained for three years, and in 1977 the Fund Committee put to the shareholders the possibility of moving to a new home. An approach was made to the Severn Valley Railway, which proved very receptive. A ballot was held among the 4150 Fund shareholders and there was an overwhelming vote in favour of taking her to the SVR. Travelling by rail once more and after an overnight stop at Gloucester Horton Road Depot she arrived at the SVR’s Bewdley site on 19th January 1978. So if you want to follow the restoration of 4150 and how you can own part of this great engine make sure you get your copy of this great magazine by logging on to www.yourlocaltimes. co.uk/4150.