Logistical reasons prevented me attending the SVEC show, but the SVR Vintage Transport Extravaganza offered a low key alternative. Displays were put on at each station, Kidderminster had traction engines & old cars, Bewdley cars & vans, Arley & Highley more cars, Hampton Loade motorbikes, and Bridgnorth lorries & fire engines. To facilitate transit between the exhibits the SVR was running a four train service with GWR Hawksworth tank 1501 and 2-8-0 2857 plus two of the majestic BR class 52 Westerns. I paused at Cheltenham to snap two class 33 diesels on a Pathfinder tour, then onto to Worcester Foregate for a late breakfast. A tight connection at SVR was made for D1015 Western Champion. With both engines running, an effortless run to Arley followed where we had to wait for delayed GW 1501 following a lineside fire. Up to Hampton Loade for the nosier D1062 back for a quick inspection of a fine array of BL & BMC classics along with a Trabant. Then out of the heat and into the Harbour Inn for a couple of pints of Wye Valley's HPA. Then D1062 (again!) to Hampton Loade for the bikes, largely BSAs and a very nice 1976 Kawasaki Z900. Just 4 years newer than the youngest BSA but with an oiltight 4 cylinder DOHC engine, electric start and twin disc brakes it was a world apart, no wonder you can't buy a motorcycle built in Birmingham anymore! Then down to the Unicorn Inn for a couple of quaffable pints of Wainrights in the beer garden. Perfect spot to watch the Lancaster fly past, so low we heard the Merlins roaring from behind the tree canopy a couple of seconds before we saw it. Obligingly it flew literally straight over me so no need to move, just put down the pint and pick up the camera. That,s the way to do a fly past! Locals advised that Shropshire fire brigade had been called to a fire caused by GW 2857. Sure enough timetable was in tatters and I took D062 for the third (but unplanned) time. I ditched the plan to see what one wag had called “the world's biggest collection of Morris Marinas” at Bewdley (four if you're interested, but one was a van though!). Early arrival at Kidderminster allowed a couple of pints of Duck brewery's fine ale while strolling around the forecourt admiring the Traction engines in the evening sun instead. Then back home for Match of the Day.
Copyright of all pictures in this gallery belong to N Clarke.