Severn Valley Railway Kidderminster

[@robridgway8574]

Lovely look around Kidderminster Ron, but Sorry to correct you, the "old" station was constructed by the Severn Valley Railway following purchase of the former goods yards from British Rail. I believe the design was based on that at Ross-on-Wye. It is indeed a beautiful building, and was constructed in stages, the main frontages & platforms first then further extensions adding the refreshment room etc and then the overall canopy on the concourse. The large building to the left is the original goods warehouse, now used for carriage & wagon restoration. The smaller goods shed now houses the museum and small tea room. Both of these structures are original buildings, but the large signal box is again a Severn Valley Railway built structure. It is amazing the detail and quality of these "new" buildings bring to the railway, and how accurate a representation they are. Thank you for taking us on such enjoyable trips around this Wonderful railway, look forward to more adventures.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Don't worry about correcting me Rob, you are being very helpful. The fact that it feels 'original' is a testament to those who designed and built it. Thanks for posting. Ron

[@robridgway8574]

@@ParkinsonsWalksThank you Ron, I couldn't agree more with you. The SVR Kidderminster station is indeed an amazing piece of work, that has a wonderful "old world" feeling about it. Regularly spend happy hours there, the atmosphere and the station staff are superb. My Daughter even had her 21st Birthday party in the Valley suite (otherwise known as the refreshment room on the concourse) some twelve years ago now. The Love of this Heritage Railway is certainly a Family thing. All the best from Gloucester.

[@ianmcquade7397]

A credit to the staff and volunteers, a pleasure to see

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Well said Ian. Ron

[@tagbobtail]

Bravo with the post boxes again at this lovely station. I spotted a VR wall box and what looked like a Pendleton (we have several in Cheltenham) outside. Anyway we shall look forward to visiting the Severn Valley after the summer holidays.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Good choice of time to go. Enjoy. Ron

[@westcountrywanderings]

I love both the existing West Midland Railway Kidderminster Station, as well as the Ross-on-Wye based rebuild on the SVR, which like all others on the SVR, is a credit to all the volunteers on this most excellent of heritage railways. Thank you for a most enjoyable tour around Ron. A wonderful video. Take care, Paul

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

My favorite I think Paul. Ron

[@kelvinhoughton7953]

A lovely replica station really well suited to the railway and ironically probably newer than the 'new station' ? I remember has a child the southern terminus of SVR was Bewdley but around 1984 they built that lovely Victorian style station on the former goods yard.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Kevin, they certainly made a good job of it, it had me fooled. Ron

[@sumacmacarthur3380]

I don't know Ron, but I think I prefer the old station to the new one, although I can't quite put my paw on it. Just kidding, it's a shame that so many old stations were replaced in the 1960s rather than being added to in a sympathetic way..."brave new world" and all I guess. No sign of a welder here yet, thank goodness, just a pile of old scrap metal for me to explore and use for...well... I'm getting quite few ads in your videos now Ron, I hope they're keeping you in biscuits! Thanks for a great day out. James says "hello" and have a good week.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Sumac, if I were you I would keep a travel bag packed under the bed just incase James gets his hands on a welder. Might be a good time to vacate for a while. I'm afraid I have no control over the ads, I haven't monetized the channel so I make nothing from it. Greedy KZbin I guess. Nice to see you keeping James in order, well done. Ron

[@deandaniels203]

Another great vid Ron shame I didn't meet you there has I use the chip shop over the road, would of liked to have bought you some and have a chat.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Me too, I was starving! Ron

[@michaelmiller641]

Wonderful video, Ron. I visited a few years ago. It doesn't disappoint!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Super place to visit Michael. Ron

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Very enjoyable wander around the very spacious and beautifully-maintained SVR Kidderminster station. The museum looks an enthusiasts delight, as do the refreshment facilities and in marked contrast with its BR neighbour a few yards away - which I assume occupies the site of the original GWR Kidderminster station, with its spur to Bridgnorth and beyond. Thank you.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

It really has atmosphere Malcolm, wonderful place. Keep smiling. Ron

[@MoJohnson-me9bv]

Hi Ron, another lovely and enjoyable video. You manage to capture the atmosphere of a bygone age. I was surprised that the station was only built in 1984. I bet it outlasts many of the other buildings built in same year. Good thing the GWR never had RAC concrete as there would not be anything left for you to film. Regards Mo

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Mo, Nice to hear from you, somehow they have managed build just the right feel of an original mainline station there. I could spend ages there just soaking it all up. Take care. Ron

[@deandaniels203]

Did you know Ron that just 10 minutes down the road from where you was is stourport on Severn and on the way in there's an housing estate and years ago a line went through there,the road is great western road and is very interesting place to check out if you haven't already.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks for that Dean. Ron

[@mauricemannion1311]

Absolutely fantastic Ron..! What a lovely heritage railway the SVR is, I 've been there many times in the past. And Kidderminster Station is a real gem..! Thanks Ron for showing this one, and hats of to the SVR for all there hard work in the railway preservation field. If I lived in Kidderminster I'd have my morning coffee in the station every morning and enjoy the atmosphere of a bygone age.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I love the thought of morning coffee at the station. If I lived there I would join you. Take care. Ron

[@garthcox4307]

The SVR station isn't original, it was a new build in 1984. The current national rail station is the redeveloped original. I agree that the SVR station looks like it's been there for ever, it's really well done. Think it's on the site of a former goods yard.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Garth, thanks for the info, a wonderful reconstruction. Take care. Ron

[@marilynbalderstone696]

Lovely film again Ron. I didn’t have time to linger last time I went there as there was a train at the platform so really nice to have another proper look round. The museum and coffee shop is an absolute joy with just so many things to look at and appeal for any age group. Plus the book shop I always had to drag my husband out of usually clutching the latest carriage or wagon book. The new station has been constructed so sympathetically with every facility but very very authentic. The new mainline station isn’t half bad really with plenty of facilities especially for the older generation and sisters with lifts etc. (compared to some with just a bus shelter or less). My outing this week was to Rudyard Lake hotel and yes it did have a station by the lake on the North Staffordshire line but we were too late by 64 years. There is now a narrow gauge railway going along part of the route which is very pleasant. And yes Rudyard Kipling gets his name from the lake. Don’t know where I am going next as I am a bit wary of rail travel at the moment. Waiting for inspiration. Bye for now.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Marilyn lovely hearing from you, glad you enjoyed Kidderminster, I had a job to drag myself away from there. The civil unrest at the moment doesn't encourage travel - just in case. Stay safe. Ron

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Marilyn, I have just finished next weeks vlog, and I managed to miss this out. I loved the story of your husband being dragged from the book shop so I'll try and remember to include it in the next one. Look after yourself. Ron

[@JimNicholls]

It's wonderful how they've preserved the old station and put it to good use, Ron. Cheered me up watching it - I've been struck down by a nasty bout of cellulitis, (not recommended) and with a few other things going wrong around here it's not been a good time.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Jim, sorry things aren't going too well at the moment Jim. It never rains but it pours, at least you are on your way to summer. Keep smiling. Ron

[@petepaine5331]

Morning Ron. That was great and so much to see. Stay safe ,Pete

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Pete, yes a great location. Look after that dog. Ron

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Good morning Ron. What a beautiful station waiting area and museum. You were very lucky to see the points actually changing too. So much of interest to see there. I liked the recreation of W H Smith book stall. Almost every station in the country must have had one of those on the platform. I could have spent hours in that museum area, studying the old engine number and name plates. Very well done, Ron. Beautifully filmed. Took me back years. Very nostalgic atmosphere.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi both, I was surprised to learn that it is a new build, they certainly gave it an authentic feel. Take care. Ron

[@OhBrentie]

Brilliant as usual! Keep up the great work!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thank you sir. Ron

[@barryc1968]

Ron, many thanks no dripping water so I assume no incontinent old men were harmed during the making of this film only kidding my bladder is really quite sound. I also express thanks to my fellow commentators and I am proud to be part of this community. We should spare a thought for the businesses that sprung up around the railways first the legitimate ones. Porters, Tea and refreshment ladies with trollies, boot cleaners, Taxies originally horse and buggies, Railway Hotels probably bug ridden, Public houses, Purveyors of periodicals and less than a penny novels, Bill posters and Flower sellers. Perhaps for fun some of the illegal ones, Hawkers, Pickpockets, Ladies of the night, Cottagers, Conmen, False ticket collectors, Fare dodgers, Gypsies selling charms and telling fortunes and sellers of shoddy and shady goods.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Barry, the people behind the scenes that keep everything running. Nice to have you with us. Take care. Ron

[@donniblanco5239]

Some Great Shots there Ron, Many Thanks 🙏🏻

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks Donni, take care. Ron

[@michaelpilling9659]

A very good morning Ron - greetings from Poland. Absolutley brilliant! A fabulolus vdeo. So much to see. I cannot understand why this staion and line was closed in the first place. I also didn't know that Kidderminster had two stations. I would love to know how the decision was made in the Beeching Report, to close this magnificent line. A beautiful station indeed. The glass canopied roof is very impressive. And all the different rooms, buildings, sheds etc. are exceptional - all signed up, many with open free access. In my humble opinion, the best station on the whole line. Just out of interest Ron, your knowledge and phrases used about the way that bridge was constructed makes me feel that you were a structual engineer. Am I right? Last but least, you and I are older than 43106!!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi Michael and family, apparently the station is a new build!! I never would have guessed. I worked in the motor trade, but have always been interested in structures and the work that went into building them. A steam train that is younger than us. Can' be too many about. Take care of you all. Ron

[@optout130]

ThanX for the mini-tour! I have been a follower of the GWR and SVR [Kidderminster] (along with the WSR, NYMR, & NVR [Wansford]) for several years now and you have shown me something I hadn't known but wondered about for over a year now: No website or video found has ever shown/ discussed Wrangaton Signal Box. It is seen across from the actual signal box on the live cam and I wondered if it was going to be the replacement or something . . . Living 5815 Kilometers away, I can't just pop in to investigate these things for myself ! (- ; Another thing learned through you: a large canvas tarp is used overnight near the exit to the train platform for ? heat retention, security, keeping the sun, birds (🐦), and debris out ? Very Interesting ! The abandoned shopping carts near the outbuildings are an added bonus. What a fun, educational eighteen minute journey. Thanks and Cheers ! 🇺🇸

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi glad you enjoyed that, makes it all worth while. Friday (tomorrow) I have uploaded a film of riding the rails on the SVR, Might provoke a few memories. Take care. Ron

[@davidberlanny3308]

Mornin Ron, A great tour around the stations at Kidderminster. It's much much bigger than I imagined. I'm gobsmacked to read in the comments that the SVR station is a relatively recent construction built over the old goods yard. You really wouldn't think so, it's been perfectly "weathered". It reminded me of another station that you took us to, was in Monmouth? The museum looked amazing, a warren of railway memorabilia, another station pub too!! Thanks for including the electric point change together with the sound👌👌 I'm on my hols now and getting up early before the sun on do my tasks and shutter down the house, it's going to be +40° again for the next few days. I hope I don't wilt!! Have a great weekend!!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Hi David - on your hols, brilliant, have fun. I had to tear myself away from Kidderminster, fascinating atmosphere that is unique. If you go away, don't forget your bucket and spade! Take care. Ron

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

Morning Ron, a very nice class 4 although it could do with a clean and polish. A dirty loco like that would not be permitted on my railway. I did spot an auto coach in the background. I would have to swarm all over that. Be interesting to see what the cab looks like. They aren't very detailed in N gauge!

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

I guess the coach controls would have to duplicate the engine controls to be easy to drive, less the ones looked after by the fireman? Ron

[@ngaugeonashelf4417]

@@ParkinsonsWalks I just wonder how they hook them up. Must work well until there is a bit of wear and slack in the system. I'm going to have to look it up now aren't I?

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

@@ngaugeonashelf4417 I'll let you do the work then Simon, let us know. It's not like you have much on at the moment!! Ron

[@williammorris4065]

Kidderminster severn Valley Railway station is only 40 years old built in 1984

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks William, my bad. Ron

[@colinjenkins1]

The museum was the wool and grain store.

[@ParkinsonsWalks]

Thanks for the info Colin. Ron