Tech Services
A flexible and accessible training and testing venue for the rail industry
Our 16 miles of operational railway includes six stations, tunnels and viaducts, and both heritage and modern infrastructure alongside extensive workshop facilities and depots. We can accommodate testing, shakedown and commissioning of on track plant and locomotives, rolling stock storage, as well as
maintenance and examination of rolling stock, along with a selection of training and meeting rooms.
The SVR is operated by a team of staff and volunteers with a vast range of experience in the mainline industry. Throughout the year, on our non-operational days, the line is available for on track training and testing, without the time and cost restraints of working on the mainline network.
Severn Valley Railway Infrastructure
and facilities
• Single track railway with full semaphore signalling, sidings, passing loops, two tunnels and gradients up to 1 in 100.
• Direct connection to the Worcester – Birmingham mainline.
• Good road access, just 10m from the M5 with low loader railhead access to both ends of the line.
• Secure storage facilities in 1km of sidings.
• A full complement of on track plant and equipment.
• A range of depot, engineering and paint shop facilities.
• Motive power ranging from shunters through to mainline certified locos.
• A wide range of rolling stock, including flat, covered and well wagons, along with inspections saloons and mess coaches
Whilst the SVR is a heritage organisation, we also look to the future as well as the past. Our ground breaking project partnership with Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions is developing the world’s first hydrogen powered shunter. One of the Railway’s fleet of 08 class locomotives is in the process of conversion, by Vanguard, an offshoot of the Birmingham University Rail Research Centre.
Kidderminster Traction Maintenance Depot (TMD)
Kidderminster is home to the award winning 1,000 m3 Traction Maintenance Depot. It offers comprehensive facilities for examination, servicing and repair of diesel locos and multiple units.
The depot has three roads, two of which are fitted with inspection pits for exams and servicing. It has a 10 tonne overhead crane and a set of four 35 tonne Mechan lifting jacks.
The infrastructure also includes 63 Amp 3 phase electricity, with a shore power supply, compressed air facilities for brake testing and a pair of AWS Shed Test Inductors to test AWS systems.
Meeting and Training rooms
For corporate hospitality days the SVR is a unique venue. We
can accommodate receptions, meetings and training events for
up to 200. Our vintage inspection saloons and dining trains can
cater for a small group or full scale dining for up to 150 guests.
Here’s what our clients have to say
It’s clear to see the benefits that this first of its kind partnership brings to both the past and present railway. We’re pleased to be helping such
an important heritage railway which is loved by so many people. It’s an important community asset which now plays a key role in allowing us
to trial new technology and train our staff in a safe railway environment. – Adam Checkley, infrastructure director for Network Rail Central Route
Using the Colas tampers in live working conditions on the SVR for shakedown and testing benefitted Network Rail, Colas Rail and the SVR, allowing us to test all the systems and giving us improved reliability for working on the main line. – Roger Nicholas, Colas OTM Delivery Manager
Having the opportunity to visit the SVR has allowed us to deliver training in a low-pressure environment without the access and time constraints that come with working on the national network. The relationship gives us a real-world training environment with a stunning backdrop to carry out training, with the added benefit of providing support to one of the UK’s leading heritage railways. – Mark Radley, Training Manager for SEP Rail
Harsco Rail has been collaborating with the Severn Valley Railway for several years, primarily using the heritage line for practical training sessions. This partnership allows
Harsco staff to engage directly with a working railway environment rich in history while also gaining hands-on experience with a variety of rail systems. This experience is invaluable, as it enables trainees to operate alongside seasoned professionals who are passionate about preserving rail heritage while maintaining modern standards of safety and efficiency.
– Mark Hewitt, Harsco OTM Trainer/Assessor
