News
Recommissioning of Arley Up Distant Signal - by Paul Marshall, SVR S&T Department
Tuesday 16th June 2026 saw the recommissioning of Arley’s Up Distant signal (Arley 25 Signal). We are not sure when the original post for this signal was erected. There was a belief that it had been installed in 1883 when the original Arley signal box was opened. However, the evidence we found last week when we pulled the stump of this post from the ground, seemed to prove otherwise. What we found was that this post had been reused and was, in fact, about 8 or 9 feet shorter than when it was originally manufactured. We found the top of the original black paint, which should have been about 4 or 5 feet above ground level, was about 4 feet below ground level. We also found the marks where metal fittings had been fixed to the post, also below ground level. We don’t believe the post was installed by the SVR and it would almost certainly not have been installed by BR, so was probably installed by the GWR sometime before the Second World War before tubular steel posts became common. The original post is included in Wyre Forest District Council’s list of heritage buildings and structures of architectural and historic interest, the “Severn Valley Railway Local Heritage List”.
Photo: Matt Morgan, Signalling Engineer
In about 2022, we started to be concerned about the state of the old wooden post and we made plans to recover it before it fell down. This was done in May 2023, when the plan was to reuse the main section of the post on a concrete foundation. However, we found that the post was in such a bad state throughout most of its length that it wasn’t fit for the purpose. So, we decided to obtain a new post from the same people who supplied the wood for Bewdley South’s large bracket signal. We contacted the SVR Charitable Trust, who organized the fund raising for that signal, and they agreed to organise the fund raising for this signal post. The Trust received a generous donation from Nick Wright. Additionally, the R&D Turner Trust, which has given generously to the Railway before, was looking for items of local interest to fund and the distant post was perfect for a grant. The late Roger Turner used to live in Arley House which was built on the site of Arley castle.
The timber arrived at Kidderminster in August 2025, in the middle of our Kidderminster platform starting signal project. As soon as the large shed was cleared of parts for the bracket signal, the wooden post was moved inside for preparation. This consisted of refurbishing metal components and painting the post with primer, undercoat and topcoat. By the end of April, the post was ready for erection and dates arranged with the operations manager. The best period was identified as early June. We dug the hole and erected the post one week and commissioned the signal the following week.
We are very grateful to the Charitable Trust for organising the fund raising for this and other signalling projects on the SVR. Without their assistance, we would struggle to maintain the heritage look of signalling on the railway. We have already identified further projects where we hope the CT will be able to help. We will be dropping them a line soon!
Chris Bond, Head of Infrastructure, has said that this project strikes at the core of what we are trying to preserve on the SVR and is a credit to the skills and teamwork on the S&T department.
Launch of GWR 9581, a unique accessible saloon buffet car
The Autumn Steam Gala 2025 marked a milestone in the Railway’s drive for inclusivity. On 18 September, GWR 9581 entered service as a uniquely configured accessible buffet car and saloon. Funded by the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust, the project blended heritage authenticity with modern accessibility. SVRCT chair Judith Meredith praised the eight-year restoration: “This is a perfect example of blending modern-day needs with heritage authenticity… finished to the Severn Valley’s very high standards, using the skills and ingenuity of many hands.”
SVR managing director Gus Dunster added, “This superb accessible buffet and saloon further boosts the SVR’s already impressive range of accessible coaches. We’ve been working towards running every service with accommodation for wheelchair and mobility-aid users, and the conversion of 9581 takes us much closer.” The carriage offers two main areas – a buffet and a saloon – each with wheelchair spaces.
Restored GWR steam-heating covers, green fan-pattern upholstery, and low-level emergency stop-pulls reflect both heritage and inclusivity. Despite pandemic delays and complex repairs, the coach has been completed to the highest standards. Finished in gleaming GWR chocolate and cream, GWR 9581 stands as a benchmark for accessible design in the heritage railway sector. Make sure you see the wonderful craftsmanship of 9581 next time you’re at the Railway!