Steam in the Severn Valley

As mentioned elsewhere I've been getting requests. One, request from a number of visitors, including Greg, Simon and Steve, was for some recordings on their favourite preserved line, the Severn Valley Railway, so here are a few recordings.
The small station at Highley is a very popular and interesting place to be during enthusiast events on the SVR. Although passenger trains do not cross there the sidings are often used by demonstration freight trains and shuttle workings.
There was certainly plenty happening in the early afternoon on 15th April 1984. In this recording we hear Collett 0-6-0 3205 arriving from Arley with a short freight. Once the freight is safely in the siding another Collett loco, large Prairie tank 5164 departs for Bewdley with the Severn Valley Limited.

Because it is so popular it can be quite difficult to find a suitable spot to record from when there are so many people about. Nevertheless it can be well worth the effort as illustrated by the recording of 3205 & 5164 above and all the recordings on this page were made at and around Highley. Don't worry, in later editions I'll be visiting other locations on the railway.
This recording was made soon after the one previously mentioned. 5164 which was heard departing southbound from Highley crossed Black 5 5000 at Arley and, in this recording we here the Black 5 departing from Highley and climbing the short 1 in 100 gradient heading for Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth.

Later the same day while 3205 with it's freight train was still in the sidings next to the station Jubilee 4-6-0 5690 'Leander' is heard from south of the station arriving with a train from Bewdley. After a short pause the Jubilee makes a fine sound departing for Bridgnorth and climbing the gradient. With the northbound train safely out of the way the freight gets the road and departs for Arley behind 3205 while the Jubilee can still be heard whistling as it heads north.
Yes, I know that this one is a sizeable download but I think that you will find it worthwhile!

On 21st September 1996 Pannier Tank 7714 is heard slipping as it gets a very full 8 coach train away from Highley heading for Bridgnorth up the 1 in 100 gradient.

2-8-0T 4277 makes a very gentle start away from Highley on the falling gradient heading for Arley and Kidderminster. Once clear of the station the driver opens the engine up and the 2-8-0T accelerates rapidly through the woods.