© Geoff’s Rail Diaries 2012 A clear blue sky (once the morning mist had cleared) and spring green foliage and grass - and on the railway, five visitors - two blue, two green, and one black. Caledonian Railway 0-6-0 no.828 had over- wintered on the railway, acquiring a new set of tyres since its popular appearances last Autumn. Garter blue A4 4464 “Bittern” would be a star attraction too - but fellow LNER visitors N2 1744, and J72 69023, would be well worth seeing. The black visitor was “Jinty” no 47406, from the Great Central. I spent the latter part of Friday morning at Eardington, before heading off to Foley Park to see the N2 and 69023 (trying to see things the “right way round” - the SVR helpfully publish such information in their public timetables). What I hadn’t realised was that there was a fairly severe speed restriction along the recently relaid track... So no fireworks - but the air was by now too warm to see any steam anyway. I returned to Eardington on Saturday - there would be three trains up the bank - all “right way round” - within a couple of hours - with a bonus N2 (bunker first) on a “local”. The crowds gathered for the last train - the A4. I’d thought of varying my position subtly between trains - no chance! I’d bumped into a friend on the Friday - he was bringing his wife to see the A4 - she’d never seen one in action. The valanced loco on the eight Gresley teak carriages (a first in preservation?) made a splendid sight - but the climb was taken gently. “Not quite as impressive at it would be on the main line” we agreed. So it was on Saturday - after energetic ascents by the Manor and 1744, it was Bittern’s turn. I think it was the gentlest ascent I’ve seen at Hay Bridge. I can hardly describe the sight of the superb loco and coaches as an anti-climax, but... ...but what a super spectacle the Severn Valley provided on this fine and unseasonably warm weekend. Well done, once again, SVR. Link: Severn Valley Railway