15/04/2026
The second photo charter of the year took place yesterday, featuring 7802 Bradley Manor hauling seven maroon Mk1 coachesāevoking memories of its days working in Wales and along the Cambrian on the Severn Valley Railway.
The event was a success, with 35 photographers in attendance. A big thank you to everyone who came along and supported the dayāitās always appreciated. It was great to catch up with familiar faces and share plenty of laughs throughout.
Special recognition goes to all those working behind the scenes to make the charter possible, particularly Harry Bradley for his efforts in arranging us to alight from the train using specially designed steps at points along the line. This gave us the opportunity to reach locations that are normally inaccessible on foot. But these specially designed steps worked very well and were given rave reviews from the photographers who attended.
Thanks also to everyone involved on the day itself: the footplate crewāTom, Harry, Fred and Evan; guards Dylan and Tom; signalmen Nick and Robin; and marshal Rob on the lineside. Appreciation as well to Dave, Andy and John for providing transport in various forms across the day. The PIC on the day was Dave and he also made the day flow from start to finish.
Although the weather proved frustrating, we were rewarded with some soft sunshine near Bewdley Tunnel and some cloudy bright light at Oldbury Viaduct. Regardless of conditions āļø it was an enjoyable day āand itās always a pleasure to have a Manor on a charter, especially a personal favourite.
Hereās to the next one-
