Matt Fielding Photo Charters

15/04/2026

The second photo charter of the year took place yesterday, featuring 7802 Bradley Manor hauling seven maroon Mk1 coaches—evoking 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 day—it’s 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 crew—Tom, 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 ☁️ it was an enjoyable day —and it’s always a pleasure to have a Manor on a charter, especially a personal favourite.

Here’s to the next one-

04/03/2026

Another One from Saturday and as 7714 was acting as our shunter for the evening, why not include it in a shot with 7325. At this point the rags in the smoke box hadn’t really caught. But still enough, just about.

📷 Matt Walker

03/03/2026

Another one from Saturday Nights Evening Shoot!!1950s local to Shrewsbury arrives at Bridgnorth?
First position of the night with 7325 ‘arriving’ into Bridgnorth.

📷 Robert Falconer

GWR Mogul No. 7325 is brought to life with smoke machine and lights during a Matt Fielding photo shoot at Bridgnorth, Severn Valley Railway on 28 February 2026.

02/03/2026

Another one from Saturday 7325 Evening Shoot. This one the last position of the Evening and the smoke machine bringing the loco to life even more. This could quite easier be the 1950s local to Shrewsbury?

📷 Jack Boskett

01/03/2026

A couple lower down angles this time from the my last post. 7325 arriving into Bridgnorth from last nights Evening shoot.

📷 Matt Fielding & Robert Falconer

01/03/2026

First up from the 7325 Evening Shoot is a scene I’ve had in mind for a long time. Everything I’d envisaged — from the firebox glow and reenactors to the backlighting — came together perfectly, bringing the image to life and creating the impression that the Mogul was in steam.

📷 Don Bishop

A rear view image from the footbridge at Bridgnorth, Severn Valley Rly, as Collet Mogul No. 7325 arrives with an evening service (!).
Actually from an excellent night shoot at Bridgnorth run by Matt Fielding on behalf of the SVR on 28th February 2026, featuring the "out of ticket" No. 7325 with lighting and oily rags in the firebox & smokebox to create the effects we desired. A great effort by the staff & volunteers involved too, who enthusiastically moved everything around the station as required and posed for the cameras to complete the scenes - thank you guy's.

01/03/2026

Last night I hosted my first photo charter of the year — and my first ever featuring my favourite preserved locomotive, Collett Mogul 7325. It’s been a childhood favourite of mine for as long as I can remember, and it still is.

With the Mogul out of ticket since the mid-2000s, 7325 has spent many years on display in various locations. It was only after a recent move to Bridgnorth for future inspection that the opportunity came about to create something special with the 73 around the Station. Armed with a bucket of oily rags and an industrial smoke machine, we managed to bring her back to life. For one cab shot, a lamp with an orange hi-vis draped over it recreated that warm “in steam” glow when looking into the cab. LED lighting was also used for all the scenes around the station, and a special thank you goes to good mate of mine Jack Boskett for providing the lights and for his help throughout the evening.

A huge thank you to everyone involved operationally. The footplate crew — Tom, Evan, Leo and Henry — not only carried out their duties but also took part in the reenactments. Station Master Chris Thomas kindly closed the station to the public and joined in with the reenacting. Andy Bevon for guarding duties. Jamie Green played a big part in bringing the scenes to life with reenacting. Diane in the signal box kept movements flowing smoothly, and Sam from the Railwaymen Arms closed access from the pub to the station for us.

It was a fantastic evening, and I’ve already seen some brilliant results that I’ll be sharing over the coming days. Thank you to everyone who supported the event and helped it run so smoothly. It was great to see you all as usual.

A dream charter for me — and hopefully one day I’ll be back to 🎥 7325 the way she’s meant to be: in steam. 🤞🏻

10/02/2026

If you are interested email - mattfielding@84@gmail.com or PM me.

A couple of weeks ago I circulated a provisional date (Tuesday 14th April), and I can now confirm that the locomotive for this event will be 7802 Bradley Manor, hauling a full rake of maroon Mk1s, with the locomotive facing south.

24/01/2026

Last Couple Of Places Available For The Bridgnorth Evening Shoot Featuring Collett Mogul 7325 & Pannier Tank 7714.

*17.30pm - That Was Quick This Event Is Now Fully Booked. Thank You Everyone Who Has Booked On This.

I’m pleased to announce an evening photographic event at the Severn Valley Railway, featuring Collett Mogul No. 7325 and Pannier Tank No. 7714, taking place at Bridgnorth Station on Saturday 28th February, recreating a scene that could of 

22/01/2026

Incoming Evening Shoot Invite Out Tomorrow At 7pm. So keep an eye your inbox’s.