Latest News: Updated 01/09/26
Event News
SVR/West Midlands Railway Trial commuter service starts with DMU Group DMU.
The Bewdley Express left its namesake town this morning to take passengers into Kidderminster where they will change to a West Midlands Railway Birmingham service.
The eight-week trial, a partnership between the Severn Valley Railway and West Midlands Railway, is intended to test demand for a regular rail connection between Bewdley and the wider West Midlands network.
Historic DMU Group and KEMP Hospice Bring the Community Together for Special Severn Valley Railway Day#
A special day of railway heritage, community spirit and fundraising on the Severn Valley Railway on Saturday 15th August, when KEMP were warmly welcomed aboard the DMU Group (West Midlands)’s Summer Special charter.
The event marked the first community partnership for the DMU Group, a volunteer-run charity based on the Severn Valley Railway. The Group owns, restores and maintains eight historic Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), built between 1957 and 1961.
With the kind and generous support of Roxel UK, 10 people from KEMP were warmly welcomed on board the Summer Special. The day brought together railway heritage and community support, creating an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
The Summer Special also saw the launch of the DMU Group’s first ‘Super Tombola’, with every ticket guaranteed to win a prize. The initiative was made possible thanks to the generosity of a number of local businesses and individuals, who donated a fantastic selection of prizes. Proceeds from the tombola will go towards the much-needed restoration and maintenance of the Group’s historic vehicles.
Latest News from the group
27/08/26: 51941 is currently in Bridgnorth Paint Shop having some rectifications works to its paint work that was carried out last year, 52064 is spare at Bridgnorth while this takes place.
The Groups summer charter ran on the 15th which was well attended and used the Class 101,
From next monday our units will be used in the new trial commuter train service which is being spearheaded by West Midlands Trains and the SVR. The 101 will be used for the first few weeks.
01/06/26: Our newly repainted Blue and Grey Class 108 two car comprising of M53933 and M54208 have had their paint job completed recently and are now coupled together, some interior work and bogie overhaul to 54208 are still required before a return to traffic happens.
Our three car 101 has had its replacement engine set up and is now back on four engines, this will soon take place of the 108 at Bridgnorth for N1 services allowing the three car 108 to have a period of maintenance.
08/04/26: Our three car 108 continues to work Bridgnorth N1 Services whilst our three car 101 recieves some planned maintenance, E50253 is currently on the jacks in Kidderminster TMD for an engine change and brake cylinder overhaul which should be completed later this week. E50170 continues to have work to the seat frames ready for the newly reupholstered seats to be fitted once they return from Blackpool soon.
24/03/26: M53933 and M54208 are now painted on one side of each vehicle at Kidderminster Carriage Shed, these will soon be swapped over for the same work to be carried out on the opposite sides once temperatures rise.
At Bewdley E50170 is having work carried out on the interior, All the seat bases and backs have been removed and have gone to a upholstery specialist in Blackpool. Seat frames are being repainted by the group with help last weekend from the SVR Junior Club.
The 3 Car 108 remains available for traffic and will be used until the works on the 101 have been compeleted.
24/01/26: Work continues on M53933 and M54208's bodywork overhault and repaints, M54208 now has blue paint appearing on the ends and bodyside facing M53933.
At Bewdley, running repairs and maintenance are taking place on the 101 and 108 three car sets prior to the new SVR season in February.
29/11/25: ⭐️ Exciting announcement ⭐️
After 35 years we are going back to blue and grey!
We are excited to announce a 2 car class 108 will be turned out next year in blue and grey.
So far one side of 53933 has been done with some finishing touches applied this week. This car will be completed next year now as unfortunately the weather and temperature is turning against us.
21/09/25: Friday saw M50933 enter Kidderminster TMD for removal of its bogies for overhaul and one engine was removed for overhaul also, the car will recieve bodywork and a repaint by the group whilst the engine and bogies are at external contractors.
31/08/25: Thank you to all that attended our Summer Evening Charter, were pleased to announce that over £1,000 was raised on the night through the ticket sales and bar purchases.
22/08/25: Yesterday saw the 3 car 101 formed and taken out for some test runs for the first time since arriving last year. A lot of hard work has gone into preparationm of the 101 for our charter on the 30th August. Some adjustments and fettling to do, but a 6 car was formed up at Bewdley.
08/06/25: Yesterday saw M51941 return to traffic in the 3 car set which was supplemented by E50253 to make a 4 car unit for the SVRs 1940s weekend.
18/05/25: M51941 was returned to Bewdley via Road from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster in late April, works are now ongoing to complete some engine repairs before a return to service.
101 cars 50170 and 59303 are nearing the end of works needed to return to service also.
11/03/25: M51941 has now been released from Bridgnorth Paint Shop after its repaint.
03/03/25: Following repairs to the AWS circuit which was causing E50253 to be unable to select gears, test runs took place with the three car unit yesterday (Sunday 2nd March) and the unit is now available for use once again.
Up at Bridgnorth M51941 is in the final stages of its transformation and should look amazing once back in service.
23/02/25: Class 101 50253 made its first appearance working a passenger train this week coupled to class 108 power and centre cars, unfortunately all was not well on the first two days, a fault later traced to the AWS changeover switch was found, test runs next weekend to make sure fault is resolved.
Up at Bridgnorth the lining and final details are being applied to 51941, it really will look superb when finished.
06/01/25: After a very succesful year of running the DMU is now receiving winter maintainance.
As part of this 108 car M51941 was moved to Bridgnorth yesterday by Earlestoke Manor ready for repainting to take place of the car, 101 car M50253 continues to be prepared for a return to service in place of M51941 for the resumption of services in Feburary.