Norfolk Rail News Archive Section
This page news and dates from the railways of Norfolk dated since 2000. The articles have been recovered from research sources (as indicated).
The articles are listed in reverse date order. Any additional information welcome!
Improved facilities at Kimberley Park
November 19th 2006, Norfolk By Rail
A new bench has been provided for passengers using the Mid-Norfolk Railway's Kimberley Park station. The replica GER style platform bench is dedicated to the memory of William and Florence Bunting. William had been a member of the track gang on that length of line, and his family lived in the railway cottage beside the station.
Another New Diesel at Mid-Norfolk!
November 15th 2006, Norfolk By Rail
47596, long awaited at the Mid-Norfolk Railway, arrived by low-loader today - three years after it's move to the line was announced. The locomotive is believed to be in excellent order, and was recently used to test Mk2 air-conditioned coaches for Tyseley Railway Museum.
New Diesel at Mid-Norfolk
June 27th 2006, Norfolk By Rail
56040 has become the latest locomotive to be preserved in the county after its arrival on the Mid-Norfolk Railway this evening. The locomotive, still in Transrail grey livery, will be restored for use on the line – hauling the railway’s soon to be completed blue-grey rake of coaches and possibly hauling renewed freight services over the line.
NENTA back at Dereham
June 10th 2006, Norfolk By Rail
NENTA plan to run a special excursion train from Dereham to York on September 9th. Additional destinations available to travelers include Eden Camp, a former WW2 POW Camp and Scarborough.
Heading North
June 3rd 2006, Norfolk By Rail
The Mid-Norfolk Railway has pushed further north towards North Elmham with the first locomotive-hauled works train to have reached bridge 1695, at Northall Green (just north of Dereham hospital), since closure by British Rail in the late 1980s.
Mid-Norfolk steam loco is announced
February 16th 2006, Norfolk By Rail
The Mid-Norfolk Railway has announced that it will launch it’s steam services using GWR-designed Pannier tank locomotive number 9466. The railway had intended to launch steam services in 2005, using either the LNER B12 or J15 from the North Norfolk Railway – but this did not prove possible.
Although a GWR design, 9466 was built by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns for British Railways in 1952, rated as a 4F. It weighs just over 55 tons and has a Western Region route availability of Red. The engine was only used by British Railways for 11 years before it was sent to Woodham Brothers Scrap Yard, Barry, Wales. The loco was purchased by its present owner, Dennis Howells, in 1977 and was restored to service in 1985. The locomotive is presently running in GWR livery.
In the local media the Mid-Norfolk Railway have publicly stated that they would like to offer a permanent home to this locomotive and would welcome approaches from other steam locomotive owners looking for a base with a mainline connection.
Loan loco arrives for repair at North Norfolk
December 22nd 2005, Norfolk By Rail
LNER J21 65033 has arrived at the NNR from it's Beamish home for a full restoration. It is expected that the restoration of the engine will take slightly more than two years, and once the locomotive has been restored it will be based on the NNR for a period of 20 years. In return for this long-term loan, the NNR will supply locomotives for events at Beamish.
Norfolk railway is Railway of the Year!
December 6th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway is celebrating being awarded what is considered the highest award available to heritage lines, the Ian Allan Publishing Independent Railway of the Year Award. Finally the rest of the country is waking up to what Norfolk has to offer!
Another locomotive for Mid-Norfolk
December 4th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
The Class 56 Group have announced that they have completed the purchase of 56040, which will be based on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. The Class 56s were built as heavy freight machines and are fitted with air brakes and no train heating. As the MNR already has a rake of air-braked Mk2 coaches under restoration this will not cause the line any concern. With the line's history of mving mainline freight, preservation at the MNR may see this locomotive back doing the job it was originally designed to do!
Class 56 locomotives used to be a frequent sight passing over the junction with the MNR at Wymondham, hauling Redlands sggregate trains toa depot on the former Trowse station site.
King's Lynn triangle removed
November 30th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
The trackbed of the southern chord of the triangle at Dereham, where the King's Lynn line diverged to the west, has been removed as part of the preparation for the redevelopment of the former depot site.
Until this week passengers on trans leaving Dereham on the Mid-Norfolk Railway could clearly see the formation of the "Royal Road" - so-called because it is believed that it was intended that the Royal Train could use this route to avoid reversing at Dereham en-route to Wolferton, curving away from them. The entire area, covering the trackbed, allotment gardens and shed site, has been cleared to allow the construction of a new leisure centre.
Second catering carriage to MNR
November 10th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
Air-conditioned Mk2d buffet car number 1218, until recently a frequent sight on the Norwich to London services, has been purchased and delivered to Dereham on the Mid-Norfolk Railway where it will form part of the lines blue-grey air-braked set of coaches.
Having only just been withdrawn from service, the coach is in excellent condition, requiring only minor attention before it can enter service. It has also seen the, albeit temporary, entry of Anglia Railways turquoise as a heritage livery.
Locomotive Purchased
October 27th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
The Midland and Great Northern Railway Society have completed the purchase of War Department 2-10-0 steam locomotive 90775, thanks to a generous donation from a benefactor.
The locomotive, which has been on long-term loan to the railway for a number of years, was one of about 150 such engines built to a Ministry of Supply specification by the North British Locomotive Company. After the War, 25 of these large engines were bought by British Railways and numbered 90750 to 90774. During this time the class were based in Scotland.
Designed by R.A. Riddles, the WD's have a light axle loading, only 13.5 tons, as they were designed for use abroad on rough and improvised track.
This particular locomotive was sent to work in Egypt and Greece, but was repatriated from the latter country by the Essex Locomotice Society. It was formerly based on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Station Opens
October 1st 2005, Norfolk By Rail
Kimberley Park station on the Mid-Norfolk Railway saw its first regular scheduled passenger train service since closure by British Railways today. The opening of the station had been delayed by paperwork.
Another preserved coach delivered
September 22nd 2005, Norfolk By Rail
A British Railways Mk1 Restaurant Car has been delivered to the private Hardingham station site, beside the Mid-Norfolk Railway. It is believed that this carriage will enter service on the line in the future, but it will be stored and restored at Hardingham first. Please note that there is no public access to Hardingham station.
Leyland National power at Sheringham
August 18th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
141108 may have left the Mid-Norfolk Railway, but fans of Leyland railway vehicles may be pleased to know that the National Railway Museum's RDB975874, one of the experimental single coach railbus which led to the 14x series Pacers units, has been under restoration in Sheringham yard since delivery in June. If brought into passenger service it will be interesting to compare the ride quality with the earlier Waggon und Maschinenbau railcars already in use on the line.
Station house price reduced
June 18th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
The former station master's house at County School station has had its asking price reduced to £299,000. While the station is owned by the Mid-Norfolk Railway, the house has been privately owned for a number of years and has been on the market since January.
Bramley Line finished?
June 11th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
Local rumours suggest that the Bramley Line project to restore the march to Wisbech line may have been scuppered due to logistical problems in gaining access to March station. This news follows on from a Network Rail report which suggested that the the group give serious consideration to the project's finances, stating that the restoration of the line would require a seven figure sum. The report states that the railway would require its own track at Whitemoor in order to prevent blocking Network Rail access to Whitemoor Yard and suggested that there may be problems restoring the level crossing over the A47.
The railway owns a rake of 5 Gatwick Express Mk2 coaches, currently stored at March, and also has possession of the former Smeeth Road signal box. Further news will be posted as and when it is available.
141 set to leave Dereham
May 2nd 2005, Norfolk By Rail
Class 141 DMU 141108 has been shunted onto the departure road at Dereham station, where it has been split in readyness for removal. It is believed that it is to be stored at the Colne Valley Railway until its future can be decided. The unit never entered regular service on the Mid-Norfolk Railway, suffering from various faults and failures on most of the runs it made over the line. It is believed that another Mk2 air braked coach is to be delivered at the same time as the 141 is removed.
MNR runs out of steam
April 21st 2005, Norfolk By Rail
The planned May steam service over the Mid-Norfolk Railway, intended to feature the North Norfolk Railway's J15 0-6-0 locomotive has had to be postponed due to “a number of technical problems” at the MNR which the line is unable to solve before the planned loan period.
MNR Chairman Steve Cushion has described the cancelation of the service as “the silver lining to the cloud”, as it will enable the railway's volunteer staff to concentrate on completing tasks such as the Wymondham run-round and a locomotive servicing pit at Dereham “to a higher standard and without overstretching themselves”.
People who have already booked tickets will be contacted by the railway shortly.
Technical Problems Resolved
April 21st 2005, Norfolk By Rail
The server problems which had prevented news items being uploaded to this site has been solved. Thank you for your cooperation.
Out with the new, in with the old at Dereham
February 21st 2005, Norfolk By Rail
Despite reports that LNER B12 61572 was due to be operating on the Mid-Norfolk Railway this year, the latest news release from the line states that the visiting engine will now be the North Norfolk Railway's J15 0-6-0 locomotive, 65462, another former regular branch engine. Steam-hauled services will operate between 1st May and 4th June, with the railway setting up an advance-booking telephone line on 01362 851723.
Another change for the line is the possible departure of the Class 141 DMU from the line. Despite having worked a limited number of services between Dereham and Wymondham, the unit has not managed to enter regular traffic and is now advertised on the Railcar web site as being in need of a new home.
86 x 3 = one
March 4th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
While train operator "one" continues to talk about improvements to it's services, reports have arrived informing NBR that the number of Class 86 electrics operating on the Norwich to London services has now risen to three.
Stephen Maiden, Wherry Lines Chairman
February 14th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
Norfolk By Rail is saddened to hear that Stephen Maiden, Chairman of the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership, passed away this morning after a Heart Attack.
Bramley Line starts to blossom
February 11th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
The Bramley Line, located just over the border in Wisbech, has taken delivery of five air conditioned British Rail MK2f (Class 488) coaches. The vehicles have recently come out of service with Gatwick Express, and the line intends that their “Executive” livery will be retained and re-branded for Bramleyline use. The train was delivered to March depot by rail, where it will be stored pending further developments on the line.
Work progresses on Norfolk Heritage Lines
February 9th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
Work on the new run-round loop at Wymondham, on the Mid-Norfolk Railway, has been progressing rapidly over the last month. The southern crossover has been installed and a number of track panels, transported by rail from Dereham yard, have been laid – restoring twin track to this section of the formation for the first time in decades. The temporary platform at Wymondham Abbey has also been given attention, with new decking being fitted.
At Dereham work on the station renovation has continued, with both interior and exterior work progressing. Wood panelling is being fitted to the interior of the station, while the final section of exterior wall is being rebuilt. The station's water tower was erected on Thursday, on the site of the original structure. Eventually this will be enclosed in a brick structure, restoring the original appearance of the site.
The North Norfolk Railway have started work on their extension towards the Network Rail running line, with their line being extended back onto the section of trackbed known as Ottendorf Green. It is stressed that this is independent of the plans by the Holt, Melton Constable and Fakenham Railway to restore the level crossing.
Building work has been progressing at Weybourne, where the station roof has been restored to a more authentic appearance and improvements to the buildings and facilities mean that the Weybourne Works complex has possibly begun to rival Norwich Crown Point as a depot! There has also been continued progress at Holt, where the Thursford goods shed has been making rapid progress.
There will be plenty for returning visitors to see on our local lines during 2005.
One sing their own praises
January 21st 2005, Norfolk By Rail
East Anglia's train operator, “one”, have announced “good and improving train service performance figures for the first four-week period (4 weeks ending 8 January 2005) of the new rail timetable which commenced on 12 December 2004.” Sadly many of their customers seem to be becoming increasingly irritated by their “improved” services, which feature additional stops on the Norwich to London service and associated increased journey times. There have also been a considerable number of service cancellations, with trains from London failing to reach beyond Ipswich.
Added to this is the interesting observation that the much-lauded new coaching stock has not yet entered fleet service on the Norwich to London line and that Class 86 locomotives, due to finish service at the start of the year, continue to frequently haul Norwich to London trains.
“one” have also just announced a major improvement to local rolling stock, with the replacement of 18 year old Class 150 units by 16 year old 156 units, presumably to be cascaded from another National Expresses franchise in order to standardise the classes being maintained at Crown Point. The “one” news site lists the key benefits of Class 156 units as including doors and alternators – Norfolk By Rail agrees that these are indeed very useful on passenger trains. Other, more important, benefits include 2+2 seating and seating for 8 extra passengers.
“one” is keen to point out that these improvements are over and above the requirements of their franchise, but Norfolk By Rail wonders when the promises already made will be kept.
Track plant visits preserved line
January 18th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
Balfour Beatty Plasser & Theurer USP 5000C ballast regulator number DR77315 has been seen working on the Mid-Norfolk Railway this week. The Rolls Royce powered machine, operated by a crew of 3, is used to plough and sweep track in order to facilitate tamping. It can also be used to reprofile the shoulder of the track. The Plasser & Theurer 5000 is also able to store ballast, moving it from areas of surplus to where it is required.
Property for sale
January 11th 2005, Norfolk By Rail
The former Station Master's house at County School is now on the market, priced at £325,000. The property has been extended since it was last on the market in the mid-1990s (valued at £87,500) and now offers 4 bedrooms rather than the original 2 and boasts a full-size kitchen area.
Details of the property can be found through the sowerbys.co.uk web site. NBR also advises prosective buyers to contact the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust.
Anglia no more?
January 3rd 2005, Norfolk By Rail
When “one” railway took over the Greater Anglia franchise they stated that they intended to retain the identities of the former operating companies. This plan, never really believed by many local rail users, seems to have been very short lived. The company has now dropped the branding from pocket timetables and abolished the individual news pages for each area.
Perhaps this may also explain why the much-publicised “one anglia” rake of improved rolling stock has not been much use in recent months?
Class 86s finish on Norwich-London
January 1st 2005, Norfolk By Rail
As from 1st January, the Class 86 electrics which have been the mainstay of services between Norwich and London since electrification, will bow out – being replaced by higher-powered Class 90s.
Part of the agreement under which One took over the Anglia franchise was that the 38 year old 86s (originally Type AL6) were to be replaced with the more modern type. Sadly the expected improved journey time between the two cities will not now happen as One have also added extra stops in the London area, effectively downgrading the express nature of the service.
Tamper visits Mid-Norfolk
November 26th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
A Balfour Beatty Tamper, DR73918, has been seen in operation on the Mid-Norfolk Railway where it has been undertaking driver training and line maintenance work. This is the second visit to the line made by one of the company's machines, the previous visit being in August 8th 2002.
The tamper was in operation on the MNR during daylight hours, but was stabled at Norwich Riverside in order to be available for main line operations.
"Community" status for local lines
November 24th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
The Community Railway proposals outlined in the Strategic Rail Authorities "A consultation paper on a strategy for Community Railways, outlined on this site on March 8th 2004, have now been given approval.
Out of the 56 routes scheduled to be designated "Community Rail Lines, the five in our region are the Norwich to Sheringham, Norwich to Lowestoft, Norwich to Yarmouth via Reedham, and Ipswich to Lowestoft routes.
Twin track for Felixstowe?
November 11th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
Over in Suffolk yet another of the railway "rationalisations" that has always left people scratching their heads is being considered for reversal as the restoration of the double track on the singled line between Ipswich and Felixstowe is being considered.
Anniversary Gala for Bure Valley
November 11th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
The Bure Valley Railway intends to hold a gala event to celebrate 15 years since the service between Wroxham and Aylsham was restored. The gala will be held on the 8th and 9th October and will feature guest locomotives. Further details will follow.
The opening celebrations, held on 10th June 1990, did not quite go to plan. At the start of the journey, children waving Union Flags had shouted jibes as the train slipped on the tracks due to the weight of the passengers. Shouts of "Do you want a push?" and "You're going the wrong way" were heard as officials sprinkled sand on the line to give more grip. The 12 coach train, carrying 200 passengers, including local VIPs, then suffered brake problems and became trapped at Coltishall for 30 minutes. Public relations manager Mike Souter later revealed the problems were due to overloading.
Since this time the railway has changed ownership and considerable investment has been made in larger and more powerful locomotives. It is assumed that a rerun of the opening train will not be a feature of the Gala!
Norfolk Orbital still on track?
November 10th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
A press statement has been released by the Holt, Melton Constable and Fakenham Railway Company indicating that the scheme to link Holt and Fakenham is still active.
While an initial report by consultants had suggested that costs to restore the line were unrealistic, a second report has slashed costs and provided new options for the Company.
Few details are available at this time the Company has indicated that they will be made available over the next couple of months.
One praised
November 4th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
Norfolk's main train operator 'One' has received three awards at the 'Connections 2004' awards in London.
The company's Head of Corporate Affairs, Jonathan Denby, was joint winner of the 'Outstanding Individual Service' award, whilst the company's alternative arrangements for cyclists during the Ipswich Tunnel Closure merited a 'runners-up' award in the 'Best Customer Service' category and it's work with the Bittern and Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnerships on cycle integration contributed to the Partnerships receiving the 'runners-up' award in the 'Best Cycle/ Rail Innovation' category.
Presenting the awards, Minister of State for Transport, Tony McNulty said: "The award winners rightly deserve congratulations for the work they've done to help cyclists use the train. Bike and rail is often a practical option which enables travellers to leave the car at home. I hope that our recent Bike and Rail Good Practice Guide and the imminent SRA Cycling policy will ensure the good work recognised by the Connections Awards is built on by the industry."
Class 86 Farewell
November 1st 2004, Norfolk By Rail
The faithful Class 86 electric locomotives which have operated the Norwich to London Liverpool Street service since electrification in the 1980s were given a final fling by new operator One on October 30th.
86235, "Crown Point" proved that the class still have the ability to perform by producing the fastest ever journey time between Norwich and London of 1 hour 22 minutes (20 minutes faster than service trains). This was despite signalling delays during the run.
The all-day tour of One's electrified routes was top-and-tailed, with 86246, "Royal Anglian Regiment" used as second engine. 86246 was the first Class 86 to come to Norwich, as well as having been the first to be dedicated to the Great Eastern section when the wires only reached Ipswich.
Winter action on Norfolk lines
October 28th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
This year the North Norfolk Railway’s Winter Steam Gala, held on December 31st to January 2nd, will feature the National Railway Museum's V2 2-8-2 no. 60800 "Green Arrow" as well as Battle of Britain 4-6-2 no. 34081 "92 Squadron" and the War Department Austerity 2-10-0 no. 90075. "Green Arrow" will also be in action from December 26th to 30th, hauling the line’s “Mince Pie Specials”. The North Norfolk Railway also plans to run trains on weekends in January 2005, and these will also be hauled by "Green Arrow".
"Green Arrow" is in the final stages of what may be her last ever running season due to NRM concerns about the condition of her cylinder block. She is due to retire to the Bressingham steam museum where she will remain as a static exhibit, replacing "Oliver Cromwell".
The Mid-Norfolk Railway will be running its first diesel-hauled Mince Pie Specials on January 1st, but will then close for the rest of the month to allow for engineering work to take place.
Ale by Rail
October 26th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
One, The Bittern and Wherry Lines community partnerships, The Campaign for Real Ale and Norfolk County Council's new Broadshopper cycle bus has teamed up to promote access to Norfolk's rural pubs.
A Winter Ale Trail leaflet, produced by CAMRA lists 25 pubs along the Bittern Line (Norwich-Sheringham), Wherry Line (Norwich-Lowestoft/Yarmouth) and the Broads Hopper bus.
It is hoped that this new service will encourage people to leave their cars at home.
Anyone visiting 20 of the pubs on the trail between 1 November 2004 and 31 March 2005 will win a one-day Bittern or Wherry Lines rover ticket. Those who visit all 25 will win a limited edition t-shirt.
Rail travellers will also be able to claim 10 percent off the price of two-course meals at a selection of pubs on the routes between 1 November and 25 May 2005.
31235 moves north
October 23rd 2004, Norfolk By Rail
A former British Rail Class 31 has fittingly become the first diesel locomotive to leave Dereham town and enter the northern section of the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
Engaged on a sleeper replacement working, 31235 passed through the Swanton Road level crossing today and attracted considerable interest from motorists on the Swanton Morley to Dereham road over the next few hours.
Now the passengers like to go chew chew
October 20th 2004, Helen Ashworth, Eastern Daily Press
Not long ago, you may have chugged down to London on the train with a steak-and- kidney pie balanced on your knee.
Meanwhile, the man next to you would have been bawling the details of his latest business deal down his brick of a mobile while tucking into steam pudding and custard.
The 'traditional British fare' on offer in your average train restaurant was certainly a far cry from today's three-course offerings.
And today, the railway company 'one' put cuisine firmly back on track with the launch of a new-look menu – to be cooked by an on-board chef on each trip.
Better still, all mobile phones and laptops have been banned from the restaurant car in a bid to keep the area as much like a first-class eatery as possible.
The cars have been designated 'quiet coaches' so passengers can enjoy their meals in peace.
And while the new-look breakfast menu has kept the British fry-up, it now also boasts Lowestoft kippers, smoked-salmon bagels and kedgeree.
The lunch menu now includes grilled Suffolk sausages and mash, salmon and dill lasagne and goat's cheese and vegetable strudel, while dinner includes escalope of turkey saltimbocca, roast rack of lamb and seared tuna steak.
The menus were devised with the help of Michelin- starred consultant chef Ian McAndrew and were officially launched on the 10am service from Norwich to London Liverpool Street.
Customer-services director Andrew MacPherson said: “A meal in our dining cars while the beautiful scenery of the region passes by is a relaxing and satisfying way to spend a journey and really sets you up for the day ahead or helps you wind down on the way home.”
Four dinner menus and two lunch and dessert menus will change on a weekly basis.
The buffet range and trolley service remain the same.
Prices range from £9.95 for a continental breakfast to £5.95 for a main lunch course, with starters at dinner priced between £3.50 and £4.95, and main courses from £9.95.
'One' spokesman Peter Meades said: “It isn't as expensive as people might think to eat on the train.
“Everyone from first-class passengers to standard-class ticket-holders can enjoy a meal and the prices are comparable with a good-quality restaurant, which is what we believe we provide.
“The idea behind banning mobiles and laptops from the restaurants is along the same lines.
“You wouldn't expect people to use them if you were in a normal restaurant, and that is the environment we are trying to create.”
The menu is available on a selection of services from Norwich to London Liverpool Street and back again when the full restaurant car is available – mostly during breakfast, lunch and dinner times.
From December 12, the early Yarmouth to London service at 6.22am will also offer a full restaurant facility.
Mr Meades added: “Virtually every service we run between London and Norwich has a buffet car serving light refreshments, and every one will have a trolley.”
Central Trains and WAGN franchises to end in 2006
October 19th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
The Central Trains franchise agreement, which ends in 2006, will not be readvertised. Its routes will instead be readvertised, with the Norwich to Liverpool service likely to go to Virgin Cross-Country.
Virgin has recently introduced Pendolino tilting trains on the West Coast route, with most of the remainder of their Cross Country services being operated by Voyager units such as the unit shown above (photograph by John Lewis), which may soon become a common site at Norwich.
The second local franchise to be abolished will be the Great Northern service presently operated by WAGN. This includes the King's Lynn to King's Cross service, which will be transferred to Thameslink.
The reductions are a part of a plan to reduce the number of rail franchises.
Commenting on the statement today by Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, on the future of the current rail franchises, Central Trains Managing Director, Nick Brown said,
“We welcome the statement today, which brings to an end recent speculation about the future of rail franchises.
“Whilst it is of course disappointing to learn that the current Central Trains franchise will in effect be subject to a merger into other rail franchises from 2006, we now have a concrete base on which to plan and work for the future.
Village auction
October 17th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
The acuction for items from the closed "Village" at Fleggburgh has been concluded, with the narrow gauge railway and track being sold for roughly £25,000.
The fate of other railway items on site remains uncertain.
Wandering 1500 to Dereham?
October 5th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
Substance has now been given to the long-standing rumours that the steam service between Dereham and Wymondham may be launched by North Norfolk Railway-based B12 no. 61572.
61572 was a regular visitor to the Dereham line during the British Railways years, and photographs of her hauling the North Elmham milk train are displayed in the MNR's bar coach.
A statement from the MNR has indicated thay officials of the two lines are discussing a loan agreement for the ex-LNER 4-6-0.
Signal box arrives at Hardingham
September 25th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
The former Snettisham signal box was delivered to the private Hardingham station today. Passengers on the Mid-Norfolk Railways DMU services were among the first to see the cabin after delivery.
Although the locking room was suffering from rot and will have to be substantially rebuilt before the cabin can be restored to its original height, the box already looks impressive sitting beside the award winning station.
The original signal box was dismantled after the line closed to passengers, and was rebuilt as a number of sheds in the station house smallholding.
One improves services - or does it?
September 22nd 2004, Norfolk By Rail
While the West Coast Main Line has been celebrating record breaking speeds and looks forward to a faster and improved service, users of the Great Eastern Main Line have had less to celebrate.
Although One has stated that additional trains will now run between Norwich and London Liverpool Street, it appears that the service is being downgraded. Additional stops are being made at London suburban halts, increasing the journey time by about 15 minutes.
North Norfolk extends
September 17th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway has been given approval to extend towards Cromer - although only slightly!
The local council and the Railway Inspectorate have agreed plans to extend the lines run round loop and head shunt onto part of Ottendorf Green. This will allow the line to operate 6 coach trains.
This also, of course, lessens the gap between the NNR and the national network.
New liveries in Mid Norfolk
September 14th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
With the coaching stock slowly being repainted in either maroon or blue/grey livery, the MNR diesel gala was the first public showing for the latest locomotive liveries.
50019 has now returned to the ever popular large logo blue, while 31235 is in what appears to be a "Stratford Special" livery - rail blue, large numerals and full yellow cabs with a large silver set of BR arrows on each cab side!
The line is also celebrating the safe arrival of its second Class 101 centre car, number 59389, formerly part of celebrity green liveried unit "Daisy".
Local line closes
September 12th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
Along with the rest of the attraction, the narrow gauge railway at "The Village", Fleggburgh, closed today.
Apart from the large non-railway collections, narrow gauge equipment, spandrels from the demolished Yarmouth Beach station, a restored signal cabin, large amounts of signalling and signage, a standard gauge early Fowler 0-4-0 diesel and a 44 seater Swedish railcar formerly at the Nene Valley Railway will all need to find new homes before the site is cleared for housing.
An auction is due to be held at the site next month.
Just One more problem...
May 31st 2004, Norfolk By Rail
The Office of Fair Trading have finally noticed that the take-over of the Greater Anglia franchise by National Express has resulted in a virtual monopoly on many medium to long distance routes.
Their findings should be made available by early November.
On a brighter note, One have stated that they do not intend to abolish open seating on their trains, but will retain a mix of both open and airline seating.
Is One falling from grace?
May 26th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
After recent complaints about hikes in fares, although these have not affected Norfolk, reduction in services from Acle station and, of course, the confusion caused by their choice of name, train operator One seems set to clash with local rail users over the standard of its proposed service between Norwich and London.
One have announced that they intend to abolish the popular open seating arrangement in third class (four seats around a table) in favour of airline style seating. This allows them to increase capacity to 80 seats per carriage - and probably, therefore, save money by being able to lease less rolling stock.
The Norfolk and Norwich Transport Action Group have raised their concerns over this development in the local newspaper. Their spokesman, John Peacock, stated that this would be a "serious blow to both passenger comfort and convenience and will reduce the attractiveness of local rail travel.
This seating plan is already common in several types of multiple unit, where passengers frequently complain about the lack of leg-room and claustrophobic atmosphere created.
One hopes that One will realise the error of One's plan.
Kimberley Park makes five.
May 24th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
The Mid-Norfolk Railway has completed its restoration of Kimberley Park station and an opening ceremony was held on 22nd May. Sadly, however, paperwork problems mean that, although the station has passed inspection by the HMRI, service trains cannot stop there just yet.
Steam returns to the Yaxham Light Railway.
May 23rd 2004, Norfolk By Rail
A private birthday party saw the first passenger trains to be operated by new resident 0-4-0 saddle tank,"Kidbrooke", formerly at Haddenham in Cambridgeshire.
Delighting guests, as well as staff and passengers on the neighbouring Mid-Norfolk Railway, this large locomotive looks set to be a major attraction for the line.
The other two resident steam locomotives, quarry Hunslet "Elin" and freelance tram engine "Coffee Pot" are presently under restoration.
"Cromwell" heads north.
May 22nd 2004, Norfolk By Rail
70013 "Oliver Cromwell" has left the Bressingham Steam Museum, heading back to the National Railway Museum in York. This is the first part of her journey back to operational condition.
She will be replaced at Bressingham by "Green Arrow" which is in the final stage of her possible last ever period of operation.
"One" for all?
April 1st 2004, Norfolk By Rail
Anglia, First Great Eastern and West Anglia Great Northern services operating out of London Liverpool Street all became part of National Express' new One.Railway franchise today, with Kings Cross WAGN services going to a new Great Northern Franchise, also run by National Express.
The slightly less than exciting name chosen by National Express, and the interesting "rainbow on a grey sky" livery may have felt rather like an April Fools joke - but the stated aims of the company seem to suggest better times ahead for the often-neglected Anglia Region.
Anglia Railways set the trend for developing local rail lines. "One" has a reputation to follow.
First Mk1 passenger coach arrives on Mid-Norfolk
March 18th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
Privately-owned maroon liveried Mk1 CK E25189 has been delivered to the MNR at Dereham. Although several Mk1s have been based on the line, this is the first one in passenger carrying condition - the rest being stores and support coaches.
Previously in use on the Great Central and Battlefield lines, the coach is expected to make an early entry to service on the vacuum braked set.
This is the second coach to arrive this month, with air braked Mk2 SO 5525 also being a recent arrival. Once restored, this coach will form part of an air-braked set. Since arrival 5525 has been given a quick clean and a successful brake test.
Latest preserved Class 31 makes successful run on NNR
March 12th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
D5631 is reported as having made a successful run between Sheringham and Holt showing that, despite it's cosmetic condition awarding the pet-name of "Rust Bucket" it is in sound mechanical condition.
A tongue-in-cheek comment from the NNR's manager, posted on the line's web site, stated: "Finally, I must pay a special tribute to the doubters, moaners and downright miserable, for, without their constant prattling, sarcasm and inability to seek the facts, the motivation to restore this locomotive wouldn't be at 110% as it is. Keep up the good work chaps! Without you we won't get all the holes in the bodywork finished before the summer's out!"
Local lines to be downgraded to improve services?
March 8th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
The Strategic Rail Authorities "A consultation paper on a strategy for Community Railways", released in February 2004, proposes a radical re-think of the way rail company's think about and operate their secondary lines.
The document, which draws heavily on the success of the heritage railway movement, proposes a variety of measures which could be employed to safeguard lines with a running speed of less than 75mph, and includes provision for micro-franchising and increased links with heritage railways.
"Heritage" DMUs, such as the Class 101s recently withdrawn by Angel, could make a return onto these routes due to their popular appeal with travellers, along with light rail style people movers. It is also considered that Pacer units could be cascaded onto these routes - finally working over the lines they were designed for!
In Norfolk the Sheringham, Lowestoft and Yarmouth and East Suffolk lines are listed as under considration for inclusion in this plan. One obvious ommission is the independent Mid-Norfolk Railway, which would provide a low cost "tester" for the concept, already has experience of working with mainline TOCs and has suitable rolling stock - both Class 101 DMUs and a 141 Pacer unit.
These plans seem to make considerable sense and it is hoped that they will signal a more positive attitude towards rural routes.
The train now departing...
February 2nd 2004, Norfolk By Rail
Stock, including "Bubble Car" 55006, is due to depart the Mid-Norfolk Railway over the next few weeks.
The railway has recently been making great efforts to improve the standard of the product which it offers to the public, with a major refurbishment of Dereham station in hand, the upgrade and planned reopening of Kimberley Park station, searching out new coaching stock and the restoration of existing vehicles.
Bubble Car 55006, which has been out of traffic with minor faults, is due to leave the railway to start a new career on the Wyvern Line. Also leaving will be the partially restored Class 117/108 power-twin set and a number of semi-restored support vehicles.
Although resident for a couple of years, the 117 DMBS has never been used on MNR trains. The 108 DMS was previoulsy used with a 108 DTS, running in as-withdrawn Network South East condition. This set has not been used for about 11 months, during which time a contractor was called in to give the trailer car a cosmetic repaint in BR blue.
It has been suggested that a buyer for the derelict Class 119 DMBS, owned by the same individual, has been found - but an advert for this vehicle remains on the Railcar web site. Nothing is known of the future fate of the unique Class 111 buffet.
The Class 117 DMS, owned by a different group, has now been fully stripped, with only the body shell left awaiting demolition. The condition of this vehicle was such that restoration for any use was felt unviable.
Meanwhile, restoration work on the Scottish Class 101 continues. It is hoped that this vehicle will enter service early next season.
On the North Norfolk Railway the LNWR Directors Saloon, formerly used as the station buffet at Sheringham, has now departed. A number of non-East Anglian wagons have also left the line as they continue to concentrate their focus on East Anglian railway items.
Both lines should be congratulated on their efforts to develop high standards of public image and to build on their individual identities.
Standard gauge winter works
January 18th 2004, Norfolk By Rail
Half way through the winter "closed" season, work has been progressing on both the North Norfolk and Mid-Norfolk Railways.
Starting off with the North Norfolk, at Holt the new station now looks well on the way to completion, with windows in, doors up, fresh paint applied and even a roaring fire in the grate! Foundations for the new platform have been cast, and the first three coach lengths shoud be in use later this season. The new crossover is also well advanced.
At Weybourne a section of the yard has been lifted to allow work to start on the extension to the works and running sheds. The skilled engineers have also produced a working replica of an M&GN water column for use at Sheringham station.
The conversion of one car of the North Norfolk Railway's Class 101 DMU to a facsimile of a Lightweight unit has seen one car almost completely "unrefurbished". It is already evident that, once completed, this restoration will be to an almost unprecedented standard.
The restoration of the NNR's Mk1 kitchen car is also well underway, with much of the exterior sheeting replaced and a new floor fitted.
On the Mid-Norfolk, the contractors have completed the roof repairs to Dereham station, including the renovation of the canopy. The main car park has also been surfaced.
Major vegetation clearance work has been undertaken in the Dereham town area, with the formation now clearly showing its twin track heritage.
The stripping of the Class 117 DMS in Dereham yard has now been completed, with the body being due for demolition later this month.
National Express wins Greater Anglia franchise
December 22nd 2003, Norfolk By Rail
In what many will see as a surprising move, the Greater Anglia franchise has been awarded to National Express, parent group of Central Trains.
Many observers will be surprised that Central Trains' history of disinterest in the Anglia region (closing maintenance facilities at Norwich and cutting back stops at rural stations), coupled to frequently dirty and late trains has beaten Anglia Railways - who have an established history of developing local services and investing in the region. It is unsure whether the take-over of Anglia Railways by disqualified bidder First Group may have had an effect on this decision.
What the future will bring for the region's railways is now, perhaps, a considerable cause for concern. This web site, for one, will watch to see whether National Express continue the good work started by Anglia Railways or revert to the decay, cutbacks and closures of the BR era.
Freight train derails at Wymondham
December 16th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
A sugarstone train bound for Trowse derailed at Wymondham South Junction today whilst being reversed from the down to up lines, blocking the line in both directions.
The seventh wagon in the consist appeared to have derailed on the points, and was left completely off the running line. Freightliner locomotive 66611 was not damaged in the incident, and was later used to help with recovery operations.
Two Network Rail and EWS road rail vehicles were on site, and the derailed wagon was being rerailed at 2000hrs. There was obvious damage to the up line.
Although a replacement bus service was in operation there was no evident signage or staff present at Wymondham station to explain the situation to would-be passengers, some of whom were left sitting on the platform while the replacement bus was turning in the car park!
Railmen on site felt it unlikely that normal services would be resumed tomorrow. (17.12 - This was not, in fact, proven the case and all services were reported as running as normal by 0700 on Wednesday)
Anglia Raliways at Dereham
December 3rd 2003, Norfolk By Rail
Dereham residents might have been surprised to see a modern Class 153 single car diesel unit running over the Mid-Norfolk Railway over the last couple of days.
Usually used to operate local branch services for Anglia Railways, unit number 153326 was running low adhesion training exercises over the line - for which a temporary 40 mph speed limit was in place.
The unit ran ECS from Crown Point to Dereham on Monday departing Crown Point depot at 1150 stopping on Danemoor Bank to set out the marker boards & cones which indicate the area to be sprayed and a "virtual station" is created for braking and this is where the drivers can practice their skills in stopping.
The training took place on Tuesday & Wednesday, with the class 153 unit stabling at Dereham overnight Monday and Tuesday, returning to Norwich on Wednesday after the training session as an ECS running 1545 Hardingham to Crown Point.
The run was successful and around half a dozen new drivers benefited from the training.
Late night for MNR workers
October 28th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
During strong winds a large branch fell from a tree onto the private drive to County School station. Although this was only reported to Dereham station at 10pm, as this is also the access road for local residents the railway was able to send a team of volunteers to clear the blockage, with the road re-opened by 3 o'clock in the morning. Norfolk by Rail imagines that the volunteers were glad of the extra hour in bed!
"County School" leaves MNR
October 23rd 2003, Norfolk By Rail
Ruston 0-4-0 diesel shunter "County School" has left the Mid-Norfolk Railway on the back of a low loader. The seldom-used pilot was believed to be due to either be returned to its home depot in Hardingham yard or be sent out to Bressingham Steam Museum.
This was the first locomotive to be based on the line, arriving in 1983, but low weight, low power and the lack of automatic braking meant that it had not been used for a number of years.
Latest DMU arrives at Dereham
October 1st 2003, Norfolk By Rail
The DMS(L) of Class 101 DMU set 101695, the third such unit to be preserved in the county, has arrived safely at Dereham station.
The Strathclyde liveried unit appears to be in excellent external condition and it is hoped that it will make an early return to service on the line. The DMBS vehicle is due to arrive at the site tomorrow.
A three-car set is already in use on the MNR and a DMBS+DTS(L) set is in use on the nearby North Norfolk Railway.
Battle of Britain at Sheringham
October 1st 2003, Norfolk By Rail
Southern Railway 4-6-2 locomotive "92 Squadron" will probably be visiting the North Norfolk Railway next season between August and October 2004.
This will be the first visit of a Pacific locomotive to the heritage line.
Opposition to Southwold revival reaches neo-Victorian levels!
September 18th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
When the Victorians built our railways people made amazing claims about the damage that railways would cause - many becoming sources of great amusement to today's enthusiasts and historians. Amazingly, however, plans to revive the three foot Southwold Railway have resulted in similar, near hysterical claims being made about the damage the rebuilding of the line would cause.
Geoffrey Munn, an antiques expert on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow, has become the figurehead for a very vocal group which opposes any restoration of the line, claiming that the line would "wreck precious marshes between Halesworth and Southwold" and declaring that it would never be economically viable - just because the original line went out of business in 1929!
The group also claims that a level crossing beside Mights Bridge would block "the only road into and out of our town up to 26 times a day."
After delivering about 1,500 leaflets making their case, the anti-rail lobby group managed to attract roughly 200 people to a public demonstration against the line - and have declared that they have unanimous support for their anti-rail stance.
A visit to the main Southwold town site today (not that of the Railway Society) revealed, however, that 75% of people replying to a poll on the railway were in favour of its restoration.
Since the anti-rail lobby has been openly supported by Eastern Counties Newspapers in a damning editorial in the regional paper, the Eastern Daily Press, one wonders how the railway revivalists can expect to gain fair representation or demonstrate the erronious nature of many of Mr Munn's claims.
The three-foot gauge line was as notorious for it's "irregular" service as the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway was for it's standards of excellence. Despite having closed in 1929, interest in the line has always remained high and there have been frequent, although low-key, mutterings about reviving the route as a tourist line.
Unfortunately for the revivalists, the nature of Southwold has changed considerably over the years, with an influx of affluent people with little regard or interest in the history of the town. It seems sadly unlikely that local interest and history will ever manage to conquer London money.
New carriage group formed
September 14th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
The Mid-Norfolk Carriage Group has been formed in order to help the Mid-Norfolk Railway raise £10,000 towards restoring and expanding its 1960s coaching fleet.
The group aims to find 20 people willing to donate £500 each towards the coach fund, as well as people willing to volunteer their time to work on the railway's fleet, purchase or donate tools and obtain spare parts.
At present the railway operates a vaccum-braked rake of Mk2 coaches. The plan is that these coaches will be restored in 1960s maroon livery, while a second rake of air-braked Mk2s will be developed - probably to be restored to late 1960s blue/grey livery.
An appeal page is located at http:\\www.midnorfolkcoach.co.uk
Record season for railway
September 13th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
The private Barton House Railway at Wroxham is celebrating both it's 40th anniversary and a record season, having operated 3,000 journeys.
The anniversary celebrations will continue on Sunday 21st September, between 2.30 and 5.30pm, when there will be an opening ceremony for a museum of memorabilia collected by Peter Bower, mostly from the former M&GNJR. On the evening of 27th September the railway plans to operate using authentic oil lamps. This event will start at 7pm.
Southwold anti-rail lobby kicks off
September 13th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
Since the proposals to restore the 3 foot gauge Southwold Railway were released last month, the plan has been firmly in the sites of a local anti-rail group.
Around 1,500 leaflets were delivered to local people claiming that the scheme would damage the environment and turn Southwold into a "theme park".
National Express step up campaign for Greater Anglia Franchise
September 1st 2003, Norfolk By Rail
Norfolk media and passenger groups have been shown what National Express main-line trains could look like if they are awarded the Greater Anglia franchise.
National Express, one of the three remaining bidders, arranged for EWS 56038 to bring two carriages from Derby to Norwich station on August 27 for inspection.
Turned out in Midland Mainline’s new ‘ocean blue with silver grey and white’ livery, trailer cars nos. 41111 and 42331 are examples of the refurbished HST fleet now in daily use on St Pancras - Manchester services.
Unfortunately the train arrived two hours late.
North Norfolk DMU arrives and is prepared for service
August 8th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway has taken delivery of its Class 101 DMU, which will replace the Class 117 previously used on the line. DMBS 51228 and DTSL 54062, formerly set 681, were noted to be in excellent condition and were on battery charge at Weybourne alost as soon as they had arrived.
The railway intends to restore the unit to as-built condition, including restoring most of the features lost during refurbishment. Norfolk by Rail hope that consideration will also be given to fitting the unit with tablet catcher equipment, as carried by some early members of the class intended to operate the M&GN network.
Southwold railway revival?
August 2003, Norfolk By Rail
An ambitious scheme to revive the 3 foot gauge Southwold Railway has been put forward by the Southwold Railway Society.
The proposed line would follow the course of the old line from Halesworth to Blythburgh and tunnel under the A145 and A12. The eastern section would run north of the old trackbed, and terminate on Southwold sea front beside the boating lake. Oil-fired steam locomotives would be near-replicas of the originals. Passenger stock, too, would resemble the original tramcar-type vehicles.
Although Halesworth Town Council has given the scheme its support in principle, Southwold Coucil, which opposed the previous attempt to revive a section of the line, is refusing to do so until it has studied the scheme in greater detail.
Details of the project can be obtained from the Society’s chairman, Mr J Bennett, 1 Barnaby Green, Southwold IP18 6AP.
All change on Norfolk standard gauge lines
May 8th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
The Stratford 47 Group have announced that their second locomotive, electric train supply fitted number 47596 "Aldeburgh Festival" will be based at the Mid-Norfolk Railway, joining the line's class 20, three class 31s and class 50 "Ramillies".
The group are also the owners of 47367 "Kenny Cockbird", named in 1992 in honour of Stratford depot and now based on the North Norfolk Railway.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway is also planning to clear it's site of unrestored stock, with a Class 117 DMS, Class 119 DMBS and a Mk1 full brake almost certain to be scrapped, and the unique Class 111 buffet car likely to be leaving the site for restoration elsewhere.
The North Norfolk Railway has purchased a rather derelict Mk1 RBR to bolster their on-train catering services and take the pressure off their Gresley buffet coach. Despite being cosmetically in very rough condition, the NNR believes that the carriage can be quickly brought into use.
The forward-looking line has been building a considerable stock of stored coaches, many of which are stored at Holt station, where the siding has had to be extended to allow for development work on the new station to take place.
The line has also completed a deal to bring a class 101 DMU to the branch, which will replace the class 117 unit used until recently. It is understood that this privately-owned unit has now been sold and will be leaving the Poppy Line shortly.
Another departure will be the class 27, number 27066, which is heading to pastures new on the Dean Forest Railway. Work on the locomotive seems to have been started even before it has departed from Weybourne!
The line's locomotive policy also spells the impending end of the NNR careers of two Austerity tank locomotives and the resident Class 25 diesel electric. The line has adopted a one in, one out policy and is directing itself towards a stable of pure East Anglian stock. Details of this policy can be found on the NNR web site.
"New" signal box arrives at Dereham
April 10th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
The Mid-Norfolk Railway has taken delivery of the former Laundry Lane signal box from Lowestoft.
Owned by a member of the MNRPT, the 'box was abolished in 1970, and was previously on display at the East Anglian Transport Museum at Carlton Colville. It now sits close to the site of the extant Dereham North box (now on a private site in Mattishall) and is intended to serve as a gate 'box for Norwich Road level crossing.
New stock for Norfolk lines
February 9th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway has been celebrating the arrival of 47367, which was successfully delivered to the railway on Saturday. The owning group, the Stratford Class 47 Group, spent most of the weekend cleaning and inspecting their new charge.
Once restored to operational condition, and re-fitted with vacuum brake equipment, the locomotive is due to be restored to two-tone green livery.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway are also happy to report the delivery of Shark ballast brake van number DB993717, which was also delivered on Saturday. This van will be used with the line's resident fleet of ballast hoppers, and should also feature on an engineers special to be run during the MNR diesel weekend.
47367 en-route for Norfolk
February 6th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
47367, now owned by the Stratford Class 47 Group, has been seen heading towards it's new home on the North Norfolk Railway.
After the serious weather conditions of last week, which are believed to have delayed the engines arrival on the line, the Brush Type 4 - soon to be the largest locomotive based on the Poppy Line - spent Thursday night parked in the same lay-bay at Wisbech previoulsy occupied by 31530.
The air braked goods locomotive will require vaccum brake gear to be restored before it can work over the tourist line.
Photographs of the engine will be added to this site over the weekend (Yahoo Groups page).
Military Move May Help Railway
January 21st 2003, Eastern Daily Press
New life will be breathed into a disused Norfolk railway if a scheme unveiled yesterday is given the green light.
Officials at the Mid-Norfolk railway (MNR) have long held ambitions to operate trains northwards from Dereham to North Elmham.
Now talks between the MNR and the Defence Rail Executive could make the dream a reality. They are discussing plans to create a loading and unloading facility at Worthing for use by troops from the nearby Robertson Barracks, Swanton Morley.
If the facility went ahead, it would mean the end of movements by tanks and tank transporters on the narrow roads between Swanton Morley and Dereham.
Chris Pearson, operations manager for the MNR, said the possibility of the railhead was being explored after the Swanton Morley-based Light Dragoons submitted a bid for the facility to the Defence Rail Executive.
"As a result of this, the Army has detailed a specialist engineering unit to carry out a feasability study on the proposed site," he said.
"The proposed site is just on the southern side of the Worthing crossing and a mile and a half south of North Elmham. The proposed facilities would include a rail siding and hardstanding with loading and unloading facilities and improved road access to the site."
Railway spokesman Pete Eldridge said: "If Army traffic comes through again it would mean the cost for maintaining our access to the main line would be covered by them, which is good news for us. It would also mean there wouldn't be so many large lorries or tanks on the roads."
John Carrick, Breckland councillor for the Swanton Morley area, said: "Residents who live on the road through Swanton Morley will be mightily relieved that they won't be disturbed in the middle of the night with these vehicles trundling through the village."
And Robin Goreham, a Dereham town and district councillor, said: "I have been contacted by some residents who have been concerned about being woken up in the middle of the night by trucks and tanks. This would be a sensible way forward."
31538 no more!
January 4th 2003, Norfolk By Rail
After being used for yard shunting work, the opportunity was taken to test the ETS (electric train supply (heating)) on 31538. The locomotive performed this task without any problems and has therefore returned to it's passenger designation as a 31/4. Despite thsi fact, the locomotive will return to service on the MNR as 31538, allowing enthusiasts a chance to "pencil it into their books".
Small amounts of fine-tuning and cosmetic work remain to be completed on 31438 before the locomotive will be signed back into traffic. Attention will then turn towards sister locomotive 31530 "Sister Dora", recently the subject of incorrect reporting in "Rail Magazine".
Vandals wreck railway's celebrations
December 26th 2002, Eastern Daily Press
Christmas delight at £40,000 of new funding for the Mid Norfolk Railway (MNR) has been marred by vandalism at Dereham station.
Volunteers were given a festive boost by a grant from the East of England Development Agency, which will fund work on the former crossing keeper's house on Yaxham Road and other work at the station.
But the MNR suffered a blow on Christmas Eve when members discovered potentially thousands of pounds-worth of damage by vandals who sprayed paint on coaches, and engine and security cameras.
The incident happened between about 9pm on Monday and 9am on Christmas Eve.
The graffiti could mean paintwork will have to be redone and windows might have to be replaced.
MNR traffic manager Chris Pearson said that the rail coaches were painted with special industry paint, which was very expensive.
More modern traction for Norfolk
December 9th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
31530 "Sister Dora" is the latest class 31 to enter the list of preserved traction based in the county. 31530, formerly 31430, 31265 and D5695, has been delivered to the Mid-Norfolk Railway, where it will join resident 31235, 31538, 20069 and 50019. The picture shows 31530 stabled in a layby near Wisbech on Saturday 7th December.
It is also reported that non-ETS fitted "Brush Type 4" 47367 has been purchased by the "Stratford Class 47 Group" for use on the North Norfolk Railway. Further details will be posted once delivery has taken place.
The promised rail services that have not happened
November 26th 2002, Bill Woolnough, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
I was interested to read that 500 people from London visited Dereham by train recently (EDP, November 25).
How was this possible? Ten years ago we were told that commuter trains would run to Norwich, and connect with mainline services at Wymondham. These were the proposed services that underpinned the provision of public money to reopen the line, and it has never happened.
To rub salt in the wound it seems that after two hours in Dereham the visitors travelled onwards to Norwich. To the best of my knowledge this is the first train to connect Dereham to Norwich since Beeching closed the line.
The MNR now seems to be heading the other way by forcing a way through to the County School in North Elmham. This would be laudable and understandable if the Dereham to Wymondham connection had already been made. As it has not, we must ask if the services promised in the early 90s will ever happen.
NBR Comment:
Anyone with local knowledge would be able to point out the flaws in this argument. The Mid-Norfolk Railway is still working towards the aim of restoring community services between Dereham and the mainline. Three years ago they restored the line between Dereham and Wymondham to operational condition, and a limited service has been operated since this time.
Since the passenger service was withdrawn by the British Railways Board several specials and charters have been operated over the line. Details of these can be found in the Archive section of Norfolk rail News. This writer has personally completed a journey from Milton Keynes to Dereham, using only scheduled train services.
The restoration of the line towards County School is part of the ongoing restoration of the line, and the revenue from tourist trains over this section will eventually help to support local services towards Norwich. Perhaps Mr Woolnough should have visited the railway and made some enquiries before committing himself to print?
Another charter success for Mid-Norfolk
November 23rd 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The Hertfordshire Railtours excursion to Dereham, Southern Region Mk1 stock topped and tailed by a Virgin liveried class 47 and a class 66, completed it's run over the branch today.
Photographs of this event will be added to the gallery later this month.
Training on the trains for students in scheme
November 4th 2002, Cat Bartman, Eastern Daily Press
Students from Wymondham College are taking part in a new training scheme to promote engineering as a career.
Anglia Railways has teamed up with train builders Bombardier Transportation to become the school's industry mentor in the project, run by the Royal College of Engineering.
Called "Engineering in Education", it is designed to give young people experience of real working environments.
More than 20 pupils applied to take part, with nine shortlisted by the two companies.
The four Year 12 students finally chosen - Beth Riley, Victoria Evans, Robert Watts and Ben Ferrar - will work on a project looking at how disabled facilities on trains can be improved.
They will design and build a moving platform to help wheelchair users by transporting their chairs from platforms into the window seats of trains, without having to move it in the confined space of a train carriage.
On Tuesday, the four made their first visit to Anglia Railways' Crown Point maintenance depot in Norwich for health and safety training, a tour and a trip on a Class 170 train, the type used on the Norwich to Cambridge route.
In January, the four will go to De Montford University in Leicester for three days to assemble their design and they will submit their report to a panel of judges in April.
Anglia Railways spokesman Peter Meades said both companies were pleased to be supporting the project.
"It offers te students a chance to learn more about rolling stock design design and it is hoped their own idea could offer further solutions for the industry," Mr Meades said.
"We hope they will find it interesting and, who knows, perhaps they will consider the rail industry when thinking about career options in the future."
The students are among 19 sixth-form teams taking part in similar projects across East Anglia.
Station bought for £1.00
October 31st 2002, Norfolk By Rail
Breckland District Council have agreed to sell County School station, north of North Elmham, to the Mid-Norfolk Railway for the nominal sum of £1.
The station, which has been restored to 1937 condition and has been operated by the Mid-Norfolk Railway for several years now faces a secure future as part of a 17.5 mile long heritage railway operation.
Storms cause rail chaos
October 31st 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The high winds experienced by much of the country on Sunday 27th October had a serious effect on rail services throughout the region.
As the national network ground to a halt, only local heritage lines appeared able to battle on and provide a service.
The main Norwich to London line was gradually reopened over the following three days, with the Norwich to Sheringham line remaining closed north of North Walsham until today (Thursday 31st October).
Despite losing sections of zinc sheet from Dereham station's canopy, the Mid Norfolk Railway operated an emergency service through the height of the storm, with volunteers armed with saws and loppers travelling on board. Eight trees had to be cleared in order for the first train to reach Wymondham Abbey, doubling the journey time. Failing light and the risk of further blockages on the line meant that the last service of the day had to be cancelled.
First run for MNR Pacer
October 23th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The Mid-Norfolk Railway's resident class 141 Pacer unit made it's public debut today, operating the scheduled services between Dereham and Wymondham.
Despite problems with the heating system, the unit performed well and drew considerable interest, as well as positive comment, from passengers and staff. Some enthusiasts had even travelled down from Yorkshire to relive the 141 experience!
The unit is next booked to operate services on Saturday 26th October.
Class 153 "Sprinter" to visit MNR
October 29th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
An Anglia Railways single-car Sprinter unit (class 153) is due to visit the Mid-Norfolk Railway for a two-week driver training course.
The 153 units were originally built as 2-car class 155 "Super Sprinter" units by Leyland Buses in 1987-88, but were later converted into single car units by Barclay of Kilmarnock. Each unit is fitted with a 285 hp Cummins NT855R5 diesel engine, and is capable of a top speed of 75mph - although a lower speed limit (believed to be 40mph) will be observed when working over the Mid-Norfolk line.
£1,061,000 cash awards to local railways
October 16th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
Volunteers and members of the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust are celebrating the award of more than half a million pounds towards the restoration of Dereham's railway station.
Most of the money comes from the European Union's Objective Two scheme - although around £35,000 has come from the railway's bond issue.
Plans include creating an authentic ticket office and buffet and bringing platform 1 back into use through the construction of a new footbridge. The goods shed will also be refurbished and given a new lease of life.
The railway has stated that the award will help pave the way for the reintroduction of steam to the line by 2005.
The North Norfolk Railway is also celebrating, having been granted an award of £471,000 to improve Weybourne Station and Yard and to make infrastructural improvements at Holt including the reconstruction of an M&GN 'goods shed' and the provision of watering facilities.
£50,000 signal-box museum appeal launch
October 6th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
A £50,000 appeal has been launched, aiming to save the redundant signalbox at Wroxham.
Situated between the stations on the mainline and the Bure Valley Railway, the 'box was abolished during the £12 million signalling upgrade which took place in 2000. Although the 'box has been listed for it's historic value, it presently fouls one of the new signals and will need to be moved six metres further away from the running line - at a cost of £60,000.
This is one of only three surviving boxes on the line. Cromer Beach 'box has already been preserved as a future museum venue, Worstead 'box survives in it's original location as a garden shed. The platform mounted 'box at North Walsham was demolished - despite it's obvious potential as a passenger shelter and several local schemes to preserve it.
Members of the Barton House miniature railway have formed a trust to save the 'box. Donations can be made into their bank account, held with the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society at Wroxham, account number 97879212.
Norfolk County Council Re Launch Passenger Rail Strategy
September 26th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The County Council are working with West Anlia Great Northern and Anglia Railways to secure Rail Passenger Partnership funding for improvements to station car parks at Downham Market and Watlington in conjunction with the Borough Council and the Fen Line Users Group. At Brundall, Reedham and Acle the Council are working with Anglia Railways to improve these locations.
The Council has invested over £200,000 in improvements at Norfolk stations this year.
The County Council has re-issued it's Passenger Rail Strategy to take into account the re-franchising process for The Greater Anglia Rail franchise. Copies of this full colour pictorial booklet are available from:
Norfolk County Council
Planning & Transportation Dept
3rd Floor Reception
County Hall
NORWICH
NR1 2SG
Lottery money saves NNR Quad Set
September 25th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway Society are celebrating a £341,000 Heritage Lottery grant towards the restoration of now-unique LNER Gresley quad-articulated set number 74.
Originally built to provide high-density stock for London commuters in the 1920s, set number 74 was saved from scrapping at King's of Wymondham in 1965. It was used in the early days of the North Horfolk Railway's operation, usually with a M&GN liveried Peckett 0-6-0 saddle tank. Sadly the stock quickly fell into dereliction, and has spent most of its preserved life stored in sidings.
At present the set presents a very poor image - peeling paint, broken windows, missing body panels and doors held shut with string - but this grant should help fast track their restoration to as-built varnished teak condition.
The M&GNJRS needs to raise an additional £100,000 to reach the final cost of restoration and they are looking for people interested in sponsoring a compartment (£1,000) or a door (£500) - with benefactors having their name added to a plaque in recognition of their donation.
A gallery showing set 74 will be added this weekend.
Mid-Norfolk Railway tamper visit
August 8th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The tamper arrived on the line on August 6th and was seen in operation withing Dereham station limits. Further work on the line was undertaken on August 8th, after which the tamper unit returned to the main line.
More photographs of this event can be found in the Galleries section.
Fires at North Norfolk
August 7th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
A steam hauled train over the North Norfolk Railway, coupled to dry weather, was to blame for a large field fire today.
Out of favour Polish TKh 0-6-0 tank locomotive "Karel" was initially found to be out of gauge for the coastal line after they had hired it for the season. Although this problem has now been cured, a volunteer on the line has previously informed Norfolk By Rail that the locomotive has a habit of starting lineside fires and is, therefore, not in favour on the line.
This fact was borne out yesterday when a passenger on one of the North Norfolk trains informed us that the TkH had started another fire while working a service between Sheringham and Holt.
40mph for Mid-Norfolk Railway
July 15th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
A Balfour Beatty tamper machine is due to visit the Mid-Norfolk Railway in early August, which will se the whole line tamped and lined for 40 mph operation.
At present time this higher speed limit will only be used for training and testing purposes - Anglia Railways have expressed an interest in using the line for low adhesion driving training in the Autumn. The railway has, however, a long-held desire to raise the speed limit over it's 11.5 miles for regular community services to be run.
Steam returns to Mid Suffolk Light Railway
July 5th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway's newly restored J15 0-6-0 locomotive ran under it's own steam today at the Brockford station base of today's MSLR.
This is the first time that a steam locomotive has been seen on the line since closure in 1952. The train also included Stephen Middleton's GER inspection saloon No 14, which ran over the MSLR in it's last days of operation under British Railways.
101 DMU returns to Norfolk
June 28th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The sole-preserved 3-car class 101 DMU set (51503, 51434 and centre car 59117) has returned to Norfolk, all three cars arriving on the Mid-Norfolk Railway over the last two days.
The unit will require little work before it can be returned to traffic, and should quickly enter service at its new home.
Converted 117 DMS (now DTS) 51386 also arrived on site today, and will also be returned to operational condition in due course.
Mid Norfolk announces 1950s style station restoration
June 7th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust have made public their plans to restore their headquarters at Dereham.
A plan for the development has been drawn up by award-winning heritage consultants Industrialogical Associates, with an overall concept that the station will revert to that of the 1950/60s era.
Platform one, isolated since the late 1960s, will be brought into use by the construction of a new footbridge. This bridge will also provide access to the goods shed, which is proposed to become a facility to demonstrate goods handling, provide a hall for Trust events and be available for hire by private parties. It is also planned to use heavy horses, kept in the exiisting railway stables on demonstration days, together with mechanical horses and period lorries to complete an educational experience.
The first phase of the development will be to provide facilities for the watering and servicing of steam locomotives.
Royal opening for Weybourne carriage works
May 7th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
On Thursday June 27th, the Earl and Countess of Wessex are scheduled to visit the North Norfolk Railway, where the NNR's new carriage works will be officially opened.
Earlier this year the North Norfolk sounded an S.O.S,, making an urgent appeal for donations to save Sheringham station from redevelopment. The line ran a highly successful high profile appeal to raise funds for the purchase of the station from their erstwhile landlords. Since this appeal closed the line has been progressimg a large number of improvements to it's facilities and stock.
Following the purchase of Sheringham station the railway has had the building fully overhauled and the canopy reglazed. Other projects include the construction of a signal box at Holt, the salvage and removal of Stalham station, to be immediately rebuilt at Holt, cylinder work to B12/3 61572, a complete overhaul of J15 65942, ongoing restoration of 0-6-0 saddle tank "Wissington", a proposed restoration of Weybourne station and canopy and a plan to double the size of the locomotive and new carriage sheds at Weybourne. The railway has also purchased new rolling stock to replace the ageing "Brighton Belle" dining cars and reportedly purchased a class 31 diesel locomotive.
Despite comments in "Steam Railway" magazine, the visit of the Earl and Countess of Wessex will not be the first time that the railway has been visited by members of the Royal Family. Several years ago Princes Harry and William made an unannounced visit to the line, travelling in one of the railways ex-King's Cross suburban coaches.
Rumours, turkeys and railways!
May 6th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
A couple of interesting rumours have begun to circulate around the county this week. The first, and potentially the most important, is that Bernard Matthews, the owner of the frozen turkey company, has purchased the former M&GN railway line between Melton Constable and Norwich - with a view to restoring it to operational use!
Sadly this does not appear to be likely. The section between Norwich City and the former Themelthorpe curve is used as part of a long distance footpath, and Mr Matthews declined interest in an offer made by British Rail, while the line was open, to move his goods by train.
A second rumour is that Easco at Lenwade scrapped an AC electric EMU coach in February. No further details are available at this time. The LUL stock in the yard is, however, stored for a private owner and has recently been sheeted over for protection.
New ideas on tourist railway
April 27th 2002, Richard Batson, Eastern Daily Press
A tourist railway plans to build new workshop sheds and restore an historic station.
North Norfolk Railway hopes to secure regeneration cash for the project which will also create jobs.
Weybourne station is the focus for the latest venture by the railway, which just completed a major rebuild of its Sheringham station roof.
Plans include doubling the length of the carriage-and-engine shed, removing portable buildings facilities, and improving the watering system for steam engines, along with a restoration of the Weybourne canopy.
General manager Geoff Gowing said the sheds were an important backroom part of the operations.
Bigger and better facilities would enable more work to be done.
The workshops already employed five people, who were helped by six to eight volunteers a day.
"We hope to create more jobs, especially apprenticeships and NVQs," said Mr Gowing.
The sheds, which would also allow engines to be safely "garaged" overnight, would cost around £400,000 and the station an estimated £200,000.
Mr Gowing said funding was being sought from European regeneration money and the East of England Development Agency, because the project would not only boost tourism facilities and preserve traditional skills but also provide employment in an area of limited opportunities, especially in engineering.
Planning consent is being sought for the scheme and funding bids could go in this summer.
Another new carriage on the Weybourne site is due to get a royal seal of approval on June 27, when the Earl and Countess of Wessex take a ride along the line.
The couple are due to stop off and unveil a plaque on the Bernard Amies shed, named after a founder member nd former chairman of the Midland and Great Northern Railway Society.
A £60,000 appeal enabled the railway to put up the building, using the skeleton of an old diesel shed from March.
Second tour from Dereham a great success
April 21st 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The 10-coach, class 47 hauled, NENTA Traintours "Dereham Portsmouth Invader" ran yesterday, taking a rake of Anglia Railways coaches into Portsmouth Harbour station.
The train attracted considerable attention, especially as it traversed the North London line, where a local resident was noted "mooning" from a flat roof, and at Portsmouth, where a lady was very interested to know details of the "strange coloured train".
The returning service was briefly delayed at Ely, as there had been an accident on a level crossing, reportedly involving a car hitting a cow. This meant that the EWS class 67, required to top and tail the train over the Mid Norfolk Railway, was unable to arrive on time. The train was not heavily delayed, however, and arrived at Dereham roughly on schedule.
A further tour, from Dereham to Bath and Bristol, is planned for August 31st.
TKh completes first passenger run on NNR
April 3rd 2002, Norfolk By Rail
Polish TKh 0-6-0 tank locomotive "Karel" made its public service debut this afternoon when it hauled the 3.30 Sheringham to Holt train, double heading with "Austerity" 0-6-0 saddle tank locomotive number 8009.
The locomotive was certainly a tight fit in the platforms. Sheringham station loop was found to be only just passable at dead-slow speeds. The platform at Holt was seen to be within 2 inches of the cylinders of this Polish monster.
The engine made light work of the 1 in 80 Kelling bank, and it's distinctive exhaust (and impressive size!) should prove popular with global-minded enthusiasts.
Class 27 returning to Scotland
April 2nd 2002, Norfolk By Rail
27066, the first mainline diesel locomotive to be preserved in the county will be returning to Scotland following its sale by the North Norfolk Railway to the Keith and Dufftown Railway.
27066 was one of the final pair of Class 27s to operate on British Rail, in Scotland, until it was purchased by the North Norfolk Railway. The locomotive was required as a standby for "high fire risk" operation, though the railway had originally planned to purchase a Class 25 as these were considered more appropriate to the line - having worked stone trains into the county.
After the opening of the Holt extension the locomotive was named "Holt Pioneer" in honour of the volunteers who had restored the section of line between Weybourne and High Kelling. With the arrival of a Class 25 and a Class 37, the locomotive had been gradually seen less and less work. With the recent purchase of a Class 31 locomotive (believed to be 31210) the NNR no longer has a requirement for the Sulzer Type 2.
The NNR will also be sending its Brighton Belle Pullman dining set along with 27066. Formerly used as part of the "East Coast Pullman", these carriages have recently been out of service due to mechanical problems. The NNR is planning a revised dining service using recently sourced Mk1 stock. It is understood that the coaches will be sent under a loan agreement.
Class 47 Gala at Dereham
March 24th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The Mid-Norfolk Railways first "diesel gala-type event" appears to have been a great success.
The line has been using resident locomotives 50019 and 31235 along with visiting Freightliner class 47 diesel 47309, despite the limitations created by the line having no passing loops or run-round facilities.
As 47309 is not equipped to operate vacuum stock the MNR had rostered one locomotive per day to operate as a brake convertor. Saturday saw resident 20069 being used as the brake conversion vehicle - though she did double head one train with '309. 31325 took on this role on the Sunday, though it too managed one run during the afternoon.
The 47, which may be placed into store next week, performed admirably over the weekend. Sadly 20069 suffered a minor electrical failure on the Sunday and, therefore, the unusual combiation of a 47/50 hauled train was seen running through the Norfolk countryside to Wymondham - with 31235 deputising for the failed 20 on the return service to Dereham.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway fitters had repaired the 20 by the time that the train returned to Dereham, and the remainder of the day went without any problems.
A set of pictures from this event can be foundhere.
More space for Holt
March 20th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway have announced that they have agreed a deal with Gresham's School of Holt to purchase a strip of land beside their Holt terminus.
This will enable a roadway between the upper and lower car parks to be upgraded - improving access to the proposed new station facilities in the reconstructed Stalham station.
First public run for MNR Pacer
March 17th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
141108 has completed its first "public" run, carrying invited guests between Dereham and Wymondham.
The guests enjoyed a smooth journey, with refreshments being served en route.
The unit should enter regular use on the railway in the near future.
Polish takeover on North Norfolk
March 16th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
Having been "rather badly let down by a prosperous, council force-fed, railway on the South Coast", the North Norfolk Railway have hired in a Tkh 0-6-0 tank locomotive from the Spa Valley Railway for the summer season.
Sadly there are loading gauge problems with this continental engine. She is likely be used on restricted duties only, as she has already demolished a ground signal and been discovered to be unable to fit into some of the line's platforms!
A Spa Valley supporter on an email news group was quoted as stating that the locomotive was known to be "a bit wide", and that the Spa Valley line had had to undertake track modifications in order to operate it.
Stalham rescue back on!
March 15th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway have been given permission to continue their salvage of Stalham station, and the immediate deadline for site clearance has been lifted.
The East of England Development Agency have awarded the railway a £20,000 grant towards the reconstruction of the station building on a new platform at Holt.
Bure Valley sacks manager
March 15th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The Bure Valley Railway have dismissed their General Manager due to financial considerations.
Paul Conibeare had been a stalwart supporter of the narrow gauge line, and his clear managerial ability and dedication to the line had won the respect of many people in the region.
The owners of the line will now share the duties formerly carried out by Mr Conibeare between themselves.
The line had had several owners, and a very chequered history, prior to Mr Conibeare being placed at the helm when the present owners bought the then financially troubled line. Since then measures have been introduced which have made the Bure Valley arguably the highest profile heritage railway in the county.
Norfolk By Rail wish Paul a happy and prosperous future, and we hope that he will remain within the heritage railway movement.
Caution on trains hope
March 14th 2002, Ian Clarke, Dereham and Fakenham Times
Fakenham councillors have urged people to be realistic about hopes for an orbital railway, which would result in trains returning to the town.
Under ambitious proposals, the rail link would include Dereham, Fakenham, Holt and the North Norfolk Railway.
During a Fakenham Town Council meeting, Janet Holdom gave members an update on a series of studies into the proposals.
She said that it would help create an integrated transport policy and said it could eventually see Fakenham linked to Cambridge by train.
Mrs Holdom said that it could benefit tourism and the environment.
But Philip Kemp said it was "hypothetical" and added: "I would not rush and buy tickets for Cambridge yet."
"There are chunks of the former line which no longer exist. They will have to find ways of replacing them or substituting them."
Mr Kemp added: "I am not trying to pour cold water but I am trying to show it is not that imminent."
He also expressed concern over a two tier pricing system for tourists and local people.
Bittern Line wins accolade
February 25th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
Ian Dinmore, the Norfolk County Council Railways' Officer, reports that on the 21st February the Norwich to Sheringham "Bittern Line" has won the HSBC Rail Business Award for the Best Integrated Transport Scheme.
One of the key initiatives recognised by the judges was the North Walsham Bitternlink Flexibus service, operated by Bluebird Travel since September 2001, which provides bus services linking a number of rural communities with the Bittern Line train service at North Walsham. Other developments include bus links at Cromer for Felbrigg Hall; at Sheringham for the coasthopper service to Kings Lynn and at Wroxham for Blickling Hall, via the Bure Valley narrow gauge railway.
Congratulations to all concerned!
Successful test run for 141108
February 23rd 2002, Norfolk By Rail
Class 141 "Pacer" unit number 141108 made an uneventful test run between Dereham and Wymondham today. This was the first run for the unit in approximately seven years.
Despite rumours and warnings to the contrary, the unit was very smooth and comfortable at line speed, and should soon enter revenue earning service on the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
Stalham Station rescue comes to a stop!
February 14th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway's efforts to rescue the derelict Stalham Station, for use at Holt, have stopped after complaints from a local councillor.
The railway was given the station in December 2001, on the strict condition that the buildings be removed by March 31st - after which the site is to be cleared for a supermarket development.
In late January, five weeks after the roof had been rmoved from the building, someone in Stalham noticed that the building was being dismantled and a local councillor complained that she had not been consulted. Norfolk County Council, the owners of the building, have therefore asked all work to stop while the situation is clarified. A meeting has been called to decide the fate of the station.
With two deadlines drawing closer (the demolition date for the building and the start of the NNR operating season), the future of this M&GN building is again in doubt. The building has been a derelict eyesore for several years, and Norfolk By Rail wonders about the motivation of the residents of Stalham who have suddenly taken an interest in it?
First Underground passenger stock on Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway
February 9th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
London Underground 1959-stock aluminium bodied coaches number 1307 and 2306 were noted in the yard of the EasCo scrapyard - formerly the concrete works terminus of the Wroxham to Lenwade freight line.
Despite having been withdrawn in January 2000, both coaches appear to be in fairly good condition, with only one smashed window noted. It is assumed that these vehicles are awaiting disposal.
They can be clearly seen from the Marriott's Way footpath, which runs beside the yard. Their year of construction is ironically the same as the closure of the M&GN network to passenger traffic.
Also present is a long-term resident Great Eastern Railway 4-wheel van from the failed Great Eastern Railway (1989) Ltd project at County School.
Costings in for Orbital Railway Project
February 6th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
The costing of the proposed restoration of the rail line between Holt on the North Norfolk Railway, and the proposed Mid-Norfolk Railway terminus at Fakenham has been announced at £35,000,000.
£30,000,000 is required to restore the line between Holt and Fakenham, with the remainder being the cost of restoring the level crossing at Sheringham.
The railway company will now be looking at options for possible Government funding through district and county councils.
First electric locomotive visits Dereham
Januay 20th 2002, Norfolk By Rail
Two months after the first steam locomotive visited the Mid-Norfolk Railway's Dereham headquarters the line has had its first ever encounter with an electric locomotive.
86252, an HSBC Rail class 86/2 loco formerly on lease to Anglia Railways, caught fire while running between London Liverpool Street and Norwich. The damage that the locomotive sustained in the fire has seen it withdrawn from service. The engine arrived at Dereham at 1.00pm, for onward road transportation.
The Doncaster Works built AL6 locomotive has some celebrity status as it entered traffic as number E3101. Most of the damage has been to the exterior and underframe of the locomotive. As such it is a worthy candidate for static preservation and gradual restoration, ideally with the AC Locomotive Group's collection displayed at the Barrow Hill roundhouse.
The singed remains of the locomotive were hauled to Dereham from Crown Point Depot by 47786 "Roy Castle OBE", along with four Mk2F coaches, Anglia liveried TSOs 5927, 6174 and FO 3279. The fourth coach was InterCity liveried Mk2F FO 3309. These were used as brake vehicles, with 86252 being through-piped for the journey.
Dereham Restoration Started
December 1st 2001, Norfolk By Rail
The GER canopy at Dereham, once considered for use at the Nene Valley Railway's Peterborough station, is now being restored in it's original location.
After a severe fire in the station in the mid-1980s the canopy was damaged by poor quality repair work, and has also been neglected since the passenger closure of the line in 1969.
Some of the replacement components are from the remains of the Great Eastern Railway station at North Walsham, which was replaced with a modern waiting room a few years ago.
New arrival at Dereham
November 26th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
Class 31 locomotive number 31538 arrived at Dereham over the weekend. Still painted in BR blue, although with smashed glass, the locomotive will be restored to full ETS condition before it enters service on the line.
This is the fourth ex-BR locomotive on the line, and the second class 31 (31235) to be based at Dereham since the line was preserved.
B1 61264 has left the site, although the tender is still stored in the yard at Dereham.
Sheringham Main Line Link Plan Finalised
November 26th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
The Ove Arup report into the replacement of the level crossing between the North Norfolk Railway and the mainline network has just been published. The 70 page long document (copies of which are available through the NNR's web site) was published on 23rd November.
Despite earlier thoughts, North Norfolk District Council have ruled out any proposition which would involve the closure of Station road so if the line is to be joined to the national network there will have to be a full level crossing installed.
The option put forward to the Bittern Line Partnership is as follows:
" Option G – Three Platforms; Two Through
This option meets all the operational requirements. Anglia services to and from Norwich would normally use platform 3, allowing the NNR the use of platforms 1 and 2. The NNR would be protected from over-runs from the Cromer direction by the buffer stop siding. The single line to Cromer would be protected from NNR over-runs by the platforms 1 & 2 crossover points being set for the platform 1 headshunt. Through trains from Cromer to Holt would use platform 3 and trains from Holt to Cromer platform 2.
This option assumes no constraints from the land boundary with the car park. The provision of two through platforms (Nos. 2 & 3) would require the construction of a passenger footbridge and lifts. This could only be achieved by widening the existing platform 2. This width could also allow construction of other buildings such as a waiting room or refreshment stand. The wider the platform can be, the better the facilities that could be provided. Passenger safety would also be improved by a wider platform. A platform of the minimum width would only allow the construction of very narrow buildings, if it were to satisfy modern regulations.
If the footbridge is constructed with a second span the existing direct access to the car park can be retained and there will be good accessibility between the car park, station, buses and the town.
The length and arrangement of the headshunt to platform 1 is as in Option C1.
(Option C1 reads “This is to include an additional facing crossover to allow both platforms to be used for through trains. The headshunt and trailing crossover provide positive separation for trains from the west arriving in platform 1 and facilitate the NNR making run-round movements for trains in platform 1 independent of Railtrack.”)
The main disadvantage of this layout is the land take requirement. This could reduce the number of spaces available in the council car park and would require significant modifications to the Budgens plan. This option could not be implemented if the Budgens scheme proceeds as currently proposed. In addition, as space will be at a premium in the car park, it may only be possible for the footbridge to span between platform 1 and platform 2/3. This would mean all passengers using the car park would have to use the level crossing and then the main entrance to the station building to access the station. This would result in a walk of up to 300m, which is further than many mobility-impaired people can walk without a rest. Careful consideration will need to be given to the siting of parking spaces for disabled users.
As both platforms 2 and 3 are through lines and platform 1 can be reserved for NNR trains, Option G provides for the greatest capacity and flexibility and meets the requirements identified in section."
Although this now completes the consultation stage, there is no guarentee that the Bittern Line Partnership will agree to the proposals put before them. The total cost of this plan will be £4.25 million, and will almost certainly require Central Government funding.
Consideration must also be given to the effects of modern station requirements (platform edging, surfaces and lighting) on what is currently a well-preserved heritage station - especially in light of the large amounts of public money recently donated to safeguard the station from redevelopment! The station presently features original bluestone sets and platform edges, which would almost certainly fall foul of modern regulations should the station be reopened as a mainline branch terminus. The scheme would also appear to involve the almost total rebuilding of the original platform two, removing any chance of restoring the station to original condition.
LNER Steam To Dereham
November 19th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
LNER B1 locomotive No. 61264, which failed on a railtour last week, is due to make a surprise visit to Dereham, the headquarters of the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust.
The locomotive has been stored at Crown Point depot since it developed hot-box problems while working the "Easterling" London Liverpool Street to Lowestoft. As the depot has no loading facilities, the locomotive will use Dereham to be loaded onto a low loader.
The locomotive will leave Norwich Crown Point, under it's own steam, on the afternoon of Tuesday 20th November. It will then work to Wymondham South Junction before running the 11.5 mile length of the MNR - probably arriving after dark.
61264 will depart by low-loader early on Wednesday.
This will be the first ex-BR steam locomotive to run over the line since the end of steam on the Eastern Region. The line was the location for the last regular steam working in the county, the North Elmham milk tanks, which were usually worked by former LNER machines.
Vandalism delays train
November 4th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
Vandalism at Carlisle as delayed the delivery of newly preserved 31538 to the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
Vandals, believed to be children, have smashed glass in the roof of the shed, leaving it in a dangerous condition. Health and Safety rules have now made the shed a "no-go" area, which prevents anyone from being able to extract the locomotives trapped in the shed.
It is believed that nobody will be allowed into the shed until all the glass has been removed, which may delay the delivery of the MNR's second resident 31 until the new year.
Bond bid to fund railway
November 1st 2001, by Gill Jenkins, Dereham and Fakenham Times
Railway enthusiasts in Dereham are going full steam ahead with a bonds offer that aims to raise a six-figure sum.
Volunteers from the Mid-Norfolk Railway Trust hope to raise just over £300,000 in the next few months after the launch yesterday of their scheme.
They hope the money will help them develop the restored former British Railways line for future generations to enjoy.
The bonds cost from £100 to £2001, and their proceeds will be used for a series of projects, including;
@ Introducing the things they need to enable steam trains to run along the line.
@ Completing a runaround system that would allow trains at Wymondham to turn around to pull carriages back to Dereham.
Part of the money would also be used to pay for essential work on the latest stretch of line from Dereham to North Elmham - a job that the Trust hopes to take on in the near future.
"We are trying to raise £300,010 in total because 10 of the bonds are £2001 to mark the fact that we are in 2001," said spokesman Pete Eldridge.
Mr Eldridge added that the Trust was also hoping to restore the old railway stables in the shunting yard.
"Horses were used for shunting on this station, and the stables are thought to be unique," he explained.
"We hope to restore them as a feature of the line and are also looking for lottery money for the work."
Anyone buying a bond will receive a commemorative certificate designed by Wymondham station-master Ashley Gray.
He or she will also receive interest on their investment.
"The bond is like a savings certificate. We offer a rate of interest, and then at the end of the term, if people want it, they get their money back," said Mr Eldridge.
"We hope as many people as possible will get behind us and buy bonds."
"We want the railway to be a community railway, and this is one way that people can ensure that it is.!
Deltic tour to Yarmouth, not Dereham
October 15th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
The DPS railtour to Dereham will now be running to Yarmouth instead due to an administrative blunder by the tour organisers.
The section of railway between Wymondham South Junction and the Mid-Norfolk's Wymondham Abbey station is passed as a freight line. As this line is not classified for passenger use, tour operators have to apply to the Railway Inspectorate for an individual safety case for each passenger movement.
Previous tours over the branch have been operated by English, Welsh and Scottish Railways, who have a safety case for such movements. The DPS tour was arranged through West Coast Railways, who have no such arrangement.
Despite rumours being spread by unknown parties, the tour was not cancelled due to any infrastructure problems with the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
Loco returns to MNR, new arrival delayed
October 14th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
20069, which suffered a power unit failure during it's visit to the North Norfolk Railway, has now returned to Dereham on the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
Although the locomotive was restored to operational condition by the North Norfolk Railway, it's Mid-Norfolk certificate to run has expired and it will need to be given it's annual exam before it can return to traffic.
Newly preserved 31538 was due to arrive on the line during this week, but this has been delayed for a couple of weeks.
New rail line still on track, say backers
September 25th 2001, by Rachel Buller, Eastern Daily Press
The consortium behind the proposed £240 million train line linking East Anglia with Oxford last night denied the project was on the brink of collapse and vowed to fight on.
The EDP revealed yesterday that the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) had refused to fund further development work on the new rail link, throwing the scheme into doubt.
However, the East-West Rail Consortium, which began work on the three-part scheme in 1995, last night described the decision as a "hiccup" and insisted it was confident the final stage of the line would be up and running within 12 months of securing preivate funding.
Project officer Chris Hayward said: "We are disappointed, but not downhearted. We have been working under the straightjacket of the SRA for two years."
"We now have the freedom to redevelop the original multi-journey concept for the western section."
Mr Hayward said the East-West scheme was divided into three sections, and the SRA'a announcement only affected the western section - in particular a 25-mile section of track between Bletchley and Oxford.
The eastern section, comprising a direct link between Norwich and Cambridge, would still go ahead next summer following a successful bid for funding from the SRA confirmed earlier this year, he added.
The consortium is confident that the mid section between Cambridge and Bedford will go ahead after successfully finding a partner to take on the remodelling and construction of the new line.
Mr Hayward said: "The track in the western section is there, but is in either unsafe or in a very poor condition. It has been closed for many years. It is a comparatively easy task compared to the mid section where in some places there is no track at all but it will cost about £25 million."
"We don't agree with the decision by the SRA. We have looked at it very carefully, and the work we have done over the last few years does not suggest we have done anything wrong."
"What we are doing now is looking to the private sector for funding to fill the gap and we still believe once we get that funding sorted, the service can be up and running in 12 months," he added.
The SRA told the consortium - comprising of 30 local authorities surrounding the proposed line - that in the wake of the Hatfield train crash there was little cash available for new rail schemes.
East-West Rail Link Rejected
September 24th 2001, by Paul Hill, Eastern Daily Press
Hopes for thousands of new jobs have suffered a major blow after plans for a £240 million rail link to connect East Anglia to Oxford and the West were rejected by Britain's rail authority.
After six years of planning, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has turned down a plea for funding to continue development work on the proposed East-West Link.
The SRA has told the consortium behind the link that, in the wake of the Hatfield disaster, too little cash is available for new rail schemes.
Investment is being focused instead on urgent improvements to existing track and infrastructure.
Transport Secretary Stephen Byers will come under pressure this week to revive the East-West Rail Link, which was expected to create up to 10,000 jobs in towns and cities along the route.
The £240 million two-phase plan would open rail services between East Anglia through Oxford to Swindon and take pressure off the traffic-choked A14 and M25.
The planned direct-rail service fromNorwich to Cambridge is unaffected by the SRA decision on the East-West Link and will start next year.
Norfolk County Council has been a member of the East-West Rail Consortium since it was formed in 1995.
A feasability study on the project, carried out two years later, confirmed there was a sound economic case to go ahead with the link.
County Hall leader Alison King said: "This decision is bitterly disappointing as it comes at a time when the railway needs to be delivering new services and new journey options to the travelling public."
"We must do whatever we can to ensure that this project gets back on track - it would be of economic benefit to Norfolk, and the region as a whole, as well as easing pressure on our roads - something which the Government repeatedly says it is committed to doing."
A business case for the link was drawn up by the consortium and submitted to the Government in 1998. Plans for the twin-track, 90mph link included building nine miles of track between Bedford and Sandy.
Rejecting the plan, the SRA said Railtrack had "insufficient finance to work on new projects" against a backdrop of trying to "deliver a reliable infrastructure and ...competent maintenance regime" following Hatfield. Doubt was also cast on the predicted demand and cost of the project.
County Hall decided last week to lobby the Transport Secretary, the SRA and local MPs in an effort to revive the project. SRA members are also set to hear County Hall protests about the decision when they attend the Norfolk Rail Policy Group tomorrow.
More ballast wagons for Dereham
September 23rd 2001, Norfolk By Rail
Latest arrivals at Dereham are two additional Dogfish ballast wagons, these being numbers 993451 and 993218.
As with Wednesday's delivery, of numbers 983003 and 993116, these wagons are standard vacuum-brake fitted examples, number 993218 being a Met-Cam built example. All are fitted with roller-bearing axles. Numbers 993218 and 993116 are in well preserved "Dutch" livery (matching the railway's resident Tench wagon and Class 31/1 locomotive), number 993451 appears to be in a very faded Dutch livery. Number 983003 is in prototypical unpainted and rusty condition.
All wagons appear to be complete, and have been shunted north of the station for storage.
The lorry used to deliver the wagons was later used to remove the second coach (TS) of 4-EPB number 5176, on it's way to Northampton. The remaining coaches will have left the Dereham site by Tuesday.
A further delivery is anticipated.
Pilot changes at Crown Point
September 19th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
Nominally preserved Network South East livery 08631 has finished it's period of contract to Anglia Railways and has now left the region.
08810, in Anglia livery, has returned from a B-Exam and is presently stabled at Dereham on the Mid-Norfolk Railway, awaiting rail transfer to Norwich.
New arrivals at the Mid Norfolk
September 18th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
Recent stock changes at the Mid-Norfolk Railway's Dereham headquarters have reflected the lines heavy engineering requirements.
At 11.5 miles, rising to 17.5 when the connection to County School has been completed, the line will require a considerable number of engineering vehicles in order to meet it's weekly maintainance requirements.
Self-propelled ex-BR 10-ton diesel crane number 81330 arrived recently, requiring a heavy overhaul and inspection before it can enter service. This has been followed by the arrival of two Dogfish ballast wagons (983003/993116), to be used in addition to the former London Transport ballast wagon (HW402) already on site. It is understood that further wagons may be awaiting delivery.
Equally important is the arrival of former Travelling College dormitory coach W99163, which will be used as hostel accomodation at the Dereham site once it has been prepared for use.
MLV 68004 has departed from long-term storage at Dereham to start it's new life as part of a restaurant complex in northern England. 4-EPB set 5176 has also started to leave Dereham yard, with the first DMBS departing the railway for Coventry today (Tuesday 18th September). The remaining coaches are scheduled to be transfered to the Northampton Ironston Railway over the coming days.
Class 20 D8069 has yet to return from it's summer holiday on the North Norfolk Railway. The locomotive has recently been receiving attention to it's power unit at Weybourne shed.
Move to reopen axed railways gets a welcome
September 12th 2001, by Gill Jenkins, Eastern Daily Press
In a perfect world every major town would be served by a railway, although the cost of restoring lines ripped out in the 1960s would be huge.
Passenger groups have joined forces to claim in a new report that in most cases it would be a lot cheaper than building new roads.
The report Beeching in Reverse has been put together by campaigners including Transport 2000, the Rail Passengers Council and the rail industry umbrella body the Railway Forum.
It wants to reopen railways across East Anglia including the Dereham-Wymondham line, March-Wisbech and Holt-Fakenham-Dereham, which would be part of the Norfolk Orbital Railway.
And although it says the lines are just the tip of the iceberg, any move to reopen them would go some way to getting Britain back on line.
The reports author Paul Salveson, director of the Transport, Research and Information Network, says lines reopened in the '80s and '90s had seen an increase in passenger numbers which had led to regeneration and economic growth in the communities they serve.
"What's more the cost of these schemes comes in far cheaper than building new roads," it says.
"What we need now is for the Government's Strategic Rail Authority to actively promote line and station openings as part of a programme to restore missing links and put back on the map the major towns that Dr Beeching left stranded."
Stewart Francis, chairman of the Rail Passenger Council, said: "Whilst no one is suggesting that all the lines and stations closed by Dr Beeching should be restored there is a strong case for accelerating a targeted programme of selected schemes."
"At a time when the public is deeply sceptical about the future of the railways there can be no greater symbol for a wider rail revival than putting back the tracks to those towns for which there are viable and cost effective proposals."
Pete Eldridge, of the Mid-Norfolk Railway, welcomed the calls for the lines across the region to open fully.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway operates trains between Dereham and Wymondham on weekends and some week days and plans are in the pipeline to extend the line to North Elmham and on to Fakenham.
"We believe that there is potential for freight and potential for passenger traffic between the market towns of Dereham, Wymondham and Fakenham."
"If we could get the right level of speed allowance - 60mph - or main line speed, that would create a very viable commuter market between the three towns and into Norwich and when the new service to Cambridge opens it will be a link to that too."
"We believe that in the long term it would have to happen, especially if you look at the congestion in Norwich and Dereham. It can't all be solved by road building and it can't all be solved by buses - there's a significant future role for rail."
David Bill, director of the Holt, Melton Constable and Fakenham Railway Company, which hopes to reopen the Fakenham-Holt line which would form part of the proposed Norfolk Orbital Railway scheme, also welcomed the report.
He said the damage caused by Dr Beeching when he closed many rural branch lines more than 40 years ago was still being felt by communities today.
Sheringham Station saved by Heritage Lottery Fund Grant
August 2nd 2001, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway has been awarded a £190,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant to assist with the purchase of Sheringham station. This beautiful example of 1887 railway archecture is the jewel in the crown of the North Norfolk Railway and the main tourist attraction for the market town of Sheringham.
The railway was given this long awaited opportunity to buy the station by Budgens the food store chain who have agreed to transfer the option they had made with landlords, Castallan Estates, to purchase the station at an agreed price of £290,000. There has been great urgency to raise the money as Budgens' option expires in September. After that date with Castallan Estates refusing to grant a new lease on the grounds that they wish to take back the premises for redevelopment, the future would have looked bleak for one of Norfolk's top tourist attractions.
Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Budgens and the enormous individual support, both locally, nationally and internationally for the station appeal and the railway itself the future looks very exciting enabling people to visit and see a working steam railway depicting a way of life that disappeared forty years ago. In excess of £100,000 has been raised from individuals' contributions. With the hope in the near future of reinstalling the crossing at Sheringham and linking back up with Railtrack, the NNR's sights are set firmly on running steam trains again from Holt down to Cromer. Those involved with the NNR are ecstatic that so many years hard work rebuilding the railway has now been officially recognised by winning Heritage Lottery Fund support.
The North Norfolk Railway will be holding a free travel event to thank it's supporters.
Thefts
July 2nd 2001, Norfolk By Rail
A press release from the Mid-Norfolk Railway has revealed that over the last fortnight a headlamp and loudaphone have been stolen from the south end vehicle of the stored 4-EPB unit. Also an attempt has made to steal a set of air horns from operational Class 31 locomotive 31235. Having failed to remove the horns from the loco, the thieves have made off with a set of air horns from the 141 Pacer unit.
The damage to the Class 31 was found when the engine was being prepared for service on Sunday 27th June, the weekend after the North Norfolk Railway's diesel gala. The damage to the Pacer discovered shortly after.
The railway has asked all true enthusiasts to report any attempt to sell air horns from the Pacer unit or the stolen items from the EPB, to Dereham Police or the MNR immediately.
A railway official suspects the culprits were initially drawn to the Dereham site by news on the web that the EPB was to be scrapped (which of course is no longer going to happen) and took their "thieving hands" to other vehicles."
The site has been patrolled by railway volunteers since the last time stock was damaged (when windows were smashed in stored DMU carriages 4 years ago), and these patrols are likely to be stepped up following these events.
Norfolk Police can be contacted on 01694 402222 and the Mid-Norfolk Railway on 01362 690633.
Stars back station battle
June 27th 2001, by Richard Batson, Eastern Daily Press
Celebrities are lining up behind a major effort to keep a tourist railway station alive.
North Norfolk Railway is trying to fend off an eviction threat at its Sheringham station headquarters and will launch a £290,000 appeal at the weekend.
Among the names backing the campaign are former Prime Minister John Major, whose new Norfolk home overlooks the line; and Michael Palin, the Monty Python comic turned rail enthusiast and travel broadcaster.
Television writer David Croft, who fimed classic sitcom episodes on the steam line, is also rallying to the railway's cause, saying he is appalled at the possible loss of the station.
"I filmed on the line for Dad's Army and Hi-de-Hi on several occasions," he said.
"It's vital that such magnificent examples of Victorian architecture are preserved and the past way of life saved for future generations to understand and enjoy."
The station's problem results from a notice to quit, when the lease runs out in July, from Essex-based property company Castellan Estates, which wants to redevelop the land.
The railway hopes to take over an option to buy from supermarket company Budgens, which has plans for a store on part of the site.
It means raising £290,000 by September - a task boosted by a £150,000 interest-free loan from an anonimous benefactor, but also needing £30,000 a year to repay it.
Director Julian Birley said the response so far, from all over the world, had been overwhelming. An initial £70,000 had given the appeal a flying start.
But there was still a lot of hard work ahead to raise the cash needed for the station's security.
Mr Birley welcomed the involvement of the celebrity backers, who also include chef Anthony Worrall Thompson, and Dad's Army actor Bill Pertwee.
Michael Palin told the campaign he knew Sheringham station well from family holidays and he would be sad to see it demolished.
A bid has also been made for Heritage Lottery cash, but Mr Birley said the public appeal was needed "to prevent a vital piece of heritage slipping away" and having to be reproduced in theme parks.
The railway has lodged an appeal against a court decision which backed the landlord's move not to have the lease extended.
On Sunday the station will be running a full service to attract potential donations, and to say thanks to those who have already helped.
Rail station sale
June 27th 2001, Eastern Daily Press
The auction of Norfolk's "royal" railway station has been cancelled following a surge of interest.
Wolferton station, on the Queen's Sandtringham Estate, had been due to go under the hammer in London tomorrow, when it was expected to fetch more than £500,000. But it will now be sold by private treaty - with a guide price of £750,000.
The station has undergone an award-winning restoration, which retains the original fittings and has transformed it into "a fabulous and unique home" according to property specialists Strutt and Parker.
"We have changed our tactics from auction", said Antony Bromley-Martin, an associate at the firm. "The owner has asked us to, purely because the publicity and the promotion that has started is fairly self-generating now and there's a lot more interest coming in from abroad."
The station - with a Grade II listing - has variously been a private house and museum since the last train passed through in the late 1960s.
Rattling visit to city and it isn't half scary
June 20th 2001, Eastern Daily Press
Anglia Railways launches a horrifying new service today - a ghost train for grown-ups.
It has teamed up with the City Ghost and Horror Walk to promote Norwich as a vibrant nightspot that can leave passengers shaken and truly stirred.
Anyone arriving at Norwich Station from stations bounded by Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Diss after 5pm can travel with a friend for free.
Vouchers for the offer are initially only available in a new brochure produced by Norwich Area Tourism Agency.
Norwich Night Out lists the gamut of evening entertainment in the city - including the spooky tours, which for the last four years have been conducted by master of the macabre David Chisnell.
"Now you can be scared for half the price and spend the journey home looking over your shoulder," said Mr Chisnell.
"Anglia Railways believes a ghost tour is one of the nicest ways for visitors to Norwich to see the city."
After what should be a smooth journey into Norwich, Mr Chisnell will treat passengers to those things that go bump in the night in the medieval streets.
"We do dwell on the more macabre side of the city," he said.
"It's a great way to learn about history without a history tour and we guarentee that everyone will jump."
The City Ghost and Horror Walk, which takes in haunted houses and the scenes of grisly murders, sets off from the Adam and Eve pub every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £3 for adults and £2 for the under-16s.
For the stronger-stomached, ghostly cruises are also on offer every Wednesday and Friday from Elm Hill Quay at 7.30pm.
Mixed ideologies in Yarmouth?
June 19th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
The naive and outdated sentiments of the letter published by P Riches in the Eastern Daily Press take on a slightly more worrying note when read in conjunction with a comment made by a senior Yarmouth Borough Council official.
P Riches' suggestion would involve the closure of the well patronised stations at Lingwood and Acle, with services being diverted through Berney Arms - a station famous for being, essentially, without any purpose.
Despite the fact that the local authorities have recently been looking at the provision of a tram network to reduce pressure on the town's roads, Charles Reynolds, chairman of the council's economic policy committee, was quoted as saying: "I get fed up with people talking about improving the rail network. What we need is a decent road to our town." (EDP, 19.6.01)
Most local people would agree that Norfolk's road network needs to be improved, but surely not at the cost of already present sustainable transport options? With the proposed improvements to Yarmouth's harbour facility, a viable rail transport option will be more important than ever. The Council must look towards multi-modal transport options if the town is to take its rightful place as a communications centre for the region.
Dualling by rail
June 18th 2001, by P R Riches, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
If and when the A47 Acle Straight is dualled, consideration should be given to using the rail track as a base for the second carriageway. To do this would mean the least disruption to the ecological environment, and the loss of the minimum amount of land.
There is an alternative rail link from Norwich to Yarmouth, and the villages on the Acle line could be served by a bus route.
4-EPB 4176; future assured
June 18th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
In a statement released on the world wide web, the Bulleid Double Decker Society, based at the Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust, have revealed that they have concluded a deal for the two DMBS coaches and one of the TS vehicles from "Bluebird", one of the last two 4-EPB sets in existence, and the only one to have entered preservation.
The vehicles should be starting to leave the Mid-Norfolk Railway by mid-August, and will be reformed as a 3-EPB unit. Approaches for the independent preservation of the remaining TS vehicle have been reportedly made to Bulleid Electric Preservation Limited, the current owners of the unit.
The Bulleid Double Decker Society also expressed their gratitude to the Mid-Norfolk Railway, Howard Johnstone, Mark Bowman and all other people involved for their help in negotiating this handover and the saving of the 4-EPB.
Old carriage is going to a good home
June 16th 2001, Eastern Daily Press
A railway relic has been saved from being broken up for scrap.
The Great Eastern Railway carriage, dating back to the 1880s and removed from service in te 1920s, has been rescued by a landowner who is prepared to pay £2,000 to move it to his garden.
He intends to convert it into a summerhouse while maintaining its historical authenticity.
The six-wheel carriage, built as a combined passenger and goods van, has been standing in the garden of a house in Ketts Hill, Necton, for 21 years.
The current owners, builder Roger Schenn and his wife Alison, decided to get rid of it after he put three houses on the site and offered the carriage free.
But they drew a blank with museums and railway societies who were keen to have it but could not afford the removal costs.
The operation will involve use of a large crane to lift the 30ft carriage over the new house and transportation on a low-loader to its new home.
Mrs Schenn said yesterday: "I shall be sorry to see it go. I hadn't thought too much about losing it until a decision was reached. So I'm a bit sad, but I'm also very glad that it is not being broken up."
"It is going to a good home, to someone who will look after it. he wants to do it up as a railway carriage but also intends to use it as a summerhouse, which will be nice."
Rail enthusiasts a step nearer extending track
June 15th 2001, Eastern Daily Press
Ambitious plans to extend a Norfolk railway line have moved a step nearer.
Mid-Norfolk Railway confirmed last night that contracts had been exchanged to buy a stretch of line from Dereham to North Elmham.
Although the deal has still to be finalised, MNR said it was now confident that trains would soon be running on the new line.
Pete Eldridge, MNR spokesman, said: "We have exchanged contracts but we are waiting to get a transport and works order before we can proceed further."
"That will allow us to run trains once the line reached the standards of the HM rail inspectorate."
Trains already run regularly on the line between Dereham and Wymondham but the link to North Elmham is seen as a major step forward for the railway preservation group, which has the long-term aim of restoring the line all the way to Fakenham.
Mr Eldridge said: "It's very important for us to be able to take on this stretch."
"The line is like a jungle at the moment and there is a great deal of work to do to get it running again."
"It will be essential while work is carried out that we are extremely sensitive and that we deal with things - trees, bushes etc - properly. It's an environmentally sensitive area."
"The Dereham to North Elmham stretch is really going to be the tourist end of the line. We have some really nice views over the Wensum valley."
"We are just waiting for the order but hopefully that should be with us soon," he added.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway is having a reunion for former workers on the afternoon of Saturday June 24. A special train has been laid on leaving Dereham station at 3.45pm.
Mr Eldridge said: "The reunion is for anyone who has worked on the line over the years. When former staff have come together in the past we have managed to learn things about the line which we didn't know and we hope that will be the case this time."
Shop plan would secure station
June 11th 2001, by J F Pye, Budgens Stores, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
I refer to the recent EDP reports and the letter from David Barnby (EDP, May 26) concerning the North Norfolk Railway station at Sheringham.
Briefly, by way of background information, this company initially received an unsolicited approach from Castellan Estates offering to sell us the entire station complex. Thereafter, an option to purchase having been agreed with the landowners, we then entered into negotiations for the onward sale of the site to the North Norfolk Railway, albeit minus the small parcel of land currently used as carriage sidings, where we have subsequently applied for permission to develop a small food store.
Needless to say, this initiative was immediately embraced by the railway company, given that it would enable them to obtain the freehold of its entire route from Sheringham to Holt and thus secure their long-term future.
For our part, Budgens remain committed to achieving a satisfactory outcome which will both safeguard the interests of the area's leading tourist attraction and, likewise, enable us to provide a suitable replacement for our exisiting Church Street store.
Indeed, the idea that out proposed scheme "puts the station in jeopardy" could not be further from the truth.
4-EPB saga continues
June 10th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
The status of 4-EPB unit 4176 continues to be uncertain. The Company Secretary of Bulleid Electric Limited (BELtd) has refuted claims that there is an individual interested in purchasing the unit, but, contrary to their original announcement that the unit was definitely going to be scrapped, they have said that it is still possible for a group or an individual to save the unit.
The BELtd board have stated that at the present time not a single offer for the unit has been received. The deeds transfering ownership of the motor coaches to the component recovery/scrap dealer have been signed by BELtd and are being held until a Wednesday afternoon deadline after which time BELtd will give up any hope of waiting for the whole unit to be secured by another individual or organisation. Under this arrangement one of the trailer coaches is claimed for another project but the other is still available gratis to anyone who wants it for restoration or as a source of spares.
BELtd have also pointed out that the decision by the Mid Norfolk Railway to ask for 5176's removal has only accelerated an otherwise inevitable decision. BELtd does not wish any blame for the failure of the project to be atributed to the Mid Norfolk Railway. The current situation is a result of poor management by the founders of BELtd and apathy on the part of the BELtd members to advance the project.
4-EPB may be saved
June 9th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
A working member of Bulleid Electrics Limited has indicated that 4-EPB EMU unit 5176 may not be going for scrap after all.
An expression of interest from a private buyer has been received which may see most, if not all, of the unit saved for future generations. There have also been a number of expressions of interest in the free trailer coach offered by BELtd should this scheme fail and the remaining carriages go for scrap.
Although specific details of this offer are not yet in the public domain it is hoped that the unit will not now be headed for the breakers yard once it leaves Dereham station at the end of the month.
All interested parties are advised that the unit is stored in an area of the Mid-Norfolk Railway which is closed to the public and visits to the unit cannot be made without prior arrangement.
Sole Preserved 4-EPB to be scrapped
June 5th 2001, Norfolk By Rail (extracted from an email by G. Gleaves)
Bulleid Electrics Limited (BELtd) who own the 4-EPB EMU unit 5176 currently located at the Mid-Norfolk Railway(MNR) have announced that preserved set 5176 is to be disposed of, with the majority of the unit going for scrap.
The project to restore 5176 has been beset with many problems, the most serious was when the founder and organiser of the project 'walked out' on it in the Autumn leaving the current leaders to take charge. After several months of making little progess and faced with the near total apathy of the shareholders to assist in furthering the project the board was served with notice on Monday 4th June to quit the MNR within 28 days. The 5176 restoration project is now regarded as terminated by BELtd and the unit is to be disposed of. Takers for three of the four coaches have been found and the BELtd Board would like to make an open offer to gift the final vehicle, a trailer open, to any individual or organisation who would be prepared to remove the vehicle from MNR premises at their own expense.
The vehicle is unrestored but certainly in fair condition and suitable for restoration. All running gear, structure, glass and inerior is intact. Being an EMU car it is fitted with air brakes (operational) and centre buffer/3link coupling but conversion to standard buffers and screw link coupling is feasible as is the fitting of Vacuum brake equipment. The vehicle is Bulleid outline suburban, non gangwayed with doors to each seating bay and seating arranged in 2+3 configuration. EMU electric under seat heaters are fitted and lighting is of the SR EMU 70v type. Anyone who has the time, ability and resources (I appreciate most if not all of these are generally in short supply) could make a very good loco hauled vehicle from this which would offer an alternative to the standard Mk. 1.
The board of BELtd have had to act quickly and 5176 will cease to exist as a complete unit this summer. The two motor coaches are destined for component recovery and scrapping as soon as removal from Dereham can be arranged.
Railway is invaluable asset to town
May 26th 2001, by David Barnby, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
I was most surprised to read that the future of the station used by the North Norfolk Railway is in doubt.
Without this tourist attraction, how is Sheringham going to attract its visitors?
Most people who visit are interested in the steam trains and the original station. They also use the other facilities such as shops and restaurants, cafes and so on.
If this proposal should go ahead the whole town, and also Holt, which gets visitors via the railway, will suffer a loss of trade.
Keep the railway and keep Sheringham as it is or you will kill the town.
End of the line threat to rail carriage
May 26th 2001, by Peter Williamson, Eastern Daily Press
A railway relic from the days of steam could be broken up unless someone steps in to buy it.
The Great Eastern Railway GTR six-wheel carriage, probably built in the late 1880s and removed from service in the 1920s, is available free to a good home.
There is one major snag - it will cost an estimated £2000 to move it from the bottom of a garden in Ketts Hill, Necton, near Swaffham, where it has stood for the last 21 years.
The carriage, built as a combined passenger and goods van, was used as part of the home of an elderly couple in Mundford for many years.
Current owners Roger and Alison Schenn bought the carriage when the site was earmarked for development after one of the occupants died and the other moved.
They transported it to Necton on moving to the village and used it for many years as a shop for a garden centre run by Mrs Schenn.
Since then her husband, a builder, has put three houses on the plot and one of them is for sale.
"That's why we want to get the carriage moved," explained 44-year-old Mrs Schenn.
"We have contacted lots of museums and railway societies, including all those operating locally.
"A lot of them have come to see the carriage and said they loved it and it's in really good condition. But they can't afford the removal cost.
"We're hoping someone able to pay for the transportation will come forward - perhaps a collector of railway memorabilia.
She added: "It needs a big crane to lift it over the garage of the new house and that would be expensive."
The couple now want to get rid of the 30ft carriage as quickly as possible and will dismantle it for disposal if no one comes to the rescue.
"It would be a shame to break it up, although some of the railway societies have said that they would like a few of the bits and pieces," said Mrs Schenn.
"It still has the original hinges and doors and we have taken off the original brass nobs for safe keeping."
"It would be a great shame to break it up. Ideally we'd like to find it a good home. It's part of our railway history.
Drivers "jump rail-line lights"
May 24th 2001, by Gill Jenkins, Eastern Daily Press
Drivers are dicing with death by failing to stop at level crossings, rail executives warned yesterday.
One driver narrowly missed an oncoming train on Friday after jumping the warning lights on Dereham's Greens Road industrial estate.
Others have also escaped after deciding to take a risk and cross the line in Yaxham Road when the lights were flashing.
Peter Eyre, a director of Mid-Norfolk Railways, which operates the railway line between Dereham and Wymondham, fears someone could be killed unless drivers start to take notice of the warning signs and stop when they are told.
He said: "We are concerned that the public are not obeying the signs and stopping when they should.
"We are a fully-operational railway and although we currently only publish a timetable for Saturday and Sunday, trains can be running at any time during the week, which they are doing more and more."
"We have had a couple of close calls in the last few days. A van crossed the line at Greens Lane and I don't know how the driver of our train missed it - it was just feet away."
"Luckily our trains only travel through at 5mph - they could go through at 60mph."
"We would urge people to take notice of the warning signs and stop when red lights are flashing."
"The last thing we want is an incident where someone gets killed," said Mr Eyre.
He said he was speaking to the highways authority pressing it to improve the signs leading to the crossings.
PC Richard Titmus, of Dereham police, warned drivers to take note of the warning signals or risk a fine.
"We believe that it is mainly local people who are jumping these lights because they think that the railway only operates at weekends," he said.
"It operates at all times and if we catch anyone crossing the lines while the lights are on they face a fine of £60 and three points of their licence. It is a very dangerous thing to do."
Tourists appalled by threat to rail station
May 23rd 2001, by Cat Bartman, Eastern Daily Press
Visitos to the North Norfolk Railway yesterday spoke of their anger and shock at hearing the attraction could lose its seaside home.
Passengers waiting for the 3.30pm service to Holt from the Sheringham Station signalled their support of the railway's attempt to buy the site, but were dismayed by the threat of eviction by landlords Castellan Estates.
With a public appeal for money under way and a bid for Heritage Lottery funding tourists were adamant it should stay.
Richard Norris, on holiday with his family from Grimsby, said: "The council should put a compulsory purchase order on it. It's bad that they could possibly let it go. One of the main reasons we came to this part of Norfolk was to come on the railway. It's just lovely."
Peter Godden, of Essex, said the station was important for both historical and economic reasons.
"It's criminal and I think money talks as usual. We came here for the day from Holt, spent a few bob in the town, so looking from a tourism point of view the whole area would suffer. It's just a lovely station," he said.
Carol Hart, on holiday from Nottingham with her son and parents, said: "I can't believe it. My son is absolutely delighted and awed by it and it's important to keep these things going."
Mrs Hart's parents Barbara and Fred Turner came on the railway 30 years ago and were "appalled and disgusted" at the prospect of the attraction being lost.
Rail director Julian Birley said staff had been overwhelmed by support and "swamped" with donations for the appeal to buy the site. "The potential of what it has to offer hasn't begun to be realised. Without it there is no North Norfolk Railway," he said.
Steve Blatch, head of economic and tourism development for the district council, said the station was a significant attraction individually and in terms of the North Norfolk tourism package.
Attracting 100,000 visitors a year, the railway draws in additional revenue as a film venue.
A spokesman for Budgens, which has an option to buy the land until September, said it still planned to sell the station site back to the Railway once planning permission had been given for its food store on the one part it needed.
Railway appeal to Lottery fund
May 22nd 2001, Eastern Daily Press
The North Norfolk Railway is applying for a grant to help save its seaside headquarters.
The railway, based at Sheringham, hopes money from the Heritage Lottery Fund will help it buy the station from the landlords, who want it back.
A public appeal should also help to raise some of the £290,000 needed.
North Norfolk District Council chief executive Bruce Barrell met railway officials yesterday to discuss the matter.
"The main way forward is to raise the money to buy the land, and what they are seeking to do now is get long-term ownership," he said. "I have sent a letter of support, but the Heritage Lottery Fund is only a contributory fund and it will be expecting significant local action."
"That facility is the most active tourist attraction that we have got, so clearly because of the implications there is no way that we want to see that put in jeopardy."
Eviction threat hovers over tourist railway
May 21st 2001, by Sue Richard Batson, Eastern Daily Press
A tourist railway is facing the threat of eviction from its main seaside station.
The North Norfolk Railway's three decades of travel could be derailed by landlords who want Sheringham Station back for redevelopment.
The line now faces a nail-biting wait until its lease runs out next month, and is staging a public appeal for cash to buy the site.
Its £200,000 fund is gathering pace, and directors say they are confident they can reach the target.
At the weekend it gained a high profile supporter when former prime minister John Major visited during an election walkabout and said he would be disappointed at the loss of the railway he can see from his new Weybourne home.
The railway draws 100,000 visitors to ride on steam trains chuffing through scenic seaside countryside.
The loss of its headquarters could be a disaster for the local area, said mayor Mac McGinn, and at a critical time when rail campaigners were trying to re-join the steam line with the national rail network in a crossing which would also open the way for an "orbital railway" around the county.
The stations future looked secure earlier this year when supermarket company Budgens offered to buy the site, aiming to keep a corner to build a store, and sell the rest to the railway, giving them more control.
But, as planning problems dog the store plan, the deal has not yet gone through - though Budgens have an option to buy the site until September.
Railway chiefs were stunned to get a letter saying landlords Castellan Estates did not want to extend the lease beyond June.
Railway general manager Geoff Gowing said it left them not knowing which way to turn, but in the meantime the line was determined to run business as usual as it geared up to run another busy summer season.
"We don't know where we are going, or whether we will still have a station. Our legal advisers say sit tight, but it is very worrying," said Mr Gowing.
Director Julian Birley, a London property businessman, said they were taking the eviction possibility at the end of June "very seriously".
But the Budgens option gave them until September, and the railway was poised to take over the right to buy, which Budgens say they will assign to them if the supermarket company had no further need for the site.
Sheringham Station was the "headquarters and gateway to the railway" and to lose it was "unthinkable", he added.
The appeal was attracting support from across the world, both rail enthusiasts and passengers.
"We have been given £40,000 in the first few weeks. We are going to pull it off," he added.
North Norfolk District Council chief executive Bruce Barrell, who is meeting railway officials today, said they were looking to find a positive way forward to help the line become owners of the site.
Essex-based Castellan was unavailable for comment.
Anyone wanting to help the appeal can contact the North Norfolk Railway at Sheringham Station, or Mr Birley on 0208 675 2224, or via e-mail on jpcbirley@aol.com
For sale - station on route of royal history
May 10th 2001, by Sue Skinner, Eastern Daily Press
The once-humming railway tracks have now become formal sunken gardens and it is many years since the great and the powerful alighted from the royal trains.
But Wolferton station retains much of the luxury and style of a bygone regal era, when it played host to most of the crowned heads of Europe.
Since the last train passed through in the late 1960s, the property has variously been a private house, museum and a mixture of the two.
The current owner has carried out a painstaking restoration which retains the original fittings and has won an award for design in the environment from West Norfolk Council.
What is billed as a "fabulous and unique" home is now due to go under the hammer at an auction in London next month - and although there is no guide price, it is expected to fetch in excess of £500,000.
"It's astonishingly difficult to put a price on it," said Antony Bromley-Martin, an associate at property firm Strutt & Parker, which is handling the sale.
"We anticipate an enormous response. It's a complete one-off and with these things you've got to do it by auction because there's no natural market for it. It's the only one in the world."
Mr Bromley-Martin said the station could appeal to a buyer with interests in royalty or railways and was likely to attract interest from foreign bidders.
"The work that has been done inside is amazing," he said. "It's been restored to as close to what it would have been like when the Royal Family used it.
The King's Lynn to Hunstanton railway opened in 1862 - the same year that the young Prince of Wales bought Sandringham.
It was at Wolferton station that Prince Edward, later to become King Edward VII, arrived with his bride, Princess Alexandra, on their way to the West Norfolk estate following their wedding at Windsor in 1863.
Between 1884 and 1911 there are thought to have been about 640 royal trains arrive and depart from the station, which was extended in 1898 under the guidance of WN Ashbee, architect for the Great Eastern Railway, to create a suite of royal reception and retiring rooms.
Members of the Royal Family and their guests could then wait and relax in comfort while their luggage was transported to Sandringham House.
The station also became a popular venue for lunches during royal shooting parties.
Carrying a Grade II* listing to acknowledge its historical and architectural importance, the property stands in grounds of just over half and acre and has three bedrooms, two of which are named after King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
The auction will take place at the offices of Strutt and Parker, Davies Street, London, on June 28 at 3pm.
Town misses train on direct city link
May 10th 2001, by Martin Barsby, Eastern Daily Press
It has been heralded as Norfolk's fast track to boom time.
But the arrival of a direct rail link between Norwich and Cambridge has left the people of Attleborough feeling decidedly sidelined.
A new hourly service between the two cities was given the green light last week, with the announcement of a £9.3 million grant from the Strategic Rail Authority. Pressure from train operator Anglia Railways paid off and the long-awaited link should be up and running by October next year.
Trains on the new route will stop at Wymondham, Thetford and Ely, which are all looking forward to benefitting from the "ripple" effect of successful Cambridge.
But much to the disgust of residents of Attleborough, they will only be able to watch the trains whistling through.
Yesterday, Attleborough mayor Michael Harper said he could not understand why the town had been left out. "We all spend our time trying to promote Attleborough and the direct train to Cambridge isn't going to stop here," he said. "I can't believe that just stopping here for a minute or two would add too much to the journey."
Attleborough district councillor Adrian Stasiak described the town's ommission as a missed opportunity. "With the complete dualling of the A11 on the cards and the Roudham/Attleborough stretch imminent, this would have tied in really well," he said.
"It's a lost opportunity. Attleborough is growing and it's not going to slow down. We have new industry coming in all the time and I would urge the operator to revisit their plans."
Linda Westaway, who has lived in the town for 13 years, said townspeople felt they had been snubbed.
"Attleborough has 10,000 people living within walking distance of the station and they shouldn't be excluded from taking a direct train to Cambridge for business, shopping or leisure," she said.
"It's very frustrating. They should look at it again and include Attleborough."
And South West Norfolk MP Gillian Shephard said: "After the news about Wayland Hospital closing, I just can't believe this. I will be writing to Anglia Railways to protest in the strongest possible terms, asking what the rationale for leaving out an important and growing town like Attleborough could possibly be."
Anglia Railways' spokesman Jonathan Denby said the operator was sympathetic to Attleborough's claims.
"The key motivation behind putting on the service and securing its approval was making the journey times fast enough to attract people away from the A11," he said.
"That is why the stoping pattern for the route was set out as it was with the three designated stops."
Mr Denby said Anglia Railways would certainly be keen to see if there was a case for the extra stop once the new route was operating.
"We will be happy to look at the pattern once the service is up and running to gauge if there is enough passenger demand for a stop in Attleborough."
"We cannot do that until we have started as we have to find out what the demand is for the service as a whole first," said Mr Denby.
£36m rail work "to benefit passengers"
May 8th 2001, Eastern Daily Press (extract)
Rail passengers in East Anglia should feel safer and more comfortable at the region's train stations as a major £36 million three-year improvement programme is carried out.
Railtrack - which owns the 200 stations in the area and leases them to operators - hopes the work will be part of the drive to lure more people on to trains.
The aim of the work is to "make passengers feel better about using stations."
A lot of the schemes will be small projects - such as improving lighting, clearing weeds and updating drainage - which currently cause complaints.
As reported in EDP Business last week, the £36 million East Anglia Property Framework contract has been awarded to Norwich construction firm May Gurney.
The firm has already carried out the refurbishment of Norwich Thorpe railway station.
The Railtrack contracy is one of three won by the company recently and they should provide a jobs boost.
Rail day out goes like clockwork
April 23rd 2001, Eastern Daily Press
Dereham rejoined the national rail network in spectacular style on Saturday when more than 500 passengers boarded the town's first special train service since the 1980s.
The train, organised by North Walsham-based NENTA Traintours, was christened the Dereham InterCity Yorkshireman and took passengers out for a day in York, where they had five hours to visit top attractions such as Tork Minster, the Jorvick Viking Centre and the National Rail Museum.
Comprising a smartly turned out formation of 13 InterCity coaches provided by Anglia Railways and two Class 47 locomotives laid on by English, Welsh and Scottish Railways, it left Dereham on time at 7.37am and called at Yaxham, Wymondham, Attleborough, Thetford and Ely.
Arrival at 12.20pm was 25 minutes ahead of schedule and the train also made an early return to Dereham after leaving York on time at 5.10pm.
More than 100 passengers opted for premier seats, enjoying silver service meals served at their seats during the outward and return journeys.
An on-board raffle raised £550 which will go to the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust, which operates regular weekend services between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey and without whose track restoration work the special service could not have been organised.
"It was a terrific day and went like a military exercise," said organiser Ray Davies. "We are looking at possibly having one in the autumn and maybe a third next spring. The destinations will be different, somewhere like Canterbury, Folkestone or Portsmouth."
He added: "It was an enjoyable day out for all passengers, with thanks dut to the excellent teamwork and operation of the train by EWS Railways, Railtrack, Anglia Railways and the Mid Norfolk Railway.
"Missing" rail link on the way
March 27th 2001, by Bill Woodcock, Eastern Daily Press
A £20 million "missing link" rail scheme to create a direct route from East Anglia to Oxford, bypassing London, moved a step closer yesterday with the announcement of a developer for the project.
At present there is no direct passenger rail service linking the "high-tech crescent" of Norwich, Ipswich, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford.
Under the East-West Rail scheme, a railway 15 miles long will be built bewteen Cambridge and Bedford, closing the bap in the existing network between East Anglia and Oxford.
The scheme will allow passenger and freight trains to avoid congested lines through London and provide a new route inland for container traffic from Felixstowe, Britain's largest container port.
GB Railways - parent company of Anglia Railways - and the East-West Rail Consortium - announced yesterday that civil engineering company Skanska Construction was the preferred bidder to develop the link.
The line is expected to be completed in 2006 and will be operated as part of Railtrack's national network.
Peter Meades, spokesman for Anglia Railways, said: "This commitment to the establishment of a link is good news for the forthcoming Norwich-Cambridge direct rail link which we hope will be approved later this spring."
If the Strategic Rail Authority gives the go-ahead for the direct Norwich-Cambridge link, hourly services could start next year.
At present, most passengers from Norwich have to change at Ely.
Tim Clarke, managing director of Anglia Railways, said: "East-West Rail can strengthen passenger rail links between East Anglia and other parts of England.
"By allowing freight trains to avoid London, it can avoid our main line into Liverpool Street and may also allow us to run more trains on our Crosslink service which runs from Chelmsford via West Hampstead and Woking to Basingstoke."
Laurence Collins, chairman of the East-West Rail Consortium - which includes local councils in Norfolk and Suffolk - said Skanska had a strong portfolio of railway projects.
"East-West Rail will provide a much-needed link between some of England's fastest-growing communities and our largest container port, and make a major contribution to the strategic rail network," he said.
Keith Clarke, chief executive of Skanska Construction Group, said the link would be the first new railway to be promoted since the new Strategic Rail Authority was established.
Think again on railway scheme (2)
February 5th 2001, by Adrian Vaughan, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
Davis Rees' proposal for an "orbital" railway in Norfolk is a reasonable description of the journey. Fakenham to Norwich via Dereham and Wymondham would be abit like going into orbit.
Why do we need a circuitous railway from Fakenham to Norwich when the bus goes direct?
Norfolk people should look at a map and do their own feasability study of this proposal. The Holt-Thursford section would, if rebuilt, be an exceedingly remarkable and expensive piece of engineering. How would the income of this line pay for the interest on the capital?
Another method of judging the feasability of profit on this route would be to look at the very fast and comfortable X98 bus as it speeds past, on a direct route, with three people on board.
Anyone who has had the "pleasure" of sitting in the daily Norwich traffic jam on the (by then fairly static and cramped) X98 can probably answer this letter without too much problem - "Norfolk by Rail".)
Think again on railway scheme (1)
February 5th 2001, by George Cushing, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
I am writing with reference to various letters published in the EDP concerning the proposed reopening of the railway between Fakenham and Holt.
The last year this railway was running, before it was closed, according to the railway's official figures there were only five passengers per week using this service between Fakenham and Holt. This was 40 years ago - since that time cars in Norfolk have increased by thousands.
I also note that the estimate for this line is £1 million per mile. Three bridges, which have been knocked down, would have to be rebuilt. There are six road crossings between Fakenham and Holt, three of which would require bridges or tunnels, as they are classified roads.
The cuttings at Kettlestone and Pigs Grave have been filled in, and the land for the proposed line would have to be purchased, at what cost, for a passenger potential of nil.
My figure of nil is based on the bus service, which operates between King's Lynn and Cromer, taking the route from Fakenham to Holt, which averages two passengers a trip.
Bearing all this in mind it's beyond comprehension to think that people will walk to the Hempton station to go by train to Holt, via Melton Constable, a journey of 15 miles when there is a bus service of 12 miles for half the price. No local authority is justified in spending millions of pounds of ratepayers' money to please a few railway enthusiasts.
I belong to two railway preservation groups and I have helped them in small ways, but you have to be realistic.
Hero Saves Train
February 2nd 2001, Norfolk By Rail
A Norfolk signalman was hailed a hero last night after a passenger train came within seconds of ploughing into a Land Rover towing half a ton of cement on the gated level crossing at Spooner Row. The accident took place in severe fog which was coupled with icy road conditions.
The accident took place at 6.30am yesterday just after the signalman had closed the manual crossing gates to road traffic and had given the 6.16 Norwich-Crewe service permission to enter the section. Immediately after the crash the signalman, Mr Alec Thompson, returned the signal to danger - although the train was roughly thirty seconds from arrival at Spooner Row.
The train driver was able to stop the service before a collision took place. The usual speed of this service at this location is 75 mph. The Railtrack signalling manager for the Ely East area said that the speed of Alec's response to the accident was absolutely critical and was instrumental in preventing a potentially serious accident.
Considering the centralisation of Railtrack's signalling in the Eastern Region one question that remains has to be whether or not a centralised control centre and an automatic crossing would have allowed for the quick response which, in this case, appears to have prevented another serious incident?
Sheringham Level Crossing
January 30th 2001, Norfolk By Rail
SHERINGHAM: The North Norfolk Railway have appointed Ove Arup and Partners to investigate options for restoring Sheringham station's connection to the national rail network.
The scheme would enable Anglia Railways to run three-coach units into an improved platform in the original station and allow the substandard Sheringham timber halt to be abolished. In the longer term it would also allow Angia trains access to Holt station and the proposed Orbital Railway.
The North Norfolk Railway would also like to run some services over the section of line between Sheringham and Cromer (Beach).
Society members, shareholders and volunteers have been invited to vote on various options put forward by Arup, who were also responsible for the recent development plan for the Mid-Norfolk Railway, before the scheme is finalised. These options can be seen on the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway Society's page.
Councillors taken by tram scheme
January 26th 2001, Eastern Daily Press
YARMOUTH: Work is to start next month on a feasability study into a seafront tram service.
Members of the borough council went to Birmingham to look at the city's light tram system and were impressed by what they saw. Borough and county councillors and representatives from other bodies including the Seafront Partnership, the Health and Safety Executive, emergency services and potential financial backers will meet on February 8 to begin preparing the study.
Tourist Railway Costs Queried
January 25th 2001, by Cat Bartman, Eastern Daily Press
Broadland councillors are to review their support for the Bure Valley Railway amid concerns about the growing cost of maintenance and repairs.
It is 10 years since the district council became involved with the line, which runs between Aylsham and Wroxham. It leases out the land on which the nine-mile track runs but is responsible for maintaining it's 17 bridges.
On Tuesday, the community services committee asked for a report setting out the council's obligations and including the cost to the council since the railway came into operation and how much bridge maintenance will cost over the next 10 years.
An estimated £25,000 was spent on the work last year.
Questions were also raised about the railway's finances and whether it was in the council's interest to continue to support it.
District and Aylsham town councillor Geoffrey Gale said: "The problem is that, like any council, we do not have enough money."
"There is a limit to how much you can impose on people. If you live in Broadland it is part of your money."
Later this year, the five-year rental agreement between the BVR and the council will be reviewed. Options open to the council could be to raise the rent or transfer bridge responsibilities to BVR.
"We have to prepare our case if we want to increase our rent or say 'do you want to take over?' We should try to claim back some of the cost or at least soften that aspect," said Mr Gale.
BVR managing director Paul Conibeare said he hoped the council would not impose a substantial rent increase, which would eventually have to be reflected in charges to customers.
He said that the railway would not look at taking any responsibility for the bridges which was "part of the routine work for the council whether the railway line existed or not."
He added: "We would hope that Broadland District Council would support what is a major tourist attraction. We make a small profit each year which we need to reinvest so we can continue to bring tourists into the area."
Rail plan has wide support
January 25th 2001, by David Rees (Chairman, Holt, Melton Constable and Fakenham Railway Co.), Letters, Eastern Daily Press
The simple answer to the question "Who supports railway plan?" (EDP, January 20) is that most people do. The facts are, Mr Gooden:
The market research study was carried out by John Inston Consultants, an independent and professional consulting practice which has undertaken transport studies for major companies and local authorities.
The 104-page report has been sent to all funding partners, which include the East of England Development Agency, Fakenham Town Council, Melton Constable Parish Council, Business Link, Norfolk County Council, North Norfolk District Council and the Norfolk Rail Policy Group.
Interviews and surveys were conducted in Fakenham, Melton Constable, Holt, Sheringham, Cromer, North Walsham, Dereham and Wymondham. Included were members of the public, businesses and school students as well as a number of experts, including Anglia Railways, EWS, major businesses, landowners, private railways and experts in travel and transport.
Nearly 90 per cent of the public interviewed locally were in favour of the Norfolk Orbital Railway, as were 95 per cent of businesses, the vast majority seeing significant economic and employment benefits.
Hoteliers throughout the area were highly enthusiastic and retailers saw important advantages in a rail link between Fakenham and the coastal towns.
There was a feeling of isolation among many people in Norfolk in both villages and towns. Sole reliance on the car is becoming less favoured. There is a strong demand for better links between the towns such as Sheringham, Holt, Fakenham, Dereham and Wymondham and failure to deliver may well see tourism fall and the younger population move elsewhere. Young people expressed the opinion that Norfolk is ignored in national terms and that they are missing out on many normal activities due to poor mobility.
The estimate of 59,000 passengers in the first year rising to 129,000 in year 10 is based upon the existing experience of Anglia Railways, North Norfolk Railway and Mid-Norfolk Railway and of predictions of through travel.
With a resident population in the Norfolk Orbital Railway catchment area of over 200,000 and 18 million day-trippers to North Norfolk alone (East of England Tourist Board figures for 1996) these predictions may well be exceeded. Holt would be the first beneficiary and could be plugged back into the national rail network with through Anglia trains to Norwich and beyond in advance of the completion of the full Norfolk Orbital link.
The Council for the protection of Rural England supports the plan. The Norfolk chairman, Dr Ian Shepherd, who lives in Holt, says: "It would offer residents a wider choice of transport modes and improve access to jobs and training. Tourism is vital but the coastal region is over-heating and poses a threat to why tourists visit there, the new line would assist existing inland attractions and help create new ones."
The Holt public meeting of September 4 was called by the town council, of which Mr Gooden is a member, and not by this company. We saw the notice in the North Norfolk News of August 17 and then had to act very quickly to get a team available to be in Holt at the specified time. To accuse this company of not publicising a meeting is a mischievous misrepresentation of the facts.
My colleagues and I are certainly not in this for personal profit. Our aim is genuinely to rebuild this railway for the benefit of the community, the local economy and the environment.
We shall now be moving to the engineering study and, as our plans take shape, the consultation process will continue with public meetings in Holt and elsewhere when an informed and sensible debate can take place.
Sensible alternative to crowded roads
January 25th 2001, by Keith Welsh, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
Who supports the railway plan? Well I do for one, Peter Gooden - it would seem that we have little choice but to opt for railways as clearly our roads are inadequate, being grossly overcrowded.
Unforunately the crash at Hatfield set the railways back 10 years but I still predict by 2012 we will rely on railways and trams far more.
I cannot see any city or airport being accessible by car or bus by then. If we do not improve our infrastructure we will be relegated to third world status and no one will want to come here for either business or holidays, so to have a train or two pass through Holt would seem a small price to pay.
Settle fo the railway, Mr Gooden. Knowing our planners, the alternative could be an eight-lane motorway.
Who supports railway plan?
January 20th 2001, by Peter Gooden, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
With reference to "Green Light for rail plan" in your issue of January 12. Richard Batson makes mention of a survey which shows 90 per cent public support and 95 per cent business backing for the plan.
May I ask:
(a) Which recognised authority / surveyor carried out thie survey?
(b) How many residents and businessmen in the towns on the route were actually asked for an opinion or attended a public meeting - and where?
(c) What mathematical formula was used to arrive at the quoted 90 per cent and 95 per cent - was it think of a number and multiply by 10?
(d) Has the "survey" been published; have copies been sent to the appropriate town and parish councils? Where are they available?
(e) Which councils have given their support?
(f) How was the estimate of 59,000 tickets in the first year rising over 10 years to 129,000 arrived at? The combined population of Holt and fakenham is but 12,000 and it is highly unlikely that more than a small percentage of that number, taking into account of a relatively good bus service; socio/economic banding; car ownership and the Norwich Airport Park and Ride would use the trains on anything like a regular basis.
(g) How can the scheme, which must rely on casual, seasonal tourist usage for the majority of its income, pretend to be viable? Even at £10 per single journey it would not ne able to cover its running costs of staff, rolling stock, track maintenance, etc.
Frankly I find the claims made incredible - if only because the only meeting being held in Holt, the town which would suffer the most disruption and be most adversely affected should the scheme ever go ahead, was unpublicised and attracted an audience mainly of railway buffs drawn by letter from the surrounding area. The three town councillors present spoke strongly against the scheme, while the chairman, recognising that the meeting was unrepresentative, refused to hold a vote and stipulated that a full, properly advertised meeting open to all Holt residents should be held following publication of the feasability study.
The published minutes of Holt Town Council's meeting on September 11, 2000 contained a report on the above mentioned meeting; the town clerk noted that although the railway consortium had agreed to publicise the meeting they had only advised members of railway clubs and societies and the town council, in the face of little or no information, decided to await the results of the feasability study before making any comment. To the best of my knowledge, the town council made no financial contribution to the study. In view of this, how can 90 per cent public support be claimed?
Finally, I have spoken to seven Holt residents and three businessmen who had never been approached, all of whom were horrified to hear of the proposed reintroduction of a long-dead and unprofitable railway into a town which has blossomed since Dr Beeching wielded his axe.
My survey, therefore, shows 100 per cent of residents and 100 per cent of businesses against the proposal and I contend that my figures have just as much relevance - and accuracy - as those of the Holt, Melton Constable and Fakenham Railway Company.
The light has turned red!
Massive support for Orbital Rail dream
January 18th 2001, by Richard Batson, Dereham and Fakenham Times
An ambitious railway revival aimed at breathing life into old rural branch lines has been given a glowing green signal from the public.
But the second leg of the Norfolk Orbital Railway's journey from dream to reality will now look at the engineering and cost barriers.
The multi-million venture aims to link existing branch and preservation lines in the north of the county connecting Holt with Fakenham and Fakenham with Dereham.
The orbital route, which would also pass through Wymondham, Norwich, North Walsham, Cromer and Sheringham could boost rail travel for tourists and commuters alike say supporters.
Sceptics in the past cast doubt on whether the reinstatement costs are economic and whether the number of passengers warrented the effort.
A survey to gauge public support has now produced backing beyond the wildest dreams of the rail promoters.
The report showed a massive 90 per cent public support and 95 per cent business backing, with hotels and Fakenham Racecourse likely to benefit. And the study showed an estimated 59,000 passengers in the first year, rising to 129,000 after a decade.
David Rees, chairman of the Holt, Melton Constable and Fakenham Railway Company which is behind the scheme, said they were thrilled with the public response.
"We did not expect such massive support at this stage. The results are very encouraging, and we now have a real indication that we are doing something that the vast majority of local people want," he added.
Now they were setting up an engineering report to look at the "ballpark" figures of restoring the rail routes, and the technical problems along the way. Most of the orbital route involved relaying rails on old track beds.
The trickiest section, and the first to be tackled, would be extending the North Norfolk Railway's steam line into a new station at Holt. This scheme meant crossing roads to run alongside the bypass and the study would look at bridge and crossing options.
The engineering study was likely to start in March and be released in May before looking at finding the funds.
The whole scheme hinges on a seperate project to re-instate a link at Sheringham between the North Norfolk Railway and the Bittern Line - an idea which is also going through an engineering study.
A moving moment for Ivan - again
December 14th 2000, by Geoff Pulham, Dereham and Fakenham Times
A Mid-Norfolk-based rail preservation group completed its most difficult restoration job on Thursday when a signal box weighing six-and-a-half tonnes was gingerly lowered onto its new resting place.
The signal box, formerly based at a marshalling yard at Stratford South in East London, was brought to Dereham railway station in 1998.
The intention was to install it on the site of the original Dereham Central Box, which is thought to have been removed during the early 1970s along with two others in the area.
Once a 42-lever frame has been installed, it will be the main signal box for all the operations carried out at the station by the Mid Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust, which already runs passenger services on 17 miles of restored track from Dereham to Wymondham and plans to restore the line as far as Fakenham.
On Thursday the Norwich firm of RJ Crane Hire was called in to lower the 26ft by 12ft building onto a three-metre-high foundation structure built by bricklayer Mike Boakes and carpenter Ian Nugent.
It was an extremely difficult and nerve-wracking operation.
Once the signal box was hanging an inch above the foudation building it had to be gently ratcheted onto pegs on top of the support posts.
After two aborted attempts, the operation was eventually successful, paving the way for the next stage of the job - installing the signalling mechanism and refurbishing the outside of the building, a task the MNR hopes to have done by next summer.
"Because we have only been previously allowed to run one train at a time, we didn't need any signal mechanism apart from hand signals," said MNR spokesman Pete Eldridge.
"We intend to carry out restoration of stock away from the general public area and install tracks to an old goods shed."
"All this will need to be controlled, and this signal box will do that."
Mr Nugent and Mr Boakes obtained original plans from the Great Eastern Railway's drawing office to ensure that the foundation building's appearance was as close to the original as possible.
"I am sure that it is virtually the same design as would be used now, but in the interests of authenticity we wanted to make it lok how they would have done in the 1890s," said Mr Nugent.
"It is very satisfying to see the building in place. We have been working on the project since April."
The operation was watched by Shipdham man Ivan Chubbock, who removed two other signal boxes from the station in 1972.
"It is a very nostalgic sight to see this signal box going in and Dereham station returning to its former glory," he said.
Trams plan "serious"
December 7th 2000, by David Winning, Eastern Daily Press
A light railway costing almost £3 million could put Yarmouth on the fast track to a cleaner future.
Borough councillors and officials are considering a plan to buy six trams and lay nearly three miles of track in an effort to end pollution and traffic snarl-ups.
The service would run through the town and along the seafront, making the area safer for pedestrians. And last night Gerald Jarvis, chairman of the environmental policy committee, told the EDP: "It is a serious consideration for Yarmouth."
"The beauty of it is that it has not got any overhead cables or anything else. You just put the track down and you run the trams."
The light railway has been developed by West Midlands firm Parry as a cost effective transport scheme for congested town centres.
The trams - known as Parry People Movers - can carry between 35 and 100 people and have a top speed of 30mph. Each one is powered by a flywheel which is wound up and gradually released to drive it forward. Low voltage charge points at stops or a gas motor provide the energy.
They are already running on Welsh Highland railway, and a modified system has been in operation in Bristol. And if the system is approved by Yarmouth councillors and proves a success then it could eventually lead to whole parts of redundant rail track being reopened in Norfolk.
"Success could lead not only to the revival of branch lines but to the recovery of disused and even dismantled lines in all parts of the country," said company chairman John Parry, who revealed that businessmen in Norwich and King's Lynn were interested in the scheme.
Councillors are set to visit the company HQ at Cradley Heath, near Birmingham, on Monday where they will see the trams.
Mr Jarvis said a working party would have to be set up to test the viability of the scheme. Bus operators and Norfolk County Council would be consulted.
Members are keen to identify possible sources of finance, but if the system wins the backing of local businesses then it could be up and running within five years. "We need it because the summer time in Yarmouth is a bit chaotic, and when you get to Christmas it is a rush," Mr Jarvis said.
"We've had some road repairs on the Bure Bridge during the last two days and had a queue running down the Acle Straight. It doesn't take long to block the roads up."
Yarmouth Council leader Barry Coleman said members had been impressed by a presentation on the merits of the trams given last month.
"People Movers are an imaginative and innovative idea which we think is worth investigating. We are not anti-motor car but traffic congestion is a pressing problem for us."