Norfolk Rail News
This area of the site is for people interested in the latest developments from the railways of Norfolk. Most news is recovered from secondary sources (as indicated), the remainder is first-hand information. Additional news stories can usually be found at the Norfolk Railway Society web site.
The articles are listed in reverse date order.
ATOC calls for service restorations
June 17th 2009, Norfolk By Rail
In an exciting development for the region, the Association of Train Operating Companies has produced a consultation document that includes calls for the restoration of services on two local rail lines.
A £12,000,000 scheme would see the March to Wisbech line restored for regular passenger trains, with an hourly service between Wisbech, March and Peterborough being proposed.
A second proposal would see £30,000,000 spent on restoring passenger services between Dereham and Norwich.
While the document indocates that the Dereham service would be operated with the agreement of the Mid-Norfolk Railway, it appears that these plans would see the end of the Wisbech-March Bramley Line heritage railway project.
Oliver Cromwell cancelled
May 15th 2009, Norfolk By Rail
The planned visit of Oliver Cromwell to the Mid-Norfolk Railway on Sunday 17th May has been cancelled for reasons beyond the control of the MNR.
The locomotive, which has been stabled at Dereham since last weekend, is hoped to return to operate trains over the line later in the year.
More steam for Dereham
May 8th 2009, Norfolk By Rail
After the visit from the N7, and the scheduled return of Panner tank 9446 in the Summer, the Mid-Norfolk Railway have announced that a third visitor for this year will be Britannia Class 4-6-2 "Oliver Cromwell".
The locomotive, formerly based at Norwich depot, and was kept at the Bressingham Museum for many years, will be operating back on its home turf only on the 17th May, and the MNR will be charging unspecified special fares during the day.
Resident steam loco arrives at Whitwell
March 24rd 2009, Norfolk By Rail
1904-built Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 saddle tank "Annie" arrived at Whitwell station on the M&GNJR Melton Consable to Norwich line yesterday, and has already been test-run over the lines demonstration line!
The locomotive, the last non-National Coal Board steam engine to have operated in the North West of England outside of preservation, was delivered by low loader from its former home at the Chatham Historic Dockyard. Although fully operational, it will need to have its vacuum brake overhauled before it can enter passenger service.
945 was delivered new to S.J Claye Ltd of Long Eaton in Derbyshire to work their coal and fireclay mines, she became 'No.1' in their loco fleet. Later she worked at Yates, Duxbury & Sons paper mill at Heap Bridge in Heywood, Lancs. There she remained until October 1974 and was the last-working of three small saddletank locos, and the last working non-Coal Board steam loco in the north west of England.
By the 1960s she was in very bad mechanical condition. The line into the paper mill was steeply graded and featured tight curves and she was worn out but continued on in service. The other two locos, 'Annie' and 'May', both built by Peckett of Bristol, were condemned by that time, although not scrapped. 945 never carried any name during its working life.
945 was sold and moved to the Bury Transport Museum, along with the Peckett 'Annie', however the condition of the Peckett saw it sold for scrap and the name 'Annie' transferred to the Barclay. The Peckett was, however, not scrapped and still lives on, also carrying the name 'Annie'.
Ironically, although now painted black, "Annie" was previously operating in a version of the golden ochre colours of the M&GN!
Steam loco for Dereham
March 23rd 2009, Norfolk By Rail
A group formed to purchase a steam locomotive for the Mid-Norfolk Railway have announced that they have completed the puchase of Hunslet 0-6-0ST steam locomotive 68012, currently on the Lavender Line and known as "Blackie".
The locomotive is currently in a dismatled state, and will need to have its overhaul completed before it can enter traffic.
Best gala ever?
March 3rd 2009, Norfolk By Rail
The events being held to mark the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway have been described by many enthusiasts as among the best gala events ever!
The North Norfolk Railway operated its most intensive service ever, using a variety of home-based and guest locomotives. Meanwhile, the M&GN station at Whitwell welcomed its first fare-paying passengers since closure with the opening of the Whitwell and Reepham Railway
Fifty years on the M&GN still refuses to stop fighting for life!
37003 arrives at Dereham
February 25th 2009, Norfolk By Rail
37003, owned by the Class 37 Locomotive Group and formerly at the National Railway Museum's Shildon depot, arrived safely at Dereham this evening, and should be back on the main line by 2010!
“This is the start of a new era for us. Locomotion have been fantastic hosts to us at Shildon, and we’d like to put our thanks on record to their curator, Anthony Coulls, and all the team there. However, 37003 needs the chance to stretch her legs on a longer line, and the MNR is the ideal location for us, with an enthusiastic team, a strongly pro-diesel ethos, an excellent running line and good facilities” said Mick Parker, Chairman of the C37LG. “It’s especially fitting that ’003 should be going to East Anglia, not only because she was herself one of the pilot fleet of 37s built for the Great Eastern mainline, but also because the C37LG itself has its roots in a group of East Anglian tractor bashers back in the 1980s!”
Fakenham rail land sold
February 18th 2009, Norfolk By Rail
The section of the former-GER line at Fakenham was sold for auction yesterday at four times its initial guide price, to a man who has never seen the land or has any knowledge of it!
Despite the economic hardship of many people and businesses, it seems that some still have plenty of cash to throw around, as Mr Giles de Lotbiniere chose to buy the land, which he had not even heard of until the day before, and take on legal responsibility for the safety of two rail bridges, for £12,000.
The chairman of the Norfolk Orbital Railway project, David Rees, said, “I'm flabbergasted, we never thought it would go for that sort of money, it has no access and cannot be developed.
“It is unfortunate and to buy it on a whim is a pity after all the studies we have done.
“But it is not the end of the world as far as our railway project is concerned. It is protected in the local plan for railway use.”
Giles de Lotbiniere has stated that he has not got any plans for the land, as he has never even visited it. At Norfolk By Rail we can't help but wonder whether he'll end up wishing he'd done his homework when he does.
North Norfolk level crossing work put back
January 17th 2009, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway has released the following statement about Sheringham level crossing.
A meeting was held on 14th January to discuss the current position with the Sheringham LC project, it was felt that it is becoming less realistic to continue to push to complete in 2009 and would therefore expect to carryout the works in early 2010.
The NNR do not have, and are unlikely to have, sufficient funds to carryout the work before Easter without borrowing money. The final cost is £130,000. The objective from the outset was for the project to be self financing and therefore not an additional burden to NNR's finances, especially in the current economic climate.
EDF, the electricity supplier, require £25,000 and 3 months notice to move their power cables. As work cannot start before these are rerouted the NNR would be presenting Easter visitors with a building site of the 'mainline' station, highway and Ottendorff Green.
County Highways are, understandably, not comfortable with a road closure in the centre of town in the holiday season, looking at 10 days minimum. Easter, May Day and Whitsun holidays are all within 6 weeks this year. Then it is the start of the main season!
Therefore, it is anticipated that EDF will move the cables in the autumn and then works may start on slewing the NNR head-shunt and carrying out alterations to Ottendorff Green.
The NNR state that they have had fantastic support from everyone affected by this project and have all the necessary approvals to carry the work out. They have simply had to accept that time has beaten them; but the project has not stopped and will still go ahead when time and finances permit.
This will, of course, mean that the suggested Railway Touring Company excursion from Dereham to the NNR will not be taking place this year.
Mid-Norfolk 2009 Spring Diesel Gala
January 14th 2009, Norfolk By Rail
The Mid-Norfolk Railway is pleased to announce that DB Schenker will be supporting the line's spring diesel gala in 2009.
This will be the first event that DB Schenker (EWS) has supported since being launched in January 2009. Running from Friday 27th March until Sunday 29th March, the event is themed around `heavy haul' locomotives.
The Friday should see the launch of the Class 56 Group's locomotive 56040 into traffic. The locomotive has been undergoing restoration at Dereham for the last two years and this will be its first weekend in service.
The Saturday and Sunday will see visiting locomotives from DB Schenker in operation. The visitors will share trains along with the MNR's resident fleet.
Real ale and a buffer car service will be available throughout the weekend using the lines popular Mk2 buffet car.
Home fleet locos in traffic are expected to be 20069, 31235, 31438, 50019, 56040 and 73210, subject to availability. Visiting locomotives will operate many services and it is hoped that Large-logo livered 37425 will be supplied by DB Schenker and a Loadhaul-livered Class 60 as well as loco classes 66 and 67.
Saturday evening will see a `beerex' train between Dereham and Wymondham. Real ale and food will be served on the 22-mile round trip to Wymondham as well as bar refreshments.
Six trains, over 130 miles, will be run on Saturday. One, two and three- day rover tickets will be available.
Army returns to Dereham railhead
January 9nd 2009, Norfolk By Rail
The Light Dragoons, based at Robertson Barracks in Swanton Morley, near Dereham, have returned to rail transportation. Following on from a low-key trial last year, a tranload of armoured vehicles left Dereham station, on the Mid-Norfolk Railway, for transport to the Castle Martin training area in south Wales.
Due to security issues, the Class 66-hauled train was not publicised in advance. It is hoped that this return to rail use will see less tank transporter vehicles using the narrow lanes around Swanton Morley.
Sheringham Level Crossing to go ahead
January 1st 2009, Norfolk By Rail
The long-awaited level crossing at Sheringham may be installed during January, if the project goes according to plan.
It has also been revealed that The Railway Touring Company are intererested in running a four coach steam-hauled special from the Mid-Norfolk Railway to the North Norfolk Railway, via Norwich and Cromer, should the link be replaced in time!
Developments at Whitwell
October 10th 2008, Norfolk By Rail
Two more coaches have been delivered to the Whitwell and Reepham Railway's headquarters at Whitwell station. These are a Mk1 BSK no 34712 and a Bogie B Van S272. Further work has also been completed on clearing the site for tracklaying, and on restoring the M&GN pavillion station.
It is hoped that "Ring Haw" from the North Norfolk Railway will be able to attend the official re-opening of the site in February nexy year, 50 years after the closure of the M&GN network.
New museum gets green light
September 2nd 2008, Norfolk By Rail
The planned museum, and potential heritage railway, at the former Whitwell and Reepham railway station has been given planning permission by the local council.
440 feet of track has already been laid, and a carriage, wagon and small locomotive have been delivered to site.
Serious Derailment on Wells and Walshingham
September 1st 2008, Norfolk By Rail
Vandals at the Walsingham end of the WWLR caused a serious accident on the line, when rocks were placed on the line and a level crossing gate were used to derail locomotive "Norfolk Hero" and a loaded passenger train. The locomotive ended up on its side, while the driver had to jump from the cab to escape injury.
The school summer holidays have seen a series of attacks on the line be carried out by local youths. One youth has been arrested and bailed, while two others are being questioned by police.
Level crossing plan for Sheringham moves ahead
January 1st 2008, Norfolk By Rail
The latest newsletter from the Holt, Melton Constable and Fakenham Railway Ltd. (HMC&FR), the orgainsation behind the Norfolk Orbital Railway, have announced that Network Rail have agreed to the restoration of the rail link between the Bittern Line and the North Norfolk Railway (NNR).
The new plan proposes an "occasional use" connection, but the HMC&FR say that they will continue to push for the upgrading of the crossing so that NR trains can make use of the NNR Sheringham station.
At present neither Network Rail or the NNR welcome the idea of Bittern Line trains using the heritage station.
ED for Dereham
December 20th 2007, Norfolk By Rail
Electro-diesel locomotive 73210 "Selhurst", formerly used on the Gatwick Express (GatEx) service and now stored at Stewarts Lane, will be shortly moving to start a new life on the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
Suggestions that the MNR may be interested to use the locomotive with the Bramley Line Mk2 ex-GatEx coaches stored at March have been dismissed. The MNR do not consider the non-standard GatEx carriages appropriate for use on their line.
New arrivals at Dereham
October 12th 2007, Norfolk By Rail
This week has seen the arrival of two new items at the Dereham HQ of the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
The first is a hand-operated yard crane, formerly used at nearby Watton station. Despite having been stored for a number of years, this crane is in operational condition - and actually assisted in its own recovery!
The second arrival is the line's second air-conditioned Mk2 coach. 3521, a former Anglia Railway's Mk2f First Class vehicle, arrived on a Heanor transporter this evening.
Another M&GN vehicle saved
September 1st 2007, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway have completed the rescue of one of the most historic M&GN goods vehicles known to have survived to the present day.
The former cabin from the brakevan of the Melton Constable breakdown crane has been rescued from Thursford, where it has been in use as a garden shed. Built in 1881 by the Birmingham RC&W for the Lynn & Fakenham Railway (later part of the M&GN), the vehicle, which had a distinctive tool box at one end arrived at Weybourne in mid-September. The NNR have secured a GWR/Royal Navy flat wagon, presently at County School station, to provide a frame and running gear for the restoration.
Signal box move completed
July 31st 2007, Norfolk By Rail
The former Halesworth signal box cabin was delivered to the County School site of the Mid-Norfolk Railway last night, with the cabin being craned onto it's locking room at about 10.00pm.
Steam roster changes on Mid-Norfolk Railway
April 29th 2007, Norfolk By Rail
Sat 5th May
Dereham to London Liverpool Street Steam Excursion
Unfortunately Green Arrow failed its boiler exam on 25th April and will not run again for the forseeable future. The steam excursion will now be hauled by Battle of Britain Pacific Class locomotive 34067, Tangmere. This is the first steam-hauled charter to visit Dereham for 45 years.
There are still some seats available - bookings can be made through the Railway Touring Company on (01553) 661500 or online at www.railwaytouring.co.uk
Sun 6th May
In a change to their advertised programme, the Mid-Norfolk Railway are delighted to announce that Tangmere will also be operating on a steam hauled service between Dereham and Wymondham on Sunday 6th May. Trains will depart from Dereham at 10.15am, 1pm and 3.15pm, returning from Wymondham at 11.15am, 2pm and 4.15pm. Fares will be £12 for adults, £10 for senior citizens and £6 for children, with family tickets available.
Another Joint survivor rescued
April 26nd 2007, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway has added another item to its fleet. Built 1881 by the Birmingham Railway carriage works (BRCW) for the Lynn & Fakenham railway, which became the Eastern Midlands Railway in 1883 then the M&GN in 1893 and withdrawn in 1945. It has been used as a garden shed ever since. It was used for the Brake down train based at Melton Constable as a riding van for the brake down crew with a tool box at one end. It is intended to be a 2 part project the first part is to restore the body and then use as an exhibit at Holt as a grounded body, and at a later stage to build an underframe for it.
The Eagle has landed
March 22nd 2007, Norfolk By Rail
British Railways Class 08 shunter 08631 "Eagle" has been delivered to Dereham station, on the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
The privately-owned shunter, until recently working on the main line, is in operational condition. It remains in Network SouthEast livery, as applied when she was employed at Cambridge shed. It is not known how long the locomotive will remain on the line, or whether it will see any use there, as it is listed as being for sale or hire by its owner.
Class 33 arrives at Dereham
March 05th 2007, Norfolk By Rail
Class 33 diesel, 33065 'Sealion' arrived by road at Dereham station this evening. The locomotive is scheduled to take part in the 2007 Spring Diesel Gala, which will run from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 March.
33065 will stay on the MNR until April 9, when it will return to its home depot of Tunbridge Wells for major overhaul.
Major building projects at the North Norfolk
March 01st 2007, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway has built a lean-to extension to the goods shed at Holt station, which will provide protection for a small vehicle, such as the LNER pigeon van, as a part of the display when not running in service.
A much larger carriage depot is being built just up the line, with the new building having been funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £308,000, awarded last March. The new shed will provide cover for the railway's extensive collection of historic coaches.
Steam dream remains on hold
December 27th 2006, Norfolk By Rail
The North Norfolk Railway's dream to steam three ex-GER classes together at this year's winter mini-gala will probably have to remain a dream, with a illness-depleted workforce being unable to bring the railway's LNER-built B12/3 into traffic in time.
Plans to use the line's USATC S160 instead have now also had to be scrapped due to a blown boiler superheater element.
The trains will now be operated by the lines J15 and N7 locomotives - so it will certainly still be worth a visit! Norfolk By Rail is sure that all true enthusiasts will understand how disappointed the line's staff are over these unavoidable events. Rover Tickets are available st £9.50 adult, £8.50 Senior Citizen, £6.00 child and £29 family.
Steam special from Dereham to London
December 10th 2006, Norfolk By Rail
At 08.00 on Saturday 5th May 2007 a B1 class steam locomotive, number 61264,is due to haul the Railway Touring Company's "East Anglian" out of Dereham station, destined for Liverpool Street.
A standard class ticket will cost £74, with first class and dining options available. Details from RTCo. on 01553 661500.
The following week will see steam services returning to the line, once again operated by Pannier Tank 9466.
The train now arriving...is at Heacham!
November 31st 2006, Norfolk By Rail
37 years after closure, Heacham station saw the arrival of BR Mk1 Corridor First coach no. 13318. The station waiting rooms are now used used as self-catering holiday accomodation, and the carriage has been delivered to add atmosphere.
The compartments will be stripped, and the coach's compartments will become two ensuite bedrooms, a kitchen, reading room and bathroom. It is hoped that it will be ready for use next summer.