Introduction
The North Norfolk Railway, or "The Poppy Line", runs for five and a half miles through some of the most spectacular scenery in East Anglia. It was one of the earliest preserved railways, and was the first to be granted a Light Railway Order, which allowed it to carry the public. After several years “in the shadows” the North Norfolk Railway seems to have been enjoying something of a renaissance, and is now undoubtedly one of the best lines in the UK. Starting at the unspoilt fishing town of Sheringham the line follows the coastline for about three miles before turning inland at the rural station of Weybourne (pictured). The line then climbs a steep gradient (1 in 80) to the historic and charming market town of Holt.
Norfolk By Rail Review
February 2005. Sheringham station is a classic example of a heritage station, with plenty of tin-plate signs and porter's barrows. Weybourne is also a pleasant spot, despite being the location of the railway's main works. The reconstruction of Holt station, featuring the rescued Stalham station building and Thursford goods shed, has turned a barren wasteground into a thriving railway terminus. A miniature railway can also be found at this site.
As always the staff get top marks for their friendly and welcoming nature.
The stock is mostly British Railways era Mk1 coaches, sometimes with a very nicely maintained Gresley buffet car included in the rake. The stock is generally in good order, clean and comfortable. There are some toilets on most trains.
There are four resident ex-British Railways steam locomotives, a Great Eastern Railway branch engine (Y14), a London and North Eastern Railway version of the Great Eastern Railways 1500 class express passenger engine, a War Department 2-10-0 and a London and North Eastern Railway N7 (GER) side tank on long-term loan. There are also examples of diesel classes 03, 04, 08, 11, 25, 31, 37 and 47 based on the line. Some services are worked by a heritage diesel multiple unit (class 101) or German designed four-wheel diesel railcars.
North Norfolk Railway Web Site
The Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway Society
The North Norfolk Railway Order 2001
Introduction
The Mid-Norfolk Railway owns nearly 18 miles or line, running through the heart of Norfolk - eleven miles of which are open to regular passenger trains. A member of the so-called "New Generation" of heritage lines it opened to passengers as recently as 1999.
Starting at the busy market town of East Dereham the line meanders through the countryside visiting sleepy little villages such as Yaxham and Thuxton before arriving at the unspoilt market town of Wymondham, with it's abbey and ancient market cross.
The railway also operates the rural junction station at County School, near North Elmham, where there is a tea room and easy access to the National Cycle Network. This station is not yet rail linked.
The line was the first heritage line to operate regular freight services for the Ministry of Defence and aims to serve both the local community and tourists alike.
Norfolk By Rail Review
November 2005 The Dereham station restoration work is now drawing to a close, and the station is starting to regain some of it's 1960s atmosphere. At this time, however, the internal work is still unfinished, so the ticket office is located in a secure portable building and a limited buffet is offered in a stationary railway carriage.
Yaxham station retains the signal box and up platform waiting rooms, although these are in private hands. Thuxton station has been partially restored by its private owners. Hardingham (award winning restoration) is usually closed to the public, although it does see periodic special events. Kimberley Park station reopened in 2005 and features a basic waiting shelter. Wymondham Abbey Station is a basic platform with a tidy timber built ticket office – although there is still no shelter provided for passengers. Potential passengers should be aware that MNR trains do not run to/from the mainline station at Wymondham.
County School station, north of North Elmham has been sympathetically restored to LNER war-time condition, and is a delightful place to stop for a weekend coffee break during the summer months. No trains operate from this station at this time.
Hauled services usually consist of British Rail Mk2 coaches, which are being slowly repainted in either maroon or BR blue/grey. They are generally clean and tidy, and give a comfortable ride. Most services are operated by heritage diesel multiple units (Class 101), which give a good view of the line ahead. There are no steam locomotives based on the railway. The line boasts examples of diesel classes 20, 31/1, 31/4 (x2), 47 and 50.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Order 2001
Introduction
The Great Eastern Railway (1989) Ltd. operated a short steam shuttle service out of County School station on the Wymondham to Wells branch. The company ceased trading in 1995 and the site, apart from the former Station Master's house, is now owned and operated as a static museum and tea room by the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust. It will eventually form part of the company's running line.
A Gloucester class 100(142) trailer car is displayed in the platform, and the body of a Great Eastern Railway third class carriage can also be found on site.
Whitwell Station.
Introduction
This station, latterly known as Whitwell and Reepham, was situated on the Midland and Great Northern route between Norwich City and Melton Constable.
At the moment the site is derelict, but its new owner has formed a society to restore the station, lay track and establish a small operating railway and museum.