NRS NL 63-2 Mar-April 2018

Norfolk Railway Society

Founded 1955 www.norfolkrailwaysociety.org.uk
Volume 63 No. 2 Mar/April 2018

_________TRACK REPORT

news from railways in and around Norfolk

National Network

GE LINES UPDATE: MARCH 2018
GE LINES NEWS

Crossrail / The Elizabeth Line
The new Crossrail Class 345 emus are gradually being
introduced to Liverpool Street – Shenfield services but in
mid-January the historic Class 315 emus still operated
about 50% of the services due to infrastructure issues
affecting the Class 345s.

On 12 February Saxmundham station building was The sorry state of the Saxmundham station building with no roof
severely damaged by fire during the afternoon. Train and surrounded by security fencing on 14th March: (above) from
services were suspended between Beccles and Ipswich the level crossing and below from the station forecourt (Andy
from about 1430 to 1800hrs with services not calling at Wright).
Saxmundham until the Fire Brigade had made the severely
damaged buildings safe. The Victorian building was
reroofed about 10 years ago but the new roof was totally
destroyed by the fire.

The building had been vacant – previous lettings to
residential and travel agent tenants had ceased a few years
ago. Greater Anglia had agreed terms for a new lease to
the Art Station project which hoped to develop the building
as a contemporary art space for the station’s 300 weekly
users. Before the fire the project team had hopes of raising
£1.5m of funding for the project.

Manningtree: New train maintenance depot Ipswich service was proposed to be extended to Norwich to
In mid-January there was little indication of the main site provide the third service per hour).
construction commencing. Rumours are strengthening that
the new depot will not be built – various factors are being Wherry lines resignalling scheme works continue
mentioned including site acquisition complications; the high A further blockade seeing buses substituting for the rail services
water table; Network Rail’s costs of connecting the new between Norwich – Great Yamouth and Lowestoft took place
sidings proposed with the GE main line and NR’s concerns between 10 - 18 February 2018. Rail services were suspended
that the level crossing barriers at Manningtree will be between Lowestoft and Beccles for the two weekends involved.
lowered for much longer. It is being rumoured that stabling
may take place at Harwich Parkeston Quay and maintenance Bridge renewal between Ely and Kings Lynn: the railway
may even be undertaken off the GA’s own network! was closed for these works between 12 – 16 February.

It is believed that the third London service serving Norwich GE INCIDENTS
proposed in the new franchise may have to be abandoned due The following details can only represent a small sample of the
to infrastructure issues north of Ipswich (the present London – incidents occurring given that your scribe is not a subscriber to
the daily Control Log!.
In This Issue 1
4
Track Report 5
National Network 14
Heritage, Narrow-gauge and Miniature 15

Pick-up Goods
NRS News
Working Timetable

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_________TRACK REPORT

Friday 2 February: due to signalling problems south of 1130 ex London return found an additional 4 cars to make the
Colchester the 0600 ex Norwich; 0647 ex Clacton and 0652 ex formation up to 8 cars.
Ipswich to London services were all terminated at Colchester.
Some 20 Wherry Line services were cancelled today because
The 0550 Norwich - Liverpool Lime St service was terminated of a shortage of serviceable units.
at Wymondham 24L “due to a mishap”.
The 0945 Norwich to Sheringham service was 25L by Hoveton
Emergency engineering works effecting repairs to a point at & Wroxham in reaction to a road vehicle hitting ahb barriers in
Whittlesea saw Network Rail take a 3 hour blockade after the Salhouse area.
1030 necessitating train services to be suspended between
March and Peterborough. Tuesday 13 February: the 1700 London – Norwich service
was stopped at Witham 1744–1926 whilst the emergency
Saturday 3 February: The 1600 London – Norwich service services dealt with a fatality involving the 1652 Ipswich –
was involved in a fatality between Colchester and London service at Kelvedon. The 1700 reached Norwich 127L.
Manningtree. The train was terminated there 82L. The 1600 The next through service to Norwich was an additional service
and 1700 services was terminated at Manningtree. The first departing Liverpool St at 1920.
Up service was the 1730 Norwich – Colchester and the first
Down service was the 1833 ex Colchester ( which should have “The Beast from the East” was the name given by the media
started at Ingatestone). to a cold weather depression originating from Siberia. In
anticipation of extreme cold and heavy snowfall particularly
Monday 5 February: The 1230 London to Norwich struck and hitting East Anglia Greater Anglia responded to Network Rail
killed a trespasser at Sandy Lane, Lakenham. The train concerns.
terminated at Norwich 82L. The 1430, 1530 and 1630 ex
Norwich were cancelled – the 1500 service was started at Diss Tuesday 27 February saw almost 1000 services being
upon arrival of the 1300 ex London which terminated there. cancelled well in advance. Apart from main line services
The 1700, 1810 and 1900 ex London services were cancelled between Norwich and London, which were albeit thinned out
in reaction. running to an hourly schedule, and the Norwich – Cambridge
service all rural routes in Norfolk were suspended as were
Tuesday 6 February: Probably in reaction to the yesterday’s Ipswich – Lowestoft/Felixstowe services. Further afield on the
incident the 0900 ex Norwich – London service was formed by main line shuttle services were operating on the branches.
a 4car emu which ran non-stop from Ipswich to Stratford. The Services wound down or were terminated short of the normal
destination station by 2200hrs and due to recommence after
Norfolk Railway Society 0600.
(Founded 1955)

President: Ken Mills, Esq. The snowfall was limited to about 5cm (2 inches) so the
cancellations appeared to be rather an over-reaction to the
Committee and Officers 2016-2017 Telephone weather forecast. Limited services were reinstated on the
Norwich – Sheringham / Great Yarmouth routes.
Chairman Brian Kirton
Wednesday 28 February: whilst GA hoped to run a better
Vice Chairman Warren Wordsworth service than on the previous day another 15cm or so of snow
arrived overnight making travelling difficult by either road or
Past Chairman Ray Halliday rail. No service on the rural routes from Norwich serving
coastal destinations nor the East Suffolk / Felixstowe lines.
Secretary & Andrew Wright
Webmaster Thursday 1 March: the wintry conditions were still causing
some 200 cancellations across the GA network. Strengthening
Treasurer John Laycock wind resulted in roads and rail lines becoming blocked by
snowdrifts. The 0800 ex Norwich reached London 43L but its
Membership Sec Mike Handscomb booked return working the 1130 was cancelled. The 0930 ex
London departed 16L; reached Colchester 33L and was held
Newsletter Editor & Edward Mann at Manningtree 1105 – 1149 (76L) reaching Norwich 87L. The
Indoor Programme 1030 ex London had departed 33L and reached Norwich 59L.

Indoor Programme Graham Kenworthy Discovery of a 9ft snowdrift between Norwich and Diss
resulted in the 1300 Norwich – London service being stopped
Show Day Manager Brian Cornwell shortly after passing Trowse Jcn before it returned to Norwich
& Outdoor visits some 70 minutes after its departure. The 1230 ex London was
terminated at Ipswich for the same reason. The 1400 ex
Committee Member Malcolm Wright Norwich was cancelled and the 1500 departed 25L and
appeared to be terminated at Stowmarket.
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Norfolk Railway Society Newsletter

Editor: Edward Mann
1

Layout & Picture Editor: Andrew Wright

Distribution: Graham Smith

Please contact Graham if the next edition does not arrive by The 1230, 1310 (an additional service), 1330 and the 1430 ex
the end of the month of publication. London were terminated at Ipswich; Colchester and
Stowmarket (1330 and 1430) due to the snowdrift problem.
Opinions expressed in any articles are those of the author The 1530 ex London was cancelled. The 1630 ex London
and should not be taken to represent those of the Society. passed Kelvedon 63L and appears to have failed shortly
Next issue published 7th June 2018. thereafter passing Colchester 140L and reaching
Copy date: 29th May 2018. Norwich148L. The following 1730 ex London passed Stratford
32L, Colchester 86L reaching Norwich 103L.

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_________TRACK REPORT

Friday 2 March: GA operated a Saturday service with some Small Talk Saves Lives
200 cancellations including all the rural serving the coast from
Norwich and the East Suffolk line. During February we were contacted by Becky Bray, Route
Crime Manager (Anglia), Network Rail, whose role includes
Norwich – Cambridge services were calling additionally at exploring ways of preventing people taking their lives on the
Waterbeach to cover for cancellations on the Kings Cross – railway. Much work has already been done by Network Rail,
Kings Lynn route after OLE damage which marooned a train Greater Anglia and British Transport Police (BTP) together
near Littleport. and in partnership with other statutory agencies such as
Mental Health Trusts and charities like the Samaritans.
Saturday 3 March: after the coldest March day on record
GA’s website stated that none of their services would have So far Becky says there has been a focus on the inner
toilet facilities – presumably because of frozen water tanks in commuter lines where better physical security such as fencing,
the roof spaces. Still no services between Norwich – reducing the number of level crossings and more staffed
Sheringham/Gt Yarmouth/Lowestoft and the East Suffolk line. stations increase the chances of railway staff coming across
individuals in distress and helping them to a place of safety.
A further 2 to 3 inches of snow overnight courtesy of Storm The outer rural lines present a greater challenge with
Emma which moved in from the south. unstaffed stations, more level crossings and other places
where people can access the railway lines and there are fewer
A points failure at Claydon caused the 0751 Ingatestone – people about who may be able to intervene or summon help.
Norwich service to be held at Ipswich 0851 – 0939 reaching Becky is keen to hear from people and organisations with
Norwich 56L. An almost identical time delay befell the 0744 ideas that may help reduce the likelihood of people harming
Cambridge – Ipswich service at Needham Market with the themselves on the railway.
train arriving 48L. The 0920 Ipswich – Cambridge started 30L
in reaction and this service was terminated at Bury St As well as the human cost and tragedy for all involved in these
Edmunds to form the return 1044 ex Cambridge – Ipswich events the delays are considerable causing significant issues
starting from Bury St Edmunds. for passengers, staff and the network.
(Peter Adds)
The “Small Talk Saves Lives” campaign was launched last
And in other news… year by Samaritans and the rail industry to give rail users
confidence to act if they notice someone who may be suicidal
Victoria Sidings returning to use on or around the railway. It promotes the idea that if you think
Last used in the early 1990s, Victoria Sidings adjacent to the somebody might need help, trust your instincts and strike up a
GE main line at Trowse is being prepared for use by Network conversation. Suicidal thoughts can be temporary and
Rail. Track clearance has taken place and a new point motor interrupted with something as simple as a question. The
is being installed. Entry to the siding is from the Down Main. Samaritans suggest: “a question about the weather or even
Likely use seems to be for stabling vehicles leased by GA until asking someone’s name can be enough. You won’t make the
the end of the lease period as a contingency. situation worse but you could help save a life”.

Cambridge to Brighton direct Research has shown that many rail users would be willing to
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has introduced six new approach someone who may be suicidal if they knew what
‘preview’ services running for the first time between signs to look out for, what to say and were confident they
Cambridge and Brighton and Peterborough and Horsham. would not make the situation worse.
This is part of the introduction of new services on Thameslink
and the trains will run through new tunnels at St Pancras Warning signs may include a person standing alone and
International. isolated, looking distant and withdrawn, staying on a platform
a long time without boarding a train. There is no single sign or
For example you may now take a direct service from combination of behaviours that mean a person is suicidal but,
Cambridge (11:32) to Brighton (13:42) and return at 14.32 if something doesn’t feel right, the message is to act.
arriving Cambridge at 16:48 for the princely sum of £41.50 (Off
Peak return). Research suggests the highest number of suicides/suspected
suicides on the network take place during April with another
From May 2018 with the full introduction of timetable changes peak in October. Rail Safety and Standards Board and BTP
space will be created for 40,000 additional passengers during figures indicated that for every suicide/attempted suicide on
peak times into London, rising to more than 60,000 next year. the railway in 2016/17 there were nearly 7 potentially life
saving interventions.
Elizabeth Line services through central London
In other new tunnels beneath London, trains are being tested If you are involved with or know of any organisations that may
on the Elizabeth Line in preparation for Crossrail’s biggest be able to support this campaign or contribute ideas on how to
milestone to date when services run through central London at reduce the likelihood of people harming themselves on the
the end of the year. Europe’s largest infrastructure project is railway, particularly in rural areas, please let me know
already 90% complete and fit out is well underway at 10 new ([email protected]) and I will pass the information on to
stations in the capital. Upgrade works continue on 30 further Becky.
stations and other rail infrastructure across outer London,
Berkshire and Essex. You can find out more about this campaign by searching
“small talk saves lives” on the following webistes:
Control of trains through the central core features a www.networkrail.co.uk, www.samaritans.org and
communications based signalling system known as CBTC www.btp.police.uk.
which allows a metro-style service. The outer areas will (Andy Wright)
operate under the European Train control system. Thanks to
Chris Mitchell for this information.
(Andy Wright)

3

_________TRACK REPORT Eaton Park Miniature Railway is used to
test a new navigation system
Cromwell and the hot big end
The railway has been used by the Acle technology
On Thursday 22nd February 70013 Oliver Cromwell made a much company Thurn Group to test a new navigation system.
publicised visit to Norwich with The Cathedrals Express. Sadly it This is designed to be used under the North Sea to
suffered a hot big end bearing a few miles from its destination. It is locate pipe lines and power cables.
seen below crossing Trowse Swing Bridge and, bottom, in the yard
being coaled with the headboard changed and bearing a wreath in Managing director Tom Hillier explained: “I set up Thurn
memory of Richard Hardy (see p.11-12). Group to develop new technologies for seabed survey,
mainly aimed at the offshore wind industry in the North
On examination at Norwich it was found unable to make the return Sea. The new sonar products need especially accurate
journey to London. A repair was effected and while the “Beast from navigation and we came up with the idea of testing the
the East” was wreaking havoc across the region 70013 departed on inertial navigation system (INS) on a miniature railway.
Wednesday 28th February. Thanks to Mike Fordham for the The INS uses GPS and motion sensors to measure its
photographs. position and motion very accurately. We need to know
(Andy Wright) how truly accurate and repeatable this is, to within a
centimetre”.

The equipment was fixed to an open carriage and ran
round the ground level track for an hour. As it ran on the
same track each time any navigation errors could be
seen on company’s laptop (pictures below by Mike
Fordham).

As a “thank you” a donation was made by the Thurn
Group to the Friends of Eaton Park.
(Mike Fordham)

Heritage, Narrow-gauge and
Miniature

Steam returns to Broadway

No. 7829 Dinmore Manor hauled the first public train into the rebuilt
Broadway station on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway on 30th
March. Some nine days earlier Merchant Navy No. 35006 left
Broadway with the first passenger service - a volunteers and
supporters special - from the station for 58 years. Videos of these
events can be found on the GWR Facebook page or via YouTube.

Parklands Miniature Railway open day

Mike Fordham informs us that the open day at Hemsby will be on
Tuesday 7th August from 14:30.

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______PICK-UP GOODS to Hurdlow opened in 1830. From the canal it climbed over
1,000ft in five miles by means of four steep inclines: Cromford,
A miscellany of news and members’ contributions Sheep Pasture, Middleton and Hopton. But by the 1870s
Hopton Incline's winding engine was worn out, and with
Recently at the URC Hall locomotive power having improved the chains and engine
were removed and the gradients flattened so that the incline
“The Cromford & High Peak Railway” – Gordon became a conventional adhesion railway - at 1 in 14, the
Bruce(18th January) steepest in the country.

Gordon began his presentation by admitting that he’d never With such dramatic inclines, runaways could occur, and
actually seen trains on the famous Cromford & High Peak because of this ‘catchpits’ were built between up and down
Railway. Old Ordnance Survey maps had sparked his running lines. And the inclines weren’t the only jaw-dropping
fascination with the line, which once wandered for 33 miles up feature. Gordon showed some astonishing examples of
and down the wilds of north Derbyshire, and in the 1980s he Victorian civil engineering. The stone-faced embankment at
and his father had walked some of the route. Minninglow impressed Historic England’s predecessor enough
to give it Grade II listed status. Of the many tight curves, the
most severe were at Longcliffe (3 chains radius) and, Gotham
(2½ chains) where the line turned through 80°. Just imagine
those flanges squealing! The engine house at Middleton Top
has been preserved as a visitor centre; once a month the
beam engines which once hauled wagons come to life, but
with compressed air.

The line was a magnet for enthusiasts, especially in its final The line’s motive power was unusual: in the 1930s two ex-
years. No.58856, one of the ex-North London 0-6-0Ts, took North London Railway 0-6-0Ts were brought in and served for
part in the SLS ‘High PeakRail Tour’ in 1953.(photographer many years. and in the 1950s Kitson-built ex-LMS 0-4-0STs
unknown). operated the section from Sheep Pasture Top to Middleton
Bottom. Latterly Austerity tanks (J94) could also be found, two
of which, nos. 68006 and 68012, put up a spectacular show on
the final day, 30th April 1967.

The C&HP was built to carry minerals and goods between the No more room inside! Participants are jammed into open
Cromford Canal wharf at High Peak Junction and the Peak wagons on the RCTS ‘High Peak’ Railtour on June 27 1964
Forest Canal at Whaley Bridge. Josias Jessop, the son of as it crosses the magnificent Minninglow Viaduct. The
William Jessop, built the railway in the manner of a canal, with photographer was on the footplate of 68012. (G Plumb).
inclines substituted for flights of locks. On the nine inclined
planes, stationary steam engines were used, apart from the
final incline into Whaley Bridge, which was worked by a horse
capstan. The "fishbelly" rails were supported on stone blocks.
It was amazing to learn that a daily passenger service ran
between 1874 and 1877 – the journey took over eight hours!

Aided by projected maps and photographs, which showed the
railway both in its working life and after closure, Gordon
conducted us along the C&HP route beginning at the south-
eastern end at High Peak Junction, on the Cromford Canal
(although it seems there was some confusion about where the
junction actually was). The first part of the line from the wharf

Inquisitive visitors inspect the remains of a catch pit at Ivo Peters, Cam Camwell and the Adams/Whitehouse Railway
Sheep Pasture incline. (D J Norton). Roundabout team had all found operations on the line worth
filming, and Gordon began the second half of his evening with
short films from these revered names. He then continued
tracing the route from Parsley Hay. The portion from Hurdlow
to Whaley Bridge descended through four more inclines, the
steepest being 1 in 7. The highest part of the line was at
Ladmanlow, a height of 1,266 feet (almost 100ft higher than
Ais Gill summit on the Settle–Carlisle line).

The L&NWR leased the line from 1862 and bought it out in
1887. Some of the more meandering sections were
straightened and by 1890 permission had been obtained to
connect the line directly to Buxton with a short new line from
Harpur Hill. The old north end of the line from Ladmanlow to

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Whaley Bridge was then abandoned. Gordon found the A4, B1, N1 and V2 all present. In another painting Sir John
trackbed still visible in many places; indeed one incline forms Betjeman, who was instrumental in saving St Pancras station
part of a public road. The historic significance of the northern and the Midland Grand hotel, gazes up at Sir Giles Gilbert
terminus, the trans-shipment shed at Whaley Bridge, means Scott’s architectural masterpiece - with bricks individually
that it now bears a Transport Trust plaque. picked out in slightly different shades (the bricks of Cubitt’s
terminus next door, we learnt, are of unvarying London yellow
In the area you can still find working railways today: the clay).
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway at Wirksworth, and the 18”
gauge Steeple Grange Light Railway; the latter runs along the
trackbed of a former C&HP branch and features a 1 in 27
gradient.

Gordon praised Derbyshire County Council and the Peak
District National Park Authority for their foresight in converting
much of the route into the High Peak Trail, a traffic-free - if hilly
- path for walkers and cyclists. Chairman Brian Kirton
proposed a vote of thanks to Gordon for a most absorbing
evening, which was enthusiastically supported. (Mike
Handscomb)

“Railway Stations - an Artist’s view” – Wrenford Holden J69 no.68619 lights up the gloom of Liverpool Street
Thatcher (1st February) while it attempts to smoke out the occupants of the Great
Eastern Hotel.
Wrenford Thatcher’s grandparents were engine drivers,
working on the GER and later their successors. As a boy Liverpool Street turns out to be his favourite station – in the
Wrenford lived in Hatfield and spent many lineside hours 1950s, that is, certainly not today. The complex and far from
sketching trains. Once he could afford a ‘box Brownie’ camera passenger-friendly layout, the sound of Westinghouse brake
he began capturing railway scenes on film but later developed pumps and the occasional ray of light through the grimy roof
a passion for painting in oils. For this meeting he projected all combined to conjure up the ‘Street’s unique atmosphere.
images of his paintings which dealt with the architectural side Wrenford had painted one scene of the station suffused by a
of railways – but with a good number of locomotives included 1950s fog – not easy to capture – while in another, a J69 pilot
to keep the gricers happy! Interspersed among the paintings stands centre stage capturing the attention of a ‘lady in blue’ –
were a few recent photographs of the same stations; Wrenford a Thatcher leitmotif – and her companion.
feels that most C20 changes were for the worse.
Paintings of Paddington – whose renovation Wrenford found
Those who were present when Wrenford addressed the NRS sympathetic to the building’s heritage – majored on the area
in February 2013 may recall a panorama of the scene north of under the old Bishop’s Bridge, with green ‘Castles’ departing
King's Cross and St Pancras in 1952. This unusual for the West, Hawksworth 15XX tanks scurrying around on
perspective, impossible unless you’re a bird or in a tethered carriage duties, and spotters observing every move. The old
balloon, is something that he has since developed. He insists Euston he found functional rather than architecturally
on an accurate portrayal of whatever scene he paints, and so arresting, but the trains’ red livery made up for this somewhat!
to capture a bird’s eye view he researches large-scale OS
maps of the appropriate period and then paints them as they We moved out of the capital for the second half. Wrenford’s
would look from an aerial viewpoint – hard to imagine, much home station as a boy was Hatfield, where there was once a
harder to accomplish. We saw many of these aerial
panoramas as well as conventional views from the ground.
King’s Cross and St Pancras and the area around them
fascinate Wrenford. One painting of King’s Cross imagines the
scene in the early 1950s with representatives of classes A1,

Years before Morrisons took over the goods yard, this was how Wrenford imagined an everyday scene at Cromer Beach
(M&GN) station.

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royal waiting room built specifically for Queen Victoria. He’d There was much more variety that summer, thanks to a week-
perpetuated boyhood memories by painting an A4 at the long ‘Freedom of Scotland’ ticket. The main draw for Richard
station, and a scene which reflected his first ever ‘box and many others (even your Membership Secretary made the
Brownie’ photo: N7 no.69654 pottering in the yard. trip that year!) were A4s, including the last of the class,
60034 Lord Faringdon, plying between Glasgow Buchanan
Other once-favourite stations included Newcastle, where the Street and Aberdeen. It wasn’t a foolproof schedule though.
platforms today are shiny and bright but without the character Richard’s first trip to Aberdeen turned out to be diesel-hauled,
they once had. Here we saw A1 60120 Kittiwake illuminated but he had the compensation of A2 60532 Blue Peter for the
by shafts of sunlight through the glass roof. York was pictured return. Other highlights included ‘Crab’ 42919 at Kilmarnock,
as it once was, with four through tracks beneath the massive J37 64611 on a pick-up goods at Inverkeithing and the
arched roof, and a scene at Derby contained one of the unexpected sight of Standard 2-6-4T 80026 on a suburban
Midland’s unusual ‘flatiron’ 0-6-4 tanks. The original station at working out of Edinburgh Waverley. Taking a train from
Bristol Temple Meads has been reduced to the ignominy of Carlisle to Stranraer in the early hours of the morning behind a
serving as a car park, but there may be plans to re-use it more Black 5 piloting a Britannia should have provided some sights
sympathetically. A scene looking down on Edinburgh and sounds to savour, but Richard’s days had been too
Waverley could not be painted today, such is the network of packed – he fell asleep!
catenaries which obscure the view.
We returned to the Southern for a look at the last days of
Closer to home, East Anglian scenes included Cromer High steam on the Waterloo – Weymouth line. Bournemouth shed
‘from the top of the water tower’, and the yard at nearby Beach always seemed to be in sunshine when viewed from a passing
station where two of Wrenford’s ancestors appeared in the train; how spruce 34089602 Squadron looked on shed there,
scene. A brace of paintings of Weybourne showed how the the last steam loco to receive an Eastleigh overhaul. We also
station’s colour scheme differed between 1926 (M&GN) and made brief forays to Southern branches: Richard had
today (NNR). Wrenford loved the old Jacobean-style building witnessed, quite by chance, 76010 working the last timetabled
at Wansford on the Nene Valley Railway, but it’s sadly in need steam service on the Swanage branch. He’d also visited the
of renovation; the NVR is attempting to acquire it. Lymington branch and seen O2 tanks on the Isle of Wight.

Questions at the end covered subjects for his future paintings, From John H Bird’s Southern Steam Surrender, I already
photography vs. painting, the difficulty of establishing a knew Richard had witnessed the last weekend of Southern
viewpoint at Marylebone and Broad Street termini, and steam working in July 1967, but here was the pictorial proof.
Wrenford’s amazing ability to visualise a 3D scene from two- He’d visited Bournemouth and Weymouth sheds and, with
dimensional data. Chairman Brian Kirton delivered the vote of other enthusiasts, travelled on the very last up working, the
thanks. 14.07 Weymouth – Waterloo, hauled by 35030 Elder
Dempster Lines. His dim – but historic – image of the loco at
Andy Sullivan of the Norski Noo Gallery at Dereham, was Waterloo rounded off the Southern sequence beautifully.
present at the meeting with some of Wrenford’s works: original
oil paintings on canvas, limited edition signed prints and As the refreshment interval approached, the tea-makers
copies of his book The Railway Paintings of Wrenford J. announced a crisis: no electricity in the kitchen. Fortunately
Thatcher: Caught on Canvas. More than one NRS member Mike Fordham located the fuse box and saved the day.
returned home with a prized purchase. (Mike Handscomb)
And so through 1967 to 1968, the year that was to see
“Rain, Grain & Grime” – Richard Adderson steam’s last breath – at least in regular BR service. A number
(15th February) of trips around the north-west provided a wealth of variety,
even if some of the locations seemed rather depressing
This year sees the 50th anniversary of the end of scheduled (Preston station especially so) to the youthful photographer.
steam services on British Railways. Richard Adderson had Richard's schedule gave no time for leisurely linesiding, so to
travelled widely over the UK network between July 1966 and get photographs he adopted the practice of travelling in the
April 1968 to see and photograph steam at work, and his leading coach and alighting at a station but leaving the door
evening’s presentation consisted of around 180 black-and- open so that the train could not depart without him. There was
white pictures. Last year he digitised these negatives, and this much still to see at Carnforth, which had one of the last steam
was their first outing in presentation format. sheds, and where the steady procession of freight, apart from
Freightliner traffic, was entirely steam-hauled. A trip from
A sizeable audience had come, perhaps intrigued by the talk’s Carnforth to Barrow produced Stanier 2-6-4T 42611 on the
Turner-pastiche title. In the mid-1960s Richard started work as front. Another surprise was Britannia 70011 hauling a humble
a junior, hence he was at the end of the list when it came to Preston – Crewe stopper, which was photographed alongside
choosing holiday dates and ‘Rain’ was the main feature of the a foretaste of things to come: a Class 86 electric. Tebay shed
months he was left to pick from. ‘Grain’ came from the film in contained only bankers for Shap, such as 75026. A curious
the cameras he used: a box Brownie and an Ilford Sportsman. backdrop to some Lancaster scenes was provided by the OHL
The former was limited by a 1/25 shutter speed and a lens gantries on the Midland route to Morecambe, an electrified
which rendered photos a little blurred at the edges; the latter route which had closed some two years earlier.
had faster shutter speeds but occasionally tore the film. Finally
‘Grime’ – no explanation needed really, given the state of most And what could be more appropriate to round off Richard’s
locos in the late 1960s. most enjoyable retrospective than ‘The End’ – chalked on a
Merchant Navy’s open, cold, smokebox door. (Mike
In 1966 Richard had taken a day trip to Basingstoke, walked Handscomb)
up the line and spent three hours watching something that had
become impossible in East Anglia: a succession of steam- A selection of Richard’s images with his captions appear on
hauled expresses. We saw several shots of rebuilt Bulleid the following two pages.
Pacifics tearing past, but the presence of a third rail, as yet
unelectrified, indicated that things were about to change.

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This page, top: 44954 and 70053 Moray Firth reverse past Carstairs No. 3 while working the 8.25 am train from Glasgow
signal box prior to working the 1.14 pm train to Edinburgh Waverley on 20th Buchanan Street to Aberdeen. 22nd July 1966.
July 1966. The train was booked for a single Black 5, so perhaps the Bottom left: WC 4-6-2 no. 34102 Lapford is just east
Britannia had an unbalanced working at some time during the day. of Basingstoke with a train from Bournemouth. This
Middle: The continued use of A4 pacifics on certain Glasgow to Aberdeen was one of 15 steam expresses seen in a three-hour
trains prompted many enthusiasts to visit Scotland during the summer of 1966. spell by the lineside, and the only unrebuilt Bulleid
Onlookers savour the scene as no.60034Lord Faringdon takes water at Perth pacific to appear. The engine is a bit scruffy, and its
nameplates have been removed, but it is still capable
of handling a heavy express train. Conductor rails
are in place on the line in the foreground, and colour
light signals await activation. 20th August 1966.
Bottom right: 45296 waits to leave Manchester
Exchange with the 5.34 pm (Fridays Only) train for
York on 14th April 1967. It was not in an ideal
position for photography, so it was a case of this
shot or nothing. The train provided a rare
opportunity for a steam-hauled trip over the
Pennines.

Facing page, top: 42919 steams through
Kilmarnock station with an up goods train during the
early afternoon of 21st July 1966. It was a
memorable afternoon with temperatures in the 90s,
most of the trains steam hauled, and to cap it all,
this proved to be the only occasion I ever
photographed a “Crab” in action.
Middle: The crew prepare for the next stage of their
journey as 73153 waits at Perth with a Dundee to
Glagow Buchanan Street relief train on 22nd July
1966. A heap of ash on the platform and drifting
steam from the engine do nothing to make their
task more comfortable. The Bulleid coach at the
front of the train is a long way from home.

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This page, Bottom: A very clean 34013 Okehampton sets out from Bournemouth “The Mid-Norfolk Railway: Current
Central with an express for Waterloo on a September day in 1966. Developments and Future Projects” –

Chris Pearson (15th March)

Who’d be a p-way ganger? After seeing photos of
volunteers out in all weathers, sometimes up to
their knees in mud, that was the question many of
us asked during Chris Pearson’s talk.

Chris has been a railwayman since 1980, working
his way up from messenger and lampman to train
crew instructor, until he retired in 2014; he’s also
been heavily involved in the revival of the MNR,
and is a board member of the railway’s Trust
Council.

He began by describing progress to date on the
Northern section, the 6-mile stretch from Dereham
to North Elmham - and, ultimately, the railway’s
current outpost at County School. This was taking
much longer to repair and improve than the
Southern section because its original construction
was to lower standards and it had received little
maintenance in its last years under BR ownership.
Heavy Polybulk grain wagons, and wheelslip from
the Class 31s hauling them, had added to the
damage. Around two-thirds of the sleepers needed
renewing - at a cost of £38 or so per sleeper! We
saw revealing before-and-after views of the line –
in some ‘before’ views, vegetation all but obscured
the track – and admired the labours of the valiant
p-way gangs who’d achieved so much in all
weathers (all the work had to be done by hand, as
a tamping machine’s action would be too violent
for the track and ballast.) A milestone just two
weeks earlier had been the arrival at North
Elmham of the first loco-hauled train since 1989:
Class 04 shunter D2334 and a short train of ballast
wagons.

Compared with the Northern section, Chris didn’t
dwell long on the Southern section, over which
MNR trains have been regularly running since
1999. But some 10 mph and 20mph TSRs remain,
and a constant problem is drainage, as water
drains on to the line from surrounding fields and
even public highways. At Garvestone a major
project is under way to interlock the road crossing
gate locks and distant signals with Thuxton signal
box. As a result the gates at Garvestone are now
signalled, for the first time in 45 years. The small
crossing box at Dereham North is due to move to
Garvestone. The plan is to replace it at Dereham
with Brundall box, which Network Rail has offered
to the MNR.

Turning to commercial matters, Chris described
the elaborate preparations which had been
required for the MNR’s ‘Polar Express’ trains,
which ran last Christmas in place of the usual
‘Santa Specials’. The trains had run as far as
Hardingham station, which had been transformed
into the North Pole. Bookings and income had
exceeded all expectations, but royalties were
payable to the franchising company, an agent for
Warner Bros films, thus reducing the MNR’s net
profit. Contracts have been signed, we learnt, for
the MNR to run ‘Polar Express’ for another three

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years. Hiring out the line for filming is another source of
income, and a film crew took over Dereham station for a week
in February to make a BBC drama The Bodyguard to be
screened later this year. Another regular source of income
comes each Autumn from providing servicing facilities for the
RHTT trains.

The final part of Chris’s presentation dealt with the proposed Above: A re-sleepering gang at work near North Elmham (Mid-
three-road 9-vehicle loco shed at Dereham. It was likely to Norfolk Railway).
cost about £250,000, but as often happens, shortage of funds
was hindering progress. An application is under way for Below:A sight not seen since 1989: shunting at North Elmham,
LEADER funding (a Defra and EU-backed scheme to assist March 4 2018 (Mid-Norfolk Railway).
farmers, rural businesses and communities); but the
application process for that – indeed, all funding schemes – is
extremely rigorous. Another project in need of funds is the
stables at Dereham; they are the only GER stables to survive
and desperately need repairs.

Questions to Chris centred on new stations. At Wymondham,
where the ‘temporary’ platform had now lasted 15 or so years,
a permanent replacement may be located on the other side of
the Cavick road crossing. At North Elmham, it’s hoped to open
a station in 2019, but housing development since the line
closed has restricted possibilities, and there is still some
debate about where the station should be located. The most
likely site is south of the crossing. (Mike Handscomb)

More progress chasing these forms or submit them with the aim of winning a prize.

The item in NRS/NL 63/1 p.12 certainly stirred some Report entries were scrutinised by a panel of judges
memories. Although he never took part in the progress comprising W.G. Thorpe, Line Traffic Manager (GE), G.W.
chasing competition, Richard Adderson has a contemporary Brimyard, Public Relations Officer (GE), Ian Allan, Cecil J.
leaflet “which tells us everything we could ever wish to know Allen and C.Hamilton Ellis.
about it”. Published by British Rail (Eastern Region) the
competition was “for boys and girls aged 11 to 16”. It asked I was fortunate enough to win a prize in 1958 with the prize
participants to make a train journey of 12 miles or more giving taking place at Parkeston on SS Amsterdam on
anywhere on the Great Eastern, look out for “railway 18th October with each winner receiving a certificate signed by
modernisation progress” and report on what was seen. the judges, tour of the ship (in harbour) and various other
‘goodies’ according to the level of prize they were awarded.
On completion of an entry form and payment of the 1/- entry The first prize was a Class 40 cab ride London to Norwich.
fee participants were given an Authority Card, which when I was awarded third prize of a goody bag and a tour around
presented at any G.E. station entitled the holder to cheap Temple Mills Yard.
fares for journeys of over 12 miles. Journeys could be made
between 19th July and 19th September. Who got it?

John Absom writes: Edward like me was a member of the In NRS/NL 63/1 p.8 readers were asked to say when the last
Norwich Railfans Club several of whom joined the Great Scottish station closure (as opposed to re-sitings etc)
Eastern Line Progress chasers. I’m not sure of the exact dates occurred. Amazingly, you must go back to 29th September
the scheme ran but it was the second half of the fifties. 1986 when Balloch Pier became surplus to requirements.

Membership was free and on joining applicants were given a Unnecessary articles
badge (John’s badge is shown left) featuring a Class 30 diesel
The debate over railway station/train station may rumble on,
and on a red but wasn’t there anyone at the BBC able to take the trouble to
surround the words look up or observe the correct name of 70013 when reporting
‘Great Eastern its problems on 22nd February. The engine took its name from
Progress chaser’, a the 17th century military and political leader Oliver Cromwell.
membership card “The” (definite article) was never part of his name, and maybe
which afforded
unlimited very
cheap rail fares on
the GE system and
a supply of report
forms on which
members could
report
modernisation
work/s they
observed. There
was no compulsion
to either complete

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the university-educated people at the BBC should reflect on But then Phil throws a spanner into the locomotive works.
that. We await their next railway blunder in the near future! Diesel power car 43140 is named Landore Diesel Depot 1963-
2013 Celebrating 50 Years – which may not quite be as
The Longest Locomotive Name breathless as The Green Howards, but is then translated into
Welsh!
An avid 'Googler', John Hutchinson has come across an
interesting little item that appeared earlier this year in the Footnote: The Northern Echo later reported that Phil had
Northern Echo, a newspaper that is published in the North found a diesel electric loco in America named Jeremiah Dixon,
East and North Yorkshire regions. Well worth reproducing Son of County Durham, Surveyor of the Mason Dixon Line
here, we think, stirring memories for our members who USA. That’s a breathless 60 characters.
remember the 'good old steam days'! Further research
revealed that the subject was also discussed on the 'LNER For the discerning diner, perhaps
Encyclopedia' website in 2007.
Visit the internet and you’ll find several “Carriages
Phil Chinery, a [local?] tour guide, was asked about the Restaurants”. I can recommend one near Buxton, but the
longest locomotive name – and has gone to considerable latest entrant is at Fen Drayton, Cambridgeshire. It was
lengths to find out. The two leading contenders, known to a featured in the Telegraph on 23rd February, and there is a
generation of smut-faced schoolboys, were both class V2s – Southern-style signal box, the usual collection of railwayana,
184 of which were built at Darlington and Doncaster between some Pullman-style carriages and a platform using stone
1936-44. recovered from the “disused station at Oakham”. I must
question the latter statement given that Oakham is still open,
Only Green Arrow, the first of the class, survives. Having but if somebody knows the station at Oakham perhaps it can
conked out on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, it’s now be placed in context. With thanks to Robin Thomas for
going nowhere, not even nowhere fast, at Shildon. drawing this item to my attention. (EM)

Second among the verbose V2s was 60809, named The Lingering at Llanidloes – see NRS/NL 63/1 pp.
Snapper – the East Yorkshire Regiment, the Duke of York’s 9/10
Own – 52 characters including the apostrophe. 'The Snapper'
Malcolm Banyer adds that at Builth Road the Heart of Wales
line crosses over the formation of the old line from Llanidloes
to Three Cocks Junc and that some remains of the latter are
visible. Also, on the same line, he draws attention to the
former station at Erwood, which now boasts a coffee shop and
a small industrial diesel loco. Thirsty travellers will find it’s not
very far from Erwood to the Three Cocks Garden Centre!

Editorial Retirement

No, not mine but that of Mick Clark the very long-serving
Editor of the M & GN Circle Bulletin. We wish him well in his
retirement and extend our good wishes to his successor,
Richard Walker. (EM)

60835 The Green Howard, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Richard Hardy – personal and local reflections
Yorkshire Regiment is facing north on Grantham's turntable, by Richard Adderson
probably in August 1949. At that time this engine would be a
visitor from Heaton shed in Newcastle upon Tyne(Source - Several members will have noted the wreath carried on the
Internet - Photographer not known). smokebox door of 70013 on its ill-fated visit to Norwich on
22nd February, and some will know that it was carried in
had been the Beverley-based regiment’s nickname since the memory of Richard Hardy, who had died on 18th February at
American War of Independence. Named to commemorate the the age of 94.
coronation of King George VI, the engine was said – like the
regiment – to be 'a symbol of efficiency and mobility', if not Dick Hardy, as he was universally known, entered railway
necessarily of economy. service as a Doncaster Works apprentice in 1941, and spent
much of his early career on the Eastern Region, going to
The East Yorkshires were outmanoeuvred, however, by King’s Lynn as Mechanical Foreman in 1946, and then
Yorkshire comrades-in-arms. V2 number 60835 was named spending some time at South Lynn, where he was able to
The Green Howards, Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own learn the Shedmaster’s job. While only in his mid-20s, he was
Yorkshire Regiment – 59 characters. appointed Shedmaster at Woodford Halse in 1949, and moved
Perhaps because those two had used up all the wartime to a similar role at Ipswich the following year. Here he
brass, only six other V2s carried names – including Durham established cordial relationships with local enthusiasts such as
School, Durham Light Infantry and St Peter’s School, York AD Harry James and Dr Ian Allen. Two years later he moved to
627. Stewart’s Lane in South London, and from 1955 to 1962 he
was in charge of Stratford shed. This role came at a
The most economical engine, a B1, was named Gnu (61018). particularly challenging time as he had to keep trains running
during the changeover from steam to diesel on the main lines,
and from steam to electric on many of the suburban routes. In
later years he had a number of top management positions
before he retired.

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As well as being a professional railwayman, he was very much on the long-closed line from Gloucester to Hereford – the lamp
an enthusiast, being involved with preservation projects as and the ancient bicycle add to the period charm. A Gloucester-
well as writing a number of books and numerous articles for bound service is signalled in the opposite direction, hauled by
magazines. He was also a sought-after and accomplished 5154, as 4161 patiently waits its turn to proceed. Note the pile
speaker, and his remarkable memory for people, places and of rubble thrown up from the platform edge – several stations
machines was legendary. along the line suffered the problem of frost heave during the
bitter winter of 1962/63 and one wonders if repairs ever took
He made at least two visits to the NRS as guest speaker, in place.
November 1966 when he spoke about his time at Ipswich, and
again in February 1968 when we heard about his experiences A change is as good as a rest -
on locomotives in France. Less than ten years ago, he Show Day 10th March 2018
addressed the M&GN Circle in Norwich, and kept a large
audience enthralled with his first-hand reminiscences of For the first time in its history the NRS show left its traditional
railway life. One anecdote particularly stuck in my mind, a home at URC Hall for Poringland Community Centre. After
conversation he recounted between himself and a Liverpudlian much soul searching in 2017 after Peter Willis decided to step
driver, which went something along the lines of:- down as Show Organiser, Brian Cornwell proposed and took
on the new role of Show Manager. He formed a team including
Driver: “You must have met hundreds of people during your stalwarts Mike Fordham and Peter Willis with additional
time on the railway, then?” support from Philip Moore, Malcolm Wright and some
occasional administrative support from me.
RHN: “Yes, thousands of them, and I remember most of their
names.” Leaving for pastures new created a number of uncertainties
and higher costs. The committee was prepared to underwrite
Driver, after a reflective pause: “I any loss although Brian was determined that should not
reckon you’ll have a b***** good happen. In the event, with extensive advertising particularly in
funeral then.” the local area, a railway orientated display in the library
adjacent to the community centre and a more commercial
From the tributes that have been approach to the sale of refreshments, I’m pleased to be able to
paid, I’m sure this will be the case! report that the show broke even. When final figures are
published it may even have made a small surplus.
NRS represented at Visitor numbers were better than in previous years with good
funeral support from the local community. We counted some 230
paying visitors, including families and young children, in
Andrew Stevenson was able to addition to the many NRS members and exhibitors who
attend Richard Hardy’s funeral and attended.
kindly offered to represent the
NRS. He describes a very well
attended service at which there
was standing room only.

Sir William McAlpine

Those of you who watched the Flying Scotsman programme
on Channel 5 on 5th March will have heard the announcement
that Sir William McAlpine passed away on 4th March. No doubt
he will be remembered as the saviour of Flying Scotsman, but
many of us will remember the enjoyable visit to his Fawley Hill
Railway, and its Museum, back in 2009.

Fawley Station in 1963

Michael Roach has sent these images of Fawley station, taken
on 20th July 1963 during his first trip along the line. Fawley was

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They say an army marches on its stomach and this is no less
true of railway shows. An innovation this year was Brian
Cornwell’s breakfast offer of bacon butties to exhibitors. And,
yes, he was up at some ungodly hour cooking the bacon!
Once again though we were very fortunate to have the support
of our gallant and long-suffering catering team who provided
food, drinks and snacks throughout the day. We are very
grateful to Ann, Jenni, Julie, Jane, Maureen, Janet, Frances
and Sandy for their time, energy and good humour.
The layout of Poringland Community Centre is entirely different
to URC Hall and this presented some challenges in calculating
how many layouts and stands could safely be fitted in to the
space. Although there were one or two teething problems
during set-up the team were quickly able to resolve them.
The main hub of activity was inside the main hall which housed
the working layouts and larger stands. Outside this on three
sides were spaces for smaller static exhibits and stands and
also the kitchen and cafe area where people were able to sit
and enjoy refreshments and watch railway videos provided by
Robert Scarfe.
Money raised from the raffle and charges for refreshments at
our indoor meetings was donated to the Wroxham Heritage
Signal Box. An initial donation of £200 was subsequently raised
to £450.
Despite some anxieties about running the show at a new
location it all went well. The question now is will the team stay
together and deliver another show in 2019?
Words and photographs by Andy Wright.

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___________NRS NEWS

Getting hold of the regulator again NRS Archive material available to all

Subject to re-election at the AGM I would like to resume my Members will recall that one of the guidelines behind the
Editorial & Indoor Fixtures roles. As far as the Newsletter is disposal of items in the Archive was that where possible they
concerned, this will take effect from the May/June issue, in should be donated to bodies who had a particular interest in
anticipation of which please address all contributions to me the subject.
([email protected]).
In addition to the historical artefacts donated to the Great
If Jim Connor is able to make his presentation to us on the Eastern Railway Society, several photograph albums and a
new date of 17th May the entire programme through to our number of Bernard Harrison’s slides were therefore made
closing event on 7th June is settled. available to that Society’s Sales Officer, Barry Jackson.
Working on his belief that information should not only be
And now…the Oscars. To Andy Wright for bringing preserved, but should also be made available to all who are
Newsletters to you in my enforced absence. As he has found interested, Barry has put in a tremendous amount of hard work
out, there’s more to it than meets the eye! Thanks also to Mike to scan these items, and they are now available for purchase
Handscomb for writing the meeting reports in a style I would through the GERS.
struggle to emulate and for taking on the negotiations with the
MNR. Finally, thanks to Graham Kenworthy for keeping an eye Bernard’s colour slides covering the remodelling of the
on the Indoor Fixtures. Nobody could have anticipated the Norwich area between 1985 and 1987 are available on a cd.
extreme weather of 28th February/1st March, and people could To see more about it, go to their website
be forgiven for thinking that the epic struggle of Nanook of the (www.gersociety.org.uk). Click on ‘Sales’ in the left-hand
North had come to East Anglia! column, then pick FILES EMPORIUM. This contains nearly a
thousand items, so the best way to find that cd is to use the
On a personal note, I’m not out of the medical wood yet, but a big blue ‘Search the Emporium’ button. Search for ‘Trowse’
lot better than I was. (EM) (’Norwich’ will of course find it, but among 43 other entries –
‘Trowse’ comes up with only 7!).

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___________NRS NEWS

For details and thumbnail images of the black and white Bill Harvey plaque
photographs, more than 2500 of them, from ‘Sales’ go instead
to PHOTOGRAPHS. Members with a long memory may recall at the AGM in 2010
we agreed to make a donation towards a plaque to be
These links also provide details of how these items can be installed at the Ffestiniog Railway in memory of Bill Harvey.
purchased – why not take a look? Those with an even longer memory will recall Bill was the first
President of the NRS.
Richard Adderson and Mike Handscomb.
All went quiet until last
General Data Protection Regulation year when our Honorary
Member David Ward
What, you may well ask, is the relevance to the NRS of this contacted the committee
exciting(!) piece of law which comes into force in May? The and once the plaque was
GDPR updates the law regulating the use which organisations manufactured and
may make of your personal information. installed we covered the
cost of £177.60. David
We maintain a list of current NRS members which includes sent a picture of the
your name, address and, if you have provided it, a telephone plaque in place at Boston
number(s) and email address. This list is kept up to date by Lodge (below) and
Mike Handscomb our Membership Secretary and distributed to enlarged (right).
committee members.

We only use this information to provide membership benefits
such as the Newsletter, membership renewal and, from time
to time information about Society meetings and visits. A
recent example is the email and/or phone call you may have
received about the cancellation of the meeting on 2nd March.

We will no longer publish full contact details of new members
in the Newsletter.

We will not provide the information we hold about you to other
organisations or to other individuals. If another member or
someone outside the NRS asks us for your contact details we
will let you know and leave it up to you to contact that person.

If you resign from the society or do not renew your
membership your contact details will be deleted from our
records.

_________WORKING TIMETABLE
a selective look ahead at local railway events

NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY and Norfolk Transport Group meetings take place (unless otherwise stated) at: United
Reformed Church Hall, Ipswich Road, Norwich, NR4 6QR

Events are listed in good faith, but visitors should check with the organisation concerned before travelling.
Norfolk Transport Group - please contact Mike Fordham or John Laycock on.

Services on our Local Railways

Barton House Railway, Hartwell Road, Wroxham, NR12 8TL. For information: www.bartonhouserailway.org.uk – Tel: 01603-
782008.

Bressingham Steam & Gardens, Low Rd., Bressingham, IP22 2AA. For information: www.thebressinghamgardens.com or
telephone 01379-686900.

The Bure Valley Railway - For details of individual events please visit their website - www.bvrw.co.uk - or telephone 01263-
733858.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway - For details of individual events please visit their website - www.mnr.org.uk - or telephone 01362-
851723.

The North Norfolk Railway - For details of individual events please visit their website - www.nnrailway.co.uk - or telephone 01263-
820800.

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_________WORKING TIMETABLE

The Norwich & District Society of Model Engineers - For details please visit their website www.ndsme.org.

The Wells & Walsingham Light Railway - For information: www. wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk or
www.facebook.com/Wellswalsinghamrailway. Tel: 01328 711630. Daily running until end October 2018, weather permitting.

The Whitwell & Reepham Railway - For details of individual events please visit their website - www.whitwellstation.com - or
telephone 01603-871694.

The R.C.T.S. (Ipswich Branch) and the Ipswich & District Historical Transport Society run comprehensive meetings programmes.

APRIL Thu NORFOLK TRANSPORT GROUP - Travels with Graham Smith - 1930.
26th
28th Sat NENTA TRAINTOURS - Capital Days Out - The Postal Museum and ride the old Post Office
Railway. For details: www.nentatraintours.co.uk or tel. 01692 406152.
MAY
3rd Thu NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY - An Interrail Experience in 2017 - Chris Mitchell - 1930.
5th - 7th Sat - Mon
5th - 7th Sat - Mon NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY - Days out with Thomas.
6th - 7th Sun - Mon
6th Sun BURE VALLEY RAILWAY - Nature by rail. Get closer to nature around the railway.
6th Sun
10th Thu MID-SUFFOLK LIGHT RAILWAY - Middy in the War Years.
12th Sat
WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY - Steam Sunday.
13th Sun
ASHMANHAUGH LIGHT RAILWAY - Open Day - 1400 - 1700 weather permitting.
17th Thu
NORFOLK TRANSPORT GROUP - Members’ Evening - 1930.
19th - 20th Sat - Sun
NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY - Visit to the Great Central Railway’s “Goods Galore” Gala.
20th Sun Full details sent to members at the end of March. Booking and payment required in advance.
26th Sat If you wish to ride the trains you must purchase your own ticket from the GCR.

26th - 28th Sat - Mon MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY - Vintage Bus & Coach Day. Rail travel and free bus services will be
operating from Dereham to County School and Yaxham stations.
27th - 28th Sun - Mon
27th - 28th Sun - Mon NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY - Towards a Corporate Identity – A Look at North London
27th Sun Railway station architecture 1850 – 1900 - Jim Connor - 1930. Re-arranged from 1st March.
JUNE
3rd MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY - Official Re-opening to Worthing. First days of public passenger services
3rd on the line north of Dereham to Worthing level crossing. Please go to mnr.org.uk for up to date
3rd information.

BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - Sunday running - 1430 - 1730.

RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY - “The Hadrian” - Norwich (06:10) to Carlisle (13:55) including the
Settle and Carlisle line with steam haulage from Hellifield to Carlisle and return. For details: Tel
01553 661500 or www.railwaytouring.net.

BURE VALLEY RAILWAY - Everything Goes. All available locos, coaches and rolling stock will be
available to travel on.

NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY - Dad’s Army Live.

MID-SUFFOLK LIGHT RAILWAY - Steam Railway Day.

WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY - Steam Sunday.

Sun MID-SUFFOLK LIGHT RAILWAY - Steam Railway Day.
Sun WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY - Members Day and Reunion (Steam).
Sun ASHMANHAUGH LIGHT RAILWAY - Open Day - 1400 - 1700 weather permitting.

7th Thu NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY - Evening visit to Mid-Norfolk Railway - details sent to all
current NRS members early April 2018. Booking and payment in advance required.
9th Sat
NENTA TRAINTOURS - “The Tyne & Wear Boat Train” - Special InterCity train from Norwich to
9th - 10th Sat - Sun York, Durham (for Beamish) & Newcastle (for 3 hour river cruise or Holy Island, Lindisfarne). For
15th - 17th Fri - Sun details: www.nentatraintours.co.uk or tel. 01692 406152.
17th Sun
17th Sun MID-SUFFOLK LIGHT RAILWAY - Steam Railway Day. Visiting engine will be running.
17th Sun
21st Thu NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY - Diesel Gala

BURE VALLEY RAILWAY - Father’s Day VIP Package. Pre-booking essential.

WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY - Father’s Day (Steam).

BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - Sunday running - 1430 - 1730.

NORFOLK TRANSPORT GROUP - Visit to Norfolk Tank Museum at Forncett St Mary, NR16 1HZ.
Arrive by 1pm. This is an open visit so just turn up with friends. Expect to pay about £7.
Refreshments available.

Printed by Pride Press Ltd. Tel: 01603 665045.
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