NRS NL 62-4 July-Aug 2017

Norfolk Railway Society

Founded 1955 www.norfolkrailwaysociety.org.uk
Volume 62 No. 4 July/Aug 2017

_________TRACK REPORT

news from railways in and around Norfolk

National Network

GE LINES UPDATE: July

GE LINES NEWS

Threatened industrial action: A4 60009 Union of South Africa made a visit to the MNR for its Steam Gala, seen
The RMT Union is threatening to ballot here at Hardingham on the 23rd June by Mike Fordham.
its members on two fronts, namely the
closure of ticket offices and Driver Only Shenfield public service, although so far this appears to have
Operation. Greater Anglia have been a one-off event.
indicated that they wish to close seven
little-used ticket offices including
Harwich International whereas the RMT
are saying that GA will only retain seven
ticket offices across the franchise area
by the end of the franchise. The RMT
are demanding that GA promise that no
ticket offices will close during the
franchise period and similarly promise
that Conductor Guards will remain
responsible for train carriage door
operation – the new Stadler trains will
have the door controls in the driving
cabs (on local services the Conductor
Guard normally travels in the trailing
cab) – and retain their safety-critical role.

Crossrail / The Elizabeth Line: Manningtree - new train maintenance depot:
The new Crossrail stabling sidings on the site of the former By the end of June all the derelict buildings on the seaward
north B workshop at Ilford were brought into use during June side of the railway had been demolished – it is believed that
and are now used by new Class 345s on delivery and driver this part of the site will be restored to its natural state for use
training duties. by the wildfowl. The new depot will be constructed on the
west/inland side of the railway. The demolition materials have
Whilst 345001 has been based at Crewe for several weeks been through concrete crushers on site for use as hardcore
on mileage accumulation trials, units up to 345007 have been during the new construction works expected to commence
noted on the GE. soon.

345005 was used for a media event on 22nd June when a East Suffolk Line 9 day engineering blockade:
driver training run ran as an additional 1035 Liverpool St – Network Rail is to close the East Suffolk line between
Westerfield and Halesworth between 29th July and 6th August
In This Issue 1 to enable it to relay 5 miles of track which would otherwise
5 have needed 7 weekend closures. Greater Anglia will be
Track Report 5 providing road replacement services to connect with the rail
National Network shuttle service between Lowestoft and Halesworth. The next
Heritage, Narrow-gauge and Miniature blockade is expected to be at Yarmouth when approach
Away from the tracks trackwork is to be renewed during the autumn.

Pick-up Goods 6 GE INCIDENTS

NRS News 12 Thursday 25th May: A major signalling problem between Diss
Feature 13 and Norwich, a stretch of line with at least 8 ahb level
“Cold Day in July”, “Work in Progress” and other 15 crossings between Burston and Swainsthorpe, caused
holiday ramblings – Edward Mann significant delays during the afternoon and a further signalling
Working Timetable problem at Bethnal Green did not help. Services from London

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between 1300 and 1500 were delayed by between 26 and 54 was the first Norwich service to run through to London,
minutes. The 1400 departed Norwich 16L and departed arriving 43L.
Ipswich 34L. The following 1430, 1500, 1530 and 1600
services from Norwich all terminated at Colchester with the Tuesday 13th June: Signalling problems were experienced
1630 and 1700 being cancelled. The 1730 actually ran! The between Norwich and Diss.
1700 from London started from Colchester and the 1730 and
1810 to Norwich were cancelled. Thursday 15th June: Cows on the line delayed the 0611
Norwich to Yarmouth - GA Twitter conveyed the message
Monday 5th June: Deer on the line - the 0533 Norwich – that the trespassers had been “moo-ved out of the way”!
Cambridge struck a deer between Attleborough and Eccles
Road, fortunately without damage to the brake system The 1334 Felixstowe – Lawley Street experienced traction
enabling it to proceed. Presumably the deer was less problems in the Romford area about 1530, passing Stratford
fortunate! 56L. In reaction the 1430 Norwich – London was terminated
at Colchester where it assumed its return diagram, the 1700
Tuesday 6th June: The 0517 Trafford Park – Felixstowe ex-London.
container service failed between Ingatestone and Chelmsford.
The following 1248 London – Braintree was delayed by 60 Thursday 15th /Friday 16th June: “Take That” Wonderland
minutes and the 1300 and 1330 London to Norwich were concerts were held at Carrow Road. Following the end of
delayed by 54 and 44 minutes respectively. these concerts Greater Anglia ran additional rural services
after the end of normal services. On 15th June these services
In an attempt to minimise on-going delays the following stops were overwhelmed with either long delays or the use of
were omitted from services from Norwich: 1530 (Manningtree coaches and taxis to get otherwise stranded passengers
and Colchester); 1600 (Manningtree, Chelmsford and home! On 16th June GA strengthened these additional
Stratford) and the 1800 (Stowmarket, Manningtree, services to 2315 departures to Cambridge and Lowestoft;
Colchester, Chelmsford and Stratford – it did call at Ipswich!). 2320 to Sheringham; 2325 to Yarmouth, Ipswich and
Lowestoft; 2340 to Cambridge; 2345 to Yarmouth and 2350 to
Wednesday 7th June: An early morning fatality between Sheringham. These last services tended to depart earlier than
Witham and Chelmsford involved the 0624 ex-Norwich, with scheduled as the concert had ended earlier than expected
the line re-opening some 2 hours later. The 0648, 0705, 0740 and all prospective passengers had boarded.
and 0800 from Norwich were all terminated at Colchester.
The 0810 Stowmarket – London was held at Manningtree for Sunday 18th June: The 1730 and 1830 London – Norwich
38 minutes and arrived London 75L. The 0830 ex-Norwich services were cancelled due to OLE problems with the 1800
starting at Colchester. The 1845 Norwich to Yarmouth and
Norfolk Railway Society the 1900 Norwich – London were cancelled due to signalling
(Founded 1955) problems.

President: Ken Mills, Esq. Monday 19th June: Owing to Network Rail introducing speed
restrictions due to hot weather temperatures of over 30°C
Committee and Officers 2017-2018 Telephone (sagging overhead wires and the danger of rails buckling), the
Norwich to London services were reduced to hourly with the
Chairman Brian Kirton 0930 -1830 ex-Norwich cancelled. The 1300 ex-Norwich was
cancelled due to a train fault as was the 1340 Norwich –
Vice Chairman Warren Wordsworth Cambridge and its return for the same reason. The 1200 –
1700, 1750 and 1900 ex-London departures were also
Past Chairman Ray Halliday cancelled.

Secretary & Andrew Wright
Webmaster

Treasurer John Laycock

Membership Sec Mike Handscomb OLE damage occurred between Stratford and Ilford closing
Edward Mann one line and causing further delays to services. A track defect
Newsletter Editor & occurred between Ingatestone and Chelmsford with the Down
Indoor Programme Graham Kenworthy line being blocked between 1400 and 1600. A signal problem
Brian Cornwell between Stowmarket and Diss caused further delays of up to
Indoor Programme 20 minutes to services!

Show Day Manager
& Outdoor visits

Committee Member Malcolm Wright Local swingbridges were closed to river traffic until 1900
because of the heat.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Norfolk Railway Society Newsletter

Editor: Edward Mann The 1230 ex-London – Norwich departed Stratford 16L and
reached Chelmsford 174L in reaction to the Ingatestone track
Layout & Picture Editor: Andrew Wright problem. The train finally reached Norwich 185L. The
following 1330 and 1430 departures from London reached
Distribution: Graham Smith Norwich 82L and 54L respectively. The 1530 was cancelled
and the 1630 reached Norwich 83L due to signal problems
Please contact Graham if the next edition does not arrive by (Shenfield pass 30L and Chelmsford pass 83L) – passengers
the end of the month of publication. on the grossly overcrowded 1630 were allowed to stand on
the platform at Ingatestone during an unscheduled stop in
Opinions expressed in any articles are those of the author order to take in some fresh air! It is reported that some
and should not be taken to represent those of the Society. passengers were still standing on the train at Diss. The 1730
Next issue published 5th October 2017 and 1830 from London were also cancelled and replaced by
Copy date: 28th September 2017. two additional services departing at 1815 and 1810 (19L
start).

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A really terrible day for travelling between Norwich and the journey from Colchester. The 0930 Norwich and 1200 return
capital! from London were cancelled due to passenger illness.
Wednesday 21st June: Temperatures exceeded 32°C but
Norwich services were spared cancellations after the Thursday 6 July: Lightning strikes created considerable
disastrous 19th June. London services to Southend Victoria disruption as a band of intense thunderstorms crossed the
and Ipswich were thinned-out instead. region during the afternoon with multiple lightning strikes
Monday 26th June: Euro-Phoenix loco 37611 ran light engine affecting the railway. At one stage there were no trains
from Norwich to Yarmouth and return, presumably on route- running on any route from Norwich with signalling
learning duties. Its return journey saw it pass 37405/19 compromised near Whitlingham Junc (Sheringham, Yarmouth
working the 1036 Norwich –Yarmouth at Acle. (Thanks to and Lowestoft routes) and between Attleborough and Eccles
Peter Adds for the images at Brundall.) Road and in the Shippea Hill area (Cambridge and East
Midlands routes). Train services between Norwich and Ely
Wednesday 28th June: Cows on the line (again). At about were suspended from mid-afternoon until the 1040 from
0730 the 2250 Ditton – Felixstowe container train Norwich to Cambridge on 7th July once repairs utilising new
encountered a herd of cows just south of Ipswich, losing 50 parts had been completed. Replacement road services were
minutes between Manningtree and Ipswich. This rare breed hampered by localised flooding.
cows had gained access to the railway from Jimmy’s Farm,
south of the A14 underbridge, after an electric fence “had Lightning also struck the OLE at Flordon with damage
broken during heavy rain”! The cows had walked down the suspected. A London to Norwich service was terminated at
gradient, reportedly reaching Ipswich tunnel about a mile Diss and following trains were held at Ipswich and Colchester
away. The 0648 ex-Norwich was similarly delayed passing pending advice that the line could be used.
Manningtree 54L and was terminated at Colchester. The
0705 ex-Norwich was terminated at Ipswich and the following Delays and cancellations were widespread…
0740 ex-Norwich, having departed Ipswich 28L, was
terminated at Colchester 47L rather than running non-stop to Monday 17th July: The 1300 London – Norwich came to a
London as scheduled. The 0625 London – Norwich was stand on the Down line at Marks Tey 30L having failed. Until
delayed 50 mins approaching Ipswich where it was rescued by a “Thunderbird” locomotive (detached from an Up
terminated whilst the 0700 London – Norwich was terminated container service stopped at Colchester) all other trains had
at Colchester. Although the 0900 and 0930 from London were to use the remaining, unobstructed, Up line between Witham
cancelled in reaction, additional trains ran at 0815 and 0900 and Marks Tey/Colchester using the bi-directional signalling
from Ipswich to Norwich. The 1000 ex-London commenced its with consequential delays. The 1330 ex- London was only
37L but the 1400, 1430, 1500 and 1530 departures were 85L,
65L, 53L and 30L arriving at Norwich. The 1530 and 1630
from Norwich and the return 1810 and 1900 from London
were cancelled in consequence.

Wednesday 19th July: A bridge strike occurred at Needham
Market mid-morning.

An off-duty police officer was assaulted on the 1914 King’s
Cross - Ely with six people being arrested at Ely charged with
affray and with one of the six also being charged with
assaulting the officer.

Thursday 20th July: An Audi TT sports car, being pursued by
police having failing to stop, drove through the lowered
barriers at Station Road, Lakenheath, at 1840, also damaging
the obstruction detection dome in the process. The vehicle
was later found abandoned nearby with the occupants
nowhere to be seen.

Train services were delayed notably the 1754 Norwich –
Nottingham (63L at Ely) and the 1811 Cambridge – Norwich
(60L at Thetford) with some being terminated at Ely rather
than Cambridge due to late running. The EDP website
showed an outdated Google picture of the former level
crossing gates removed some years ago!

Monday 24th July: People trespassing on the railway
between 1830 and 1915 caused delays and cancellations to
GEML services. The 1700 ex-Norwich was on time at Gidea
Park but reached Liverpool St 43L with its return 1930 service
departing 24L (Norwich arrive 36L). The 1730 ex-Norwich
was terminated at Ipswich due to reported traction problems –
the return 2000 ex-London was cancelled in reaction. The
1800 ex-Norwich was held at Colchester for 12 minutes and
was then further delayed being 28L at Stratford and London.
The 1830 and 1900 from London were delayed by 35 and 20
minutes passing Romford reaching Norwich 40L and 36L
respectively.

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The Postal Museum and Mail Rail
The narrow gauge Post Office railway, now known as Mail
Rail, between Whitechapel in the east and Paddington in the
west serving several main line stations, including Liverpool St
and King’s Cross, and Royal Mail sorting offices, opened in
1927 and operated until 2003 including throughout World War
2. Its closure reflected the changing methods of transporting
mail by road in preference to the historic use of ordinary
passenger trains supplemented by TPO services and the
concentration of London rail services to the new Princess
Royal Distribution Centre at Willesden.
A section of Mail Rail based at Mount Pleasant sorting office
site (close to Farringdon and King’s Cross) has now been
preserved with two new passenger carrying battery powered
trains built. The trains will depart from the former railway
maintenance shed taking passengers into the tunnels passing
through the eastbound platform at Mount Pleasant before
looping back to pass through the westbound platform back to
the starting point – a distance of about 1km. En route
passengers receive an audio-visual presentation describing
the railway. The public opening date will be on 4th September
2017 but sponsors who had supported the restoration project
were able to sample the new facilities on the weekend of
8th /9th July.
The National Postal Museum has been moved close by
(Phoenix Place) offering two major galleries and exhibition
spaces together with a café and shop – this element of the
project opened on 28th July.
(Thanks to Peter Adds for the images and article.)

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Heritage, Narrow-gauge and Miniature Thus I regularly have an opportunity to examine the
architecture and facilities at Thetford station.
News from Eaton Park Miniature Railway
The cast-iron spandrels beneath the platform canopies have
Mike Fordham has reported that on Bank Holiday Monday, long fascinated me. Unlike any others I know of locally, they
29th May, the railway raised just under £700 for the EACH have a large spoked wheel as the focus of the design.
“Nook” Appeal. The image he took (below) seems to show
everyone enjoying themselves! Some members will recall the late Norman Peake, proprietor
of the Scientific Anglian bookshop in Norwich. He once told
me that the spandrels were modelled on traction engine
wheels because the engineering firm of Burrells, renowned
for their traction engines, were just down the road.

I’ve never been totally convinced convinced by that
explanation. Granted, Burrells were well established by the
time the Norwich & Brandon opened in 1845; but even if they
were contracted to manufacture the station ironwork, would
they have been allowed to go out on a limb with such a piece
of subliminal advertising? And are the wheels necessarily
traction engine ones anyway?

The spandrels continue to intrigue me. Can any member offer
an explanation? (Mike Handscomb)

On Late Summer Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August, the Away from the Tracks
charity collection will be going to the Lord Mayor’s Fund.
TrawsCymru
Treasure Quest visits local railways
This company operates long and medium-distance bus
Radio Norfolk’s Treasure Quest visited the Ashmanhaugh services in Wales. From 8th July until next May it appears that
Light Railway and a garden railway at Northrepps on Sunday all passengers will enjoy free weekend travel on their routes,
4th June, but sadly co-presenter Sophie Little (from a different courtesy of the Welsh government. Their sphere of operation
era) failed to distinguish between an engine and a train. Still, is mainly Central/Mid/West/South Wales, but other bus
this serves to remind readers that the A.L.R. is open on the operators, and ATW, are legitimately “up in arms” at the
first Sundays of September and October from 1400-1700 revenue-abstraction!
weather permitting.
Loadings have, of course, gone through the proverbial roof!
Spandrels at Thetford Oh, and extra vehicles may be drafted in if capacity proves
insufficient! It’s a funny old world! (EM)
As I live at Wymondham, which for most of the day is served
only by the hourly Norwich - Cambridge service, travelling to From Our Property Correspondent aka Mike
or from the Midlands usually entails a change at Thetford. Handscomb

Wolferton station, on the former King’s Lynn – Hunstanton
line, is up for sale again through agents Bedfords. For several
years it was Wolferton Station Museum but it is now a luxury
house and could be yours for £1.5M. When Mike began his
editorial stint in 2001 the same building was going for auction
and expected to fetch in excess of £½M.

Traction engine wheels? Or just a random ornamental
design?

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A miscellany of news and members’ contributions

Scunthorpe Steelworks Visit (8th July)

A party of some 40 members and guests assembled at
Eaton Park at 0700 for the coach trip that would take us
on the first leg of this year’s summer outing. Several of
the participants had travelled from Ipswich that morning,
necessitating a very early start indeed. After a
refreshment stop on the way, we arrived in the car park
next to the steelworks at Scunthorpe just before 1100,
to find the steam locomotive Cranford and two brake
vans waiting at the nearby platform.

It quickly became apparent that these two vans would
be insufficient to carry the whole party so, after the NRS
headboard had been attached to the loco, we set off
and the first stop was at the nearby operating centre to
increase the capacity by adding a third brake van.

Just for background, the Appleby Frodingham Railway

has been operating from a yard within the steelworks Cranford during the tour (Richard Adderson).
complex for some thirty years. They own a number of

locomotives and some rolling stock, but all their

operations are over the internal railway system within the experience that mattered. And it was an experience, rather
steelworks, and it seems that this arrangement works well. just a ride around. The scale of the surroundings, of
The steelworks are now run by British Steel, following uncompromising heavy industry, really has to be seen to be
previous ownership by Corus and Tata, and the railway believed, and how better to savour this than from the
system comprises around 100 miles of track, with, of course, verandah of a loose-coupled brake van rattling along over
exchange sidings and connections to the main line system. often bumpy track, with the smokebox of a small steam
Cranford had been built by Avonside in Bristol in 1924, and engine maybe 6 feet away, exposing us fully to the unique
was returned to service only last year following a major sounds and smell of the locomotive?
overhaul and many years out of use.

Our first trip took us in a generally clockwise direction
around the line which skirts the perimeter of the works,
giving plenty of opportunities to take in the vast scale of
our industrial surroundings, once commonplace, but
now a rare sight indeed in the UK. After a couple of
hours we returned to the operating centre for a lunch
break, and here we saw a small Peckett loco, works
number 1438, being coaled in readiness for working a
public tour round the steelworks lines in the afternoon.
This was formed of two former DMU vehicles, and we
would see it again later in the day.

During the morning trip, we had noticed an almost

bewildering number of other lines branching off in all

directions, serving the individual areas that made up the

works complex. The vast majority of these appeared to

be shiny and obviously well-used, with only a few being

rusty with disuse. For the next couple of hours, we

travelled over a number of these lines as they threaded Our transport seen at the end of an enjoyable day (Andy Wright).
their way through the huge industrial premises. At one

stage we found ourselves confronting the Peckett and its This was my fifth visit, and it was thoroughly enjoyable - most
train on a single track section, and were surprised to find that certainly not a case of familiarity breeding contempt.
we then exchanged engines in a very simple manoeuvre. So, (Richard Adderson).
for the rest of the outing, it was the Peckett which pushed and

pulled us around various parts of the system, until we Summer Evening Visit
returned to the platform around 1530 after some 4 hours

travelling. On Thursday 8th June, 32 members visited Wroxham, or

more accurately Hoveton, since all three locations were on

Compared with previous visits, there was a lack of “real” the north bank of the River Bure. The arrangements were

activity on the railway network on this occasion. We passed co-ordinated by Brian Cornwell.

just one train with a load of steel ingots, and had distant

glimpses of a couple more, together with one light engine Most members began by visiting Mystleigh, a former sail loft

movement. There were also a number of British Steel and marine trimmer’s workshop owned by David Harber.

locomotives stabled at various points. Some 9 years ago, the building was refurbished to provide a

permanent home for an extensive quality model railway. The

I have deliberately not gone into any detail about the lines we line depicts the four seasons and includes a 1970’s London

covered – whilst it was simple enough to follow our progress scene. Complex train movements are controlled digitally from

from a map, for me it was really the whole Scunthorpe a computer screen. Mystleigh is opened occasionally for the

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public and whilst admission is free, donations are invited for
charity, currently for the Mid-Norfolk Railway.

Members were able to inspect the Wroxham Station Signal
Box, first opened in 1900, and now restored with the lever
frame painted in the original colours. The ground floor offers
a well-presented small meeting room/museum that can be
used for educational purposes. We were received by Peter
Bower and Malcolm Banyer of the Barton House Railway &
Wroxham Signal Box Trust. The box has a preservation
order and it benefits from the close proximity of the Bure
Valley Railway. Few tourists are aware that, in 2002,
Railtrack moved the box about 8 feet back from the line to
Sheringham so that it did not obscure the driver’s view of the
colour signal at the start of the single track section. It stands
on exceptionally deep foundations. Future possibilities
include a visual display of train movements on the main line.

Wroxham Miniature Worlds also opened especially for us. photographer. It was common on G.W. single lines to have
It is still a relatively new tourist attraction that opened in 2014 the main goods yard on the wrong side, accessed from the
and now receives 20,000 visitors each year. Robert Green opposite side of the passing loop. Normally, there would only
was in attendance; he is the son of Sean Green who be a simple diamond crossing here, the advantage of this
pioneered the project. Robert is the electronics expert and he being that it avoided one facing point. In this particular case,
has recently taken on the role of Commercial Manager. The branch train locos, to/from Newcastle Emlyn, needed to run
model railways display a UK scene in OO, a European scene round their trains. Also, it is surmised that a northbound
in HO, a Japanese layout in N gauge and an indoor depiction passenger train could overtake a northbound goods train at
of a garden railway in G scale. During the past 3 years, they the station while the goods train continued to be shunted into
have been working on what was claimed to be the largest the sidings. Having the boarded crossing at the same point
British OO gauge layout in the UK. Plans for this have been hardly makes it an ideal location, though.
re-drawn to cover a smaller area in order to provide space for
various exhibits acquired following the closure in December
2016 of Wonderful World of Trains and Planes in
Birmingham. This area has yet to open but some of us
enjoyed a preview. A number of non-railway exhibits remind
older visitors of their youth. Wroxham Miniature Worlds is
the UK’s largest indoor modelling attraction. At least for the
time being, it is necessary to travel as far as Rotterdam or
Hamburg to find bigger permanent exhibitions on similar
themes.

Many thanks to Brian Kirton for this report.

Loco-hauled opportunity The estimable David Pearce has delved into his files and
supplied two images of the King’s Cross “throat” taken in
If you’re on holiday in Devon or Cornwall, there’s a August 2009 and suggesting double slips are commoner than
Saturdays-only loco-hauled service at 1028 from St Erth to one might think. There are 4 in the first image and the present
Plymouth, arr 1232. It then forms the 1335 to Exeter St signalling diagram confirms there are 5 (the other is obscured
David’s arr 1453, before returning as the 1750 Exeter –
Penzance arr 2111. The stock is the day coaches from the
overnight Paddington – Penzance “Night Riviera”, which are
detached from the sleeping cars at Long Rock.

Hythe Pier Railway

I was concerned that the railway, and the ferry service to
Southampton, would not survive as Southampton Council
was not prepared to continue its subsidy. Thankfully, both
have been taken over by Blue Funnel Ferries Ltd, and if
you’re in the area a trip from Hythe to Southampton is highly
recommended.

More Double Slips

I am tempted to attribute this piece to David Cameron &
Theresa May – there was never any need to have a
referendum on EU membership, and the “snap” election will
haunt you-know-who for years to come. However, in a track
context it has an entirely different meaning.

Michael Roach has sent an image of Pencader,
Carmarthenshire, long since erased from the railway map,
looking north. There are 5 sidings on the right, behind the

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by the overhead catenary above the access lines to the
platforms on the right). There was also one in the new loco
holding sidings which were put in following the abandonment
of the old loco yard when the remodelling took place in the
mid-1970s. He has a feeling these have also now gone or, at
the very least, become attenuated with the reduction in locos
visiting KX, but they would have been over to the left near the
York Road platform. He has followed-up with an image further
along, and all 5 slips can just be seen. The pointwork, bottom
left, gave access to the new loco sidings, now seemingly
buried under concrete.

Editor’s Note: This topic has stretched over 3 Newsletters and In the next few days we
unless someone has a current image of the KX layout, taken visited all the local
from David’s vantage point, I think the subject must now be attractions, including the
closed. Scottish Parliament at
Holyrood where we
Another Visitor to Edinburgh enjoyed a very
informative hour-long
In late February this year my wife and I had a holiday in tour of the building.
Edinburgh. We travelled from Norwich on the 0857 to On our last full day we
Peterborough to connect with the 1115 East Coast train to our caught a northbound
destination. North of Newcastle, as the line passes between ScotRail train to North
Alnmouth and Berwick, the views of the coast and Queensferry to view the
countryside are very impressive. magnificent Forth Rail
Bridge. I had seen the
bridge on film and in
books but the sheer size
of the structure from the
shoreline is awesome. It
is most definitely over-
engineered, but as it was constructed soon after the Tay
Bridge disaster I suppose the designers didn’t want to take
any risks!

We arrived at Edinburgh Waverley exactly on time just as the Because we had left early that day with just a very light
late winter sun was slipping behind the castle. Our hotel, a breakfast the chance of a Full Scottish one seemed like a
new Premier Inn, was only a 15 minute walk from the station good idea. The Albert Hotel had a very good view of the
and had the airport tram terminal right outside. bridge from the window next to our dining table. I over-
indulged myself on said breakfast, which included a small
portion of haggis and black pudding, while my wife took the
more healthy option of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.
We returned to Norwich the next day having enjoyed an
interesting week in the Scottish capital. Next time we go the

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Firth of Forth will have a new bridge crossing it, the almost- The halfway point being reached we changed places and I
finished second road bridge. was actually driving an A4 – wow! Take it up to 25mph they
(Steve Cane) said and hold it there, don’t let the gauge go over 150 they
said, keep an eye on the road ahead they said, watch out for
Editor’s Note (and demonstration of age): I was in Edinburgh signals, speed restrictions and crossings they said; Oh, and
with my parents in 1964 and made the rail crossing from stop it in the platform at Hardingham. (Well, yes, I thought,
Dalmeny to North Queensferry. The Forth Road Bridge would hopefully we will!) Thankfully we did stop in the platform at
be opened a month or two later. Hardingham, had a chance to look over the loco and take
some photos. So much more to driving a steam engine than I
“In the back of beyond of nowhere” ever imagined!

This was a comment made to Graham Kenworthy about Then it was back on the shovel for the return to the halfway
stations that held old ticket stocks (see NRS/NL 62/3 p.8). My point; again I managed to avoid hitting the firebox door,
friend Mike Roach was a one-time member of the Transport whether the rounds went into the correct place is perhaps for
Ticket Society whose Newsletter used to publish details of others to decide! Second leg of driving, this time of course we
such tickets still held at stations up and down the country in were tender first, more signals, speed restrictions and
the early 1960s. As his interest was G.W. it seemed that he crossings, and then at Dereham the two auto barriers. As we
needed to travel a long way before he could find a suitable approached the first of these our fireman shouted out that a
example. However, on a Railrover holiday he landed a choice coach was partially on the crossing, much use of the whistle
item from the Vale of Towy Joint Committee (see below), ensued and (probably fortunately) it moved forward and we
black printing on a pleasant green background, and dated had a clear run. Most likely a bit of over-enthusiastic use of
25th July 1963. The Committee was a partnership of the the whistle as we went under the A47 bridge and safely over
G.W.R. & L. & N.W.R. (later L.M.S.) whose line ran some 11 the two crossings but nobody said anything, although they
miles from Llandovery to Llandilo at the lower end of the may well have thought it (hooligan!).
Heart of Wales/Central Wales line, Llanwrda being an
intermediate station. Surviving Joint Committees ceased to “There is a cream and red coach with a centre door on the
exist after 1947. Amazingly, these 3 stations are still open! adjacent road in Dereham station”, said our driver; “I want you
to stop with our cab door dead opposite” he continued.
60009 Union of South Africa - Driver Integrity was again preserved as we did just that, inch perfect
Experience MNR – Geoff Moore – don’t really know who was more surprised, him or me!

A4s have always been a particular favourite from the time I Well that’s my story, a fantastic experience, one I most
had a Sir Nigel & a Silver King in Hornby Dublo. From seeing certainly do not regret and will remember for all the right
my first real one at King’s Cross in 1959 I went on to see reasons. The event was well executed, managed, and the
most of them, although two from Gateshead and three from crew on the day were excellent instructors. Thanks must
Haymarket escaped my attention, one of those being No. 9. therefore go to them and all at the MNR for making it happen
and not least to the owner John Cameron for entrusting his
This situation was in part rectified when John Cameron first loco to a bunch of amateurs like me.
acquired his A4 and operated it on the Lochty Private Railway
in Fife offering footplate rides. A holiday to Scotland just Robertson’s Sidings (see NRS/NL 62/3 p.14)
happened to coincide with this of course! So my association
with No. 9 had started, and when I heard, just by chance, the Chris Mitchell recalls that the facility helped the justification of
MNR were offering a “driver experience” the temptation was the grade-separated junction of the A11 between
just too great and I signed up. Attleborough and Roudham Heath and continues:

With No. 9 arriving in the nick of time to undertake the first “The Inspector for the Public Inquiry was particularly
driver experiences and perform at the three day Gala, so far interested in traffic generated by the Race Course as well as
so good. the proposed industrial warehousing and particularly the rail
facility. The construction of the road was between 2001/2002
Friday 30th June being my allocated day I arrived at Dereham and the P.I. took place about 1998. The new road definitely
station in time for the 1115 classroom induction and safety opened early in 2002 as the Highways Agency required my
briefing, and at 1215 climbed aboard. Two participants assistance in retaining the site offices just north of the
shared each of these experiences, and I undertook firing on junction for the follow-on dualling of the Attleborough bypass.
the first leg from Dereham station to a halfway point, while the
other chap drove. With five of us in the cab it was a bit like I can confirm substantial tonnages of road stone were brought
Lady Di’s description of her marriage - “a bit crowded”! into the railhead from Leicestershire for the construction of
However, I did manage several rounds without hitting the both road schemes.”
firebox door, so my integrity remained intact!
Camborne’s Footbridge

I do not suppose anyone will be paying a visit to Cornwall to
see the new footbridge recently installed at Camborne station.
Doubtless the workmanship is excellent; unfortunately the
same cannot be said for the grammar on an Update notice
prepared by a combination of Balfour Beatty & Network Rail.
It concludes: “We thank you for being patience”! Although the
rest of the Update notice is riddled with poor phrasing, “being
patience” has to win the prize.

9

_________PICK-UP GOODS

Civil Engineering Interlude had introduced a similar
scheme for HGV fans. Within
Leaderfoot or Drygrange Viaduct, crossing the Tweed, with the abc a form invited you to
the nearby A68 crossings slightly downstream on 28th June. fill in your details and send it
off, enclosing 1/- (5p) for your
Lorry-spotters’ badge, which
came in either crimson or
purple.

I’ve never seen or heard of
one of these badges, and I
reckon that one would make
a tidy sum if it emerged in the
collectors’ market.

But what tickled me
particularly about the Lorry-
spotters Club was this
method of recognising a fellow
enthusiast:

Ian Allan Lorry-spotters Club
members greet one another with
the "thumbs up sign" – raise
your right hand with the fingers
clenched and thumb pointing
upwards. This means "all's well"
from one lorry driver to another,
and it is also the greeting of one
Ian Allan Lorry-spotter to another
– just one of the ways in which you can meet new friends
when you join this Club with nation-wide membership.

So next time someone gives you a thumbs-up sign,
remember to ask whether they’re a Lorry-spotter.
(Mike Handscomb).

37419 Carl Haviland “Change at Wareham for Swanage”

Re John Hutchinson’s query in NRS/NL 62/3 p.9, Malcolm The last service on the Swanage branch in south Dorset ran
Bown has advised that Carl Haviland worked at Brush, on New Year’s Day 1972. The line was ripped up later that
Loughborough, and was the engineer responsible for the year and it looked as though Swanage station would be
rebuilding of the Class 37 power units. Thanks, Malcolm. replaced with a shopping centre, pub and car park. It was
only when local residents voted overwhelmingly in 1975 for
Thumbs up! the railway to be rebuilt that the local council relented and
gave the Swanage Railway Society a lease of the station.
How many of us were once members of the Ian Allan
Locospotters’ Club? I have to confess that I wasn’t, even Since then, bit by bit, the line has been relaid back towards
though my train spotting days coincided with the club’s the rest of the network via the tourist hotspot of Corfe Castle,
heyday. And I must have been in the minority; as early as but until this year trains couldn’t link up with the national
1951 it was said to boast 150,000 members network at Wareham. However on June 13 the 45-year break
ended and timetabled services between Wareham and
Swanage began again. It’s billed as a two year trial ‘to gauge
demand’.

Ian Allan had launched the club in the 1940s. Spotters had to
sign a pledge “not to interfere with railway working or trespass
on railway property” on pain of expulsion. You were
encouraged to buy a club badge in one of the six regional
colours - either a ‘button’ type made of tin (later plastic), or
the deluxe version in cast metal. These badges are now
collectors’ items in their own right, like early Ian Allan spotting
books.

Recently I chanced upon a copy of Ian Allan’s abc British D6515, with 37518 bringing up the rear, arrive at Wareham with the
Road Services from 1953. To my surprise I discovered that, first timetabled train on June 13.
buoyed by the success of his Locospotters’ club, Ian Allan

10

_________PICK-UP GOODS

The tickets are attractive multicoloured affairs illustrating Swanage, 1. The G.W.R. (notably) suffixed its stations “Road”
Corfe Castle and a Bulleid pacific. when they were distant from the place supposedly
served. Where, then, was Great Western Road?
Throughout the summer on Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays four return trains run 2. The capital cities of Delaware, Nebraska & Virginia
between Wareham and Swanage. The train is made up of the happen to be the names of past and present stations
’London Underground’ 4TC set in gleaming maroon, top-and- – which stations?
tailed between Class 33 no. D6515 Lt Jenny Lewis RN and
WCRC Class 37 no. 37518. 3. Unlikelier things are possible, but which D30 4-4-0
would have been appropriate power for a Bristol
To buy tickets at the Wareham end involves leaving the SWT- Rovers special?
operated station and finding the Swanage Railway’s portable
ticket booth on the forecourt. I understand the SWT were 4. 62766 The Grafton was a D49 “Hunt” class locomo-
unwilling to grant space on their premises. The tickets are tive. Which counties are associated with the Hunt?
printed by computer, but as there’s no electricity supply to the By coincidence, the answers are the names of 2
booth railway has to use a generator. To avoid annoying the G.W. “Counties”.
neighbours this is only cranked into action a few minutes
before the train is due to leave. 5. The dreaded cryptic one, I’m afraid. These 3 two-
word stations (all open) end with the word “Green”.
The first station/first word is also a Norwich suburb;
the second station/first word sounds like it’s better,
and you’d better alight here if you’re afraid of flying;
the third station/first word is a pop group from Wol-
verhampton or a maintenance depot.

6. Branches Fork was a sub of which W.R. shed, and
where was Fork Junc? For Fork Junc, the adjacent
large station will do.

7. What has taken the place of the line from 34005 to
34017?

8. If you live around Norwich you’ll know where Mount
Pleasant is. But where was Mount Pleasant Road
Halt? And where was Point Pleasant station (it
wasn’t in London)?

9. Rhyl station has no vowels in its name. Name any
other station (4 letters or more and open or closed)
similarly without an English vowel in its name. Wales
might be worth trying!

10. The Ferris Wheel was a minor hit for the Everly
Brothers. Where, apart from the London Eye, will
you find the other Fixed Ferris Wheels in England?
(I feel a challenge coming on.)

Hutber’s Law

This Law has been drawn to my attention in the context of
Richard Adderson’s Two Very Different Tickets article in
NRS/NL 62/3 pp.7/8. The late Patrick Hutber was a financial
journalist for the Sunday Telegraph from 1966 to 1979 and
his Law says “improvement means deterioration”, which is a
cynical observation that a stated improvement actually hides
a deterioration! I do not think we need look very far for other
demonstrations of his Law.

Where else but Corfe Castle signalbox on 2nd July 2016 Station buildings saved
(Edward Mann).
It is pleasing to report that a volunteer group has raised
The Numbers Game and some more… £150,000 to buy the Italianate buildings at Gobowen station,
Shropshire. Now, another £200,000 will be needed to restore
The answers to the quiz in NRS/NL 62/3 were: 1. Colwall, those buildings. The station is still open, served by Chester –
Hereford, Ledbury & Leominster; 2. Six Mile Bottom; 3. Shrewsbury trains and was once the junction for Oswestry,
Manchester Oxford Road or Mountain Ash (Oxford Street); 4. one-time headquarters of the Cambrian Railway and now just
Going west to east there was the line over the Solway Viaduct the operating base for Cambrian Heritage Railways. (EM)
(Abbeyholme - Annan), Carlisle – Hawick – Edinburgh,
Riddings – Langholm, Reedsmouth – Riccarton Junc, St NNR Diesel Gala
Boswells – Reston & St Boswells – Roxburgh – Coldstream;
5. Five Ways; 6. Stoke-on-Trent & Longton; 7.Tornado; 8. Over the weekend of 9th – 11th June the North Norfolk
Three Counties; 9. Chafford Hundred; 10. Sevenoaks or Railway hosted its Summer Diesel Gala. Visitors included
Seven Stars (Welshpool & Llanfair). Class 44 D8 Penyghent, making its first operational visit away
from Peak Rail in preservation, 45133 returning for a second
And here’s another assortment to keep the grey matter active: visit and Class 46 D182 making the first visit of this class to
the line. Two Class 20 locomotives were also in attendance:
20227 and 20142 Sir John Betjeman both in London
Transport livery. Direct Rail Services supplied 37218.
Passenger services were supplemented by a local Class 101
DMU. (AW)

11

_________PICK-UP GOODS (45133 is on the rear) as DRS 37218 and 20227 wait at
platform 1 with the 11.35 service to Sheringham. (Bottom
Images from the NNR Gala right) 20142 Sir John Betjeman double heads a service to
Holt with 37218. (Bottom left) Platform staff take time for a
(Top left) D182 on the rear of a service from Holt arrives at chat. (Middle left) 45133 approaches Weybourne with a
Weybourne as D8 prepares to depart in the opposite service from Holt. (Images by Andy Wright)
direction. (Top right) D182 approaches platform 2 at
Weybourne with a non-stop service from Sheringham to Holt

___________NRS NEWS

Roger Kingstone’s 75th birthday

Congratulations to Roger, who celebrated his 75th birthday at the
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway on 12th June. Mike Fordham was on hand
to record the occasion.

12

___________NRS NEWS Norfolk Railway Society”, but they expect to be moving to
Northamptonshire fairly soon where they will be closer to a
Sad News member of their family. Despite their not driving they have
been to our Show regularly, attended one Christmas Meal
We have been advised that Brian Hunt, from Cromer, has and participated in a few summer visits. We wish them well
passed away after being diagnosed with a brain tumour for the future.
earlier this year. Although he did not attend meetings, Brian
regularly supported our Show, and also participated in local Resumption of Meetings
visits.
Meetings resume at the URC on Thursday 21st September,
Unfortunate Resignations when we will have the usual Members’ Summer Reports (no
slides). Please limit your presentation to 10 minutes’ duration.
Mike Handscomb has heard from Anthony Morris (Watton)
that “it has been a joy for my wife and I to be members of the

URC’s 65th Birthday

Brian Cornwell & Mike Fordham flew the flag for the Society
and the Norfolk Transport Group on the Church’s birthday
on 3rd June, Brian wasting no opportunity to display his
Lego collection.(Mike Fordham)

_________FEATURES

“Cold Day in July”, “Work in Progress” and other holiday ramblings

In NRS/NL 60/6 pp. 8/9 I briefly touched upon the Nidd Valley seems reasonable at Tweedbank, though any thoughts of
Light Railway, built to facilitate the construction of various extending the railway towards Hawick would be a nightmare –
reservoirs in Nidderdale for Bradford Corporation. Staying go there and see for yourself! There’s a large bus interchange
close by, I found there was a Yorkshire Water road right up to next to Galashiels station as well. Class 158s operate the
Scar House Reservoir, which seems to be popular with services, a spare unit seems to sit at Tweedbank for most of
walkers. Little remains of the railway: a bricked-up tunnel the day before being coupled to a classmate to mop up
mouth and what appear to be old platforms/unloading docks homeward commuters from Edinburgh. Many of the small
summed it up. Next day – a thoroughly wet one – it was time stations have vanished for good, but it’s worth remarking that
to head north, and I diverted slightly to Bellingham which most stations are about 5 minutes apart – except for remote
used to be on the Border Counties line from Hexham Stow, which is 17 min. from urban Gorebridge and 9 min.
(Newcastle – Carlisle line) to Riccarton Junction (Waverley from Galashiels.
route). The station building survives, and a heritage centre
is adjacent along with a couple of coaches converted for
meal service. Although the area is bereft of railways, these
small museums/heritage centres are always full of interest.
There’s barely a community worth the name between
Bellingham and Jedburgh - the border is crossed at Carter
Bar (passport control here, Nicola?) - and continuing on the
A68 you see signs to Hawick, Selkirk, Newton St Boswells
etc, all once rail-served, but best of all is Leaderfoot
Viaduct, just past the turn to Melrose, and a great pity you
can’t get really close. It wasn’t on the Waverley route but on
a long-closed line from Reston (ECML) to St Boswells.
There is a viewing area, and also worth noting is the old
A68 bridge alongside its replacement.

My next stop was Melrose, where the old station sits high Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST 2244/1947 at Dunaskin on 2nd July.
above the town, convenient for the Borders Railway from
Tweedbank to Edinburgh Waverley. There’s a large free car
park next to the station and it’s probably the best way of
getting into Edinburgh. Sadly the east end of Waverley, now
with just the North Berwick and Tweedbank services to
handle, is a bit of a mess whereas the west end (Aberdeen,
Fife and Glasgow services) is much better. Bus connectivity

13

_________FEATURES

After the few days in Melrose it was time to head west, via
Peebles, which once had two stations, to Troon. I’m sure
parts are pleasant enough, but a chilly July Saturday didn’t
enhance its reputation. The next day was cold and damp,
but en route to Ayr I started to see signs advertising “Steam
Trains Today”. This had to be Dunaskin or Patna where
there is a fledgling steam operation at the old steelworks.
When I was there in 1998 there were no trains, but the
buildings were well-cared for. Unfortunately, funding was
withdrawn in 2005 and the buildings are now derelict. There
are many rusting hulks – steam and diesel – which ought to
be cleared out.

And now it’s time for some proper railways. The morning A Glasgow-bound service enters Paisley Gilmour Street on 3rd
began with a trip to Paisley Gilmour St, pleasantly July.
photogenic overlooking the town. An out-and-back ride to
the doubtful pleasures of Ardrossan Harbour behind a Class
380 took up much of the morning. The old Caledonian and
Glasgow & South Western Railways competed intensely for
traffic to/from the Isle of Arran each with separate ferries and
piers (Montgomerie and Winton respectively). Glasgow
Central was very busy, but the old shutterboard departure
indicators have gone. You can pay 40p for the convenience
of a convenience if you’re so minded! Wemyss Bay was next
– a delightfully part-modernised station with lots of flowers
and polished wood – and ferry port for Rothesay. The
Wemyss Bay Station Supporters’ Association have a small
sales shop. Opposite the station there’s a decent place for
refreshment. Unfortunately, my return 1557 to Glasgow was
cancelled due to “train failure” so several people had to wait
for a special taxi to get to Glasgow Airport (unfortunate after
a trip from Rothesay). The following 1645 ran normally, and
it crossed my mind how long Scotrail/station staff knew
about the cancellation before going public.

Next day was dreich (drizzly) and a trip to Gourock was Wemyss Bay on 3rd July.
planned. Another place best not to linger, but at least
314208 (outward) and 314205 (return) provided variety. 380007 ready to leave Wemyss Bay with the 1645 to Glasgow
Gourock† is the port for Kilcreggan and the station at least on 3rd July.
maintains an excellent display of railway posters (all still 14
there when I left). And so to Largs, whose service is slightly
unusual in diverging from the Ardrossan Harbour line at
Ardrossan South Beach. I came back to Ayr – sadly the
imposing Station Hotel seems to be empty.

“Change at Troon for Kilmarnock” the announcements say.
Be careful, I say, as the service originating from Stranraer is
sparse. Anyway, the Kilmarnock – Troon line and that south
of Ayr isn’t electrified – 156s hold sway. Kilmarnock is
probably a shadow of its former self – services southward
via Dumfries are hourly at best, and there’s a dreadful gap
between 1350 and 1652. For my own travels, 156433 took
me from Kilmarnock to Girvan (not a place for fine dining),
but the locals do have an Asda. Girvan station (which is
early-shifted only) was receiving some T.L.C. 156436 took
me on to Stranraer, the only intermediate station being
Barrhill which is the unusual limit of the Strathclyde Day
Tripper. Railways are rare enough in Dumfries & Galloway,
and even with my railcard it was £10.10 to Stranraer. South
of Barrhill, the single line has two tablet exchange ‘boxes at
Glenwhilly and Dunragit, both former stations. There was a
plangent-voiced fellow-traveller in my coach on an All-Line
Railrover telling anyone near him of that fact, and that the
returning 1500 from Stranraer to Kilmarnock was due in
“Killie” one minute after the 1652 to Carlisle had left! By any
stretch of the imagination that’s dreadful timetabling
especially with a subway to be negotiated. Next train was
1825. Those with long memories will recall the
ecclesiastical-looking steam shed at Ayr; in more recent
times the TMD was built on almost the same site, but that
now awaits demolition.

_________FEATURES

Time to head for home, but I diverted to Alston having
become aware of the South Tynedale Railway which, at the
time of writing, goes as far as Lintley Halt, but should, later
in July, extend to Slaggyford. The line is built on the
trackbed of the Haltwhistle – Alston branch closed from 3rd
May 1976. It was not high season so passenger trains were
being hauled by Naworth, an ex-N.C.B. diesel which began
life underground. I did not quite have the privilege of being
the sole passenger on the final 1545 service! They have
made an excellent job of refurbishing Alston station. After
leaving Alston it was the A686 almost to Penrith, not quite
the interesting drive I thought it would be as Cumbria
seemed to have sent all of its highway repair vehicles and
heavy plant up there for a massive resurfacing blitz. How
they negotiated some of the hairpins I don’t know!

The Strathclyde Day Tripper, which I used for almost all my
travel, is very widely available from SPT stations. It also
covers a lot of bus services and the Glasgow Subway. For
£11.90 you can’t go wrong.

† McInroy’s Point, Gourock is the ferry port for Hunter’s
Quay, Dunoon but it’s out of town.

(Edward Mann – unashamed borrower of country song titles
for use in articles.)

Images: Above - Ready to leave Stranraer on 5th July –
perhaps the passenger is emphasising the missing
connection at Kilmarnock! Maybe he should try bribery
instead!
Right - Naworth underneath the overall roof at Alston on
6th July.

_________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.

Services on our Local Railways

Ashmanhaugh Light Railway, East View Farm, Stone Lane, Ashmanhaugh, NR12 8YW. For information:
www.ashmanhaughlightrailway.co.uk.

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. Daily running until 29th October.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway - For details of individual events please visit their website - www.mnr.org.uk - or telephone 01362-
851723. Regular running until 29th October.

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, IP14 5PW - For details of individual events please visit their
website - www.mslr.org.uk - or telephone 01449-766899. Open every Summer Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday from 28th May
until 28th August.

15

_________WORKING TIMETABLE

The North Norfolk Railway - For details of individual events please visit their website - www.nnrailway.co.uk - or telephone
01263-820800. Daily running until 29th October.

The Norwich & District Society of Model Engineers - For details please visit their website www.ndsme.org. Now operational
(weather permitting) every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until 8th October 1300 - 1700.

The Wells & Walsingham Light Railway - For information: www. wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk or tel: 01328 711630 (up to
1700 please). Daily running until 29th October.

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.
Please contact me if you’d like to see their programme.

AUGUST Tue NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY - Historic Coaches Running Days.
8th, 15th, 22nd Sat MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY - High Tea on the “Heart of Norfolk”.
19th Sun BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - Running Day 1430-1730.
20th Sun MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY - Brecklander Cream Tea Service & “Wine on the Line”by Reno Wines.
20th Fri - Mon MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY -“Ales by Rails”- Beer Festival & Steam Weekend.
25th - 28th Sun WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY - Bank Holiday Steam.
27th Mon NORWICH & DISTRICT SOCIETY of MODEL ENGINEERS - Eaton Park Miniature Railway -
28th Special Charity Day for the Lord Mayor’ Fund - 1300 -1700 weather permitting.
A1 STEAM LOCOMOTIVE TRUST/ UK RAILTOURS “The Easterling” hauled by 60163 Tornado -
28th Mon London Kings Cross to Great Yarmouth. Full timings not yet available.
See www.ukrailtours.com/product/the-easterling for more details.
SEPTEMBER
NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY - Autumn Steam Gala.
1st - 3rd Fri - Sun NENTA TRAINTOURS - “Settle, Carlisle & Cumbrian Coast Circular” From Norwich dep 0505
approx then via Ipswich & Ely to the Settle & Carlisle & Lake District or a Windermere Cruise & the
2nd Sat Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway. Norwich return 0040 approx. Fares from £69.75. First
Class & Premier Dining available. Details: www.nentatraintours.co.uk or tel: 01692-406152.
3rd Sun ASHMANHAUGH LIGHT RAILWAY - Running Day 1400 - 1700 weather permitting.
3rd Sun WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY - Steam Sunday.
9th - 10th Sat - Sun BURE VALLEY RAILWAY - “Steam in Miniature” - A celebration of steam on a small scale, with
models in action and on display.
9th - 10th Sat - Sun MID-SUFFOLK LIGHT RAILWAY - Steam Railway Gala - Both Y9s hoped to be operating.
10th Sun MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY - Wymondham Heritage Day.
16th Sat MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY - High Tea on the “Heart of Norfolk”.
16th - 17th Sat - Sun NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY - 1940s Weekend.
17th Sun BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - Running Day 1430 - 1730.
21st Thu NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY - Members’ Summer Reports - 1930.
23rd Sat BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - Evening Running 1900 –2200.
23rd Sat NENTA TRAINTOURS - Bath, Bristol & the Welsh Capital. From Norwich dep 0535 approx then via
Ipswich to Bath, Bristol & Cardiff for Bristol Harbour & Avon River Cruise or Open-Top Bus Tour of
28th Thu Cardiff. Norwich return 2355 approx. Fares from £69.75. First Class & Premier Dining available.
OCTOBER Details: www.nentatraintours.co.uk or tel: 01692-406152.
1st Sun NORFOLK TRANSPORT GROUP - Members’ Evening - 1930.
1st Sun
1st Sun ASHMANHAUGH LIGHT RAILWAY - Running Day 1400 - 1700 weather permitting.
WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY - Steam Sunday.
5th Thu FORNCETT STEAM MUSEUM, Forncett St Mary, NR16 1JJ – Annual Model Engineers’ Day 1100
– 1700. Go to www.forncettsteammuseum.co.uk for details.
7th Sat NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY - “The Great Northern Railway - Not Just Stirling Singles”-
7th Sat (3rd & Final Part) – Allan Sibley - 1930.
8th Sun BROADLAND MODEL RAILWAY CLUB EXHIBITION - Jubilee Centre, Aylsham, NR11 6JG.
NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY - M&GNJRS Members’ & Shareholders’ Day.
NORWICH & DISTRICT SOCIETY of MODEL ENGINEERS - Eaton Park Miniature Railway -
Special “Children in Need” Charity Day - 1300 - 1700 weather permitting.

Printed by Pride Press Ltd. Tel: 01603 665045.
16