NRS NL 63-3 May-June 2018

Norfolk Railway Society

Founded 1955 www.norfolkrailwaysociety.org.uk
Volume 63 No. 3 May/June 2018

_________TRACK REPORT

news from railways in and around Norfolk

Back Again (also see NRS/NL
63/2 p.14)

Grateful thanks to everyone who sent
messages, cards etc during my recent
operations and convalescence. A good job
was done during my absence (thanks again)
and, for better or worse, you’ll find one of
my infamous quizzes to keep the brain cells
active.

National Network

GE LINES UPDATE: May

GE LINES NEWS

Crossrail / the Elizabeth Line: 60103 Flying Scotsman passes Whittlesea with the first leg of the Great Britain XI
The new Crossrail Class 345 emus are still charter from King's Cross to Lincoln on 19th April (Alan Wallwork).
not operating more than 50% of the services
between Liverpool Street and Shenfield with
the elderly Class 315 emus still operating
the remainder.

Manningtree - new train maintenance Enhanced station car parking:
depot: Schemes were announced by GA during April and, subject to
In mid-May there was no indication of the main site construction planning consents etc, these will provide more than 1700
commencing. Rumours are strengthening that the new depot spaces at a number of stations including Attleborough, Bury St
will not be built as originally intended and it will be interesting to Edmunds, Marks Tey and Shenfield.
see whether even some stabling sidings will be created.

GA have announced that £40m is to be spent at Norwich Crown Window advertising labels appear:
Point to prepare for the arrival of the new Stadler bi-mode train In early May GA started to apply a red colour based advertising
fleet. Whilst works are being undertaken at Norwich GA has sticker, measuring about 12” x 4”, on each passenger seat
leased an additional depot at Colchester from Balfour Beatty. window extolling a number of different themes including the
arrival of the new trains next year, wi-fi, smart cards and
Felixstowe branch enhancement scheme: other promotions.
A £60m scheme has begun to create a new 1 km long loop
west of Trimley. This will enable freight services to increase GE INCIDENTS
from 33 a day to 47. Major construction work will see the The following have come to our reporter’s attention:
passenger services on the branch suspended for several
Sundays during the summer. 3rd April: One of the Norwich – London sets ran in reverse
formation with the Class 90 loco being at the Norwich end of
In This Issue 1 the train following a points failure at Manningtree meaning that
4 it had to use the other side of the triangle there as it left
Track Report 5 Parkeston Quay Yard. The 0900 from Norwich and the 1130
National Network 14 return from London were noted running in this formation.
Heritage, Narrow-gauge and Miniature
14 17th April: A plastic sheet fouling the OLE near Bow Junc
Pick-up Goods delayed the 1700 London – Norwich service by 36 minutes
NRS News 15 before it passed Stratford. The 1730 to Norwich departed 27L
Feature and reached Norwich 50L.
Some B.R. Investment Schemes of the 1980s -
Rod Lock 18th April: Signalling problems, possibly hot weather related,
Working Timetable affected services between Norwich and Ipswich. The 1130 and

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1200 from London were approx ¾ hr late into Norwich whilst The 1430 ex-London was held at Ipswich 1616-34 (50L); Diss
the 1300 was terminated at Stowmarket with the return working dep was 55L and Norwich arrival was 101L. The following 1500
(i.e.1530 from Norwich) starting from Ipswich. The 1400 ex- ex-London departed 22L losing another 17 minutes to Ipswich
London departed Ipswich 10L, was held at Diss 1556-1612 but was 57L at Diss and 101L at Norwich. The service then
(43L), reaching Norwich 60L. The 1600, 1630 and 1700 ex- faltered (disintegrated – Ed?) with the 1530 cancelled; the 1600
London were cancelled – a special departed at 1708 in place of departure was 22L with a Norwich arrival 56L. The 1630 ex-
the 1700, calling additionally at Colchester and Stowmarket, London ran only between Ipswich and Norwich (45L). The
arriving Norwich 36L. From Norwich the XX30 services were 1700, 1730, 1830, 1900, 2000, 2030 and 2100 departures from
cancelled beginning with the 1330 to give an hourly service London were all cancelled with the 1930 operating only
thereafter. between Colchester and Norwich. The 2130 from London
actually ran!
Elsewhere, the 1310 from Cambridge was held at Wymondham
for almost 2 hours due to signalling problems and the 1410 From Norwich the 1230 left RT, at Diss it was 24L and into
from Cambridge was also badly delayed. London 45L. The 1300 was cancelled with the 1330 40L by
Diss. The 1400 ex-Norwich departed 32L and was 96L at Diss
Not to be left out, Somerleyton swingbridge stuck in the open before being terminated at Ipswich. The 1430, 1500, 1530,
position causing the 1148 from Lowestoft to depart 32L, with 1600, 1630, 1730 and 1830 departures were all cancelled with
the 1205 ex-Norwich and its 1257 return being cancelled. The the 1700 running only as far as Ipswich – it departed 15L and
1348 from Lowestoft was on time at Brundall but an hour late arrived Diss 64L. The 1800 ran as far as Colchester, departing
into Norwich. Norwich 22L and was held at Ipswich for 20 minutes before
departing 46L. Normal service was thankfully resumed about
19th April: On the warmest April day since 1949 severe 1900.
signalling problems continued between Norwich and Diss - the
1100 ex-London departed Ipswich 2L, was then held at Diss 20th April: The Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, abandoned
from 1250-1310 (41L) and reached Norwich 72L. The 1130 his rail journey to Norwich and Great Yarmouth, blaming delays
departed Ipswich 4L, Diss 51L and arrived Norwich 102L. The caused by the 0604 Crewe – Felixstowe Freightliner which
1200 was held at Diss from 1430-1512 (103L) with a Norwich incurred 45 min. delay between Ingatestone and Chelmsford,
arrival 159L! The 1230 was cancelled and the 1300 terminated reaching Ipswich 70L. The following 1130 London to Norwich
at Ipswich. The 1330 ex-London was 11L departing Ipswich; was terminated at Ipswich with the 1200 ex-London and its
held at Stowmarket 1508-48, Diss 1605-27 (79L) and arrival at return 1430 from Norwich cancelled due to train crew reasons.
Norwich was 121L. The 1400 was held at Ipswich 1518-47
(38L), was 80L at Diss and 112L at Norwich. The 0847 Leeds – Felixstowe container train having passed
Kennett 4L then passed Bury St Edmunds 85L, Needham
Norfolk Railway Society Market 93L and Europa Junc 124L. The 1550 Peterborough –
(Founded 1955) Ipswich was held at Ely from 1632-1800 departing 88L and
arriving Ipswich 113L. Needless to say the delays to this and
President: Ken Mills, Esq. other services resulted in considerable disruption and
cancellations.
Committee and Officers 2018-2019 Telephone
1st May: The recovery of a failed Norwich set saw it topped and
Chairman Brian Kirton tailed by Class 90s between London and Crown Point – it ran
as the 0834 ecs. On the same day 90010 made its way back to
Vice Chairman Warren Wordsworth Crown Point following overhaul at Crewe Electric Depot.

Past Chairman vacant 5th May: Several ahb crossing barriers failed in the down
position between Gissing and Swainsthorpe during the
Secretary & Andrew Wright afternoon, preventing road users crossing the railway line.
Webmaster
8th May: The 1420 Ipswich – Cambridge service was stopped
Treasurer John Laycock at Chippenham Junc, north of Newmarket, at 1529 following
reports of lineside trespass ahead (Newmarket tunnel?). Rather
Membership Sec Mike Handscomb unusually, the 1544 Cambridge – Ipswich was shown on the
Real Time Trains website as being started from Chippenham
Newsletter Editor & Edward Mann Junc where there are no platforms to detrain / board
Indoor Programme passengers!

Indoor Programme Graham Kenworthy Shortage of main line sets today saw several services
cancelled in reaction including the 0600, 1030, 1430 and 1700
Show Day Manager Brian Cornwell from London and the 0800 and 1430 ex-Norwich.

Committee Member Malcolm Wright The passenger communication alarm was operated as the 1750
departed Liverpool St causing a 30 minute delay to this and
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------- other departing/arriving services. The 1810 and 1830 services
to Norwich both departed 20L.
Norfolk Railway Society Newsletter
9th May: A bridge strike between Bury St Edmunds and Kennett
Editor: Edward Mann led to the 1044 Cambridge – Ipswich being terminated at
Kennett where it later formed the 1144 ex-Cambridge starting
Layout & Picture Editor: Andrew Wright from Kennett. The 1020 Ipswich to Cambridge was terminated

Distribution: Graham Smith

Please contact Graham if the next edition does not arrive by
the end of the month of publication.

Opinions expressed in any articles are those of the author
and should not be taken to represent those of the Society.
Next issue published 2nd August 2018.
Copy date: 19th July 2018.

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at Bury St Edmunds to form the return 1044 Cambridge –
Ipswich starting from Bury St Edmunds.

The 1952 Ipswich – London emu service was terminated at
Manningtree due to suspected OLE damage with the 1930
London – Norwich and the 1930 ex-Norwich both being
terminated at Ipswich as a precaution.

The 1955 Norwich – Sheringham was delayed 13 minutes due The failed Mk3 set returns to Norwich on 1st May (top) hauled
to a dog being on the track. by 90011 leading DVT 82133 (above) (Andy Wright).

12th May: The 0248 Leeds to Felixstowe container service was from Stadler in August 2016 for Greater Anglia. These will
halted at or approaching Derby Road following reports that it operate on the rural and regional routes including Norwich to
was suffering from dragging brakes possibly causing damage to Sheringham, Lowestoft and Yarmouth, Ipswich to Felixstowe,
the infrastructure and the wagons concerned. The 1128 Lowestoft, Cambridge and Peterborough and also the Sudbury
Felixstowe – Ipswich passenger service was terminated at branch.
Derby Road and the service was suspended for the remainder
of the day. Services restarted on the Monday morning as the Utilising a power module, rather than under floor engines,
line is currently closed on Sundays whilst the loop should help to reduce vibration in passenger areas and enable
enhancement scheme is developed. relatively straightforward conversion to full electric operation or
the use of batteries for energy storage.
A track defect was detected between Stowmarket and Diss
which caused the termination of the 0630 and 0700 ex-London We are promised free wi-fi, power and USB sockets, air-
services at Stowmarket and Ipswich respectively and the conditioning and accessible toilets.
cancellation of the return 0830 and 0930 ex-Norwich which
commenced their diagrams from Ipswich. The line re-opened A short video about the new trainsets under construction,
subject to a temporary speed restriction. published by Railway Gazette International, is available on
[Peter Adds] YouTube - search for “Greater Anglia FLIRT trainsets”.

23rd May: I travelled as far as Ipswich on the 1600 to Liverpool Are you sitting comfortably?
St, which was hauled by 90009 (8 coaches only). The 1600 There has been much criticism especially in social media about
arrived ecs, there being no sign of the 1330 from London which seat comfort in the latest rolling stock to be deployed on the
had either been cancelled or turned round short of its network. Both the Class 700 trains for Thameslink and the
destination. Ipswich arrival was on time. (It appeared that Class 800/1 IET for GWR have been targeted. This may leave
another ecs was waiting in the Reception sidings beside Crown some with concerns regarding the comfort of the new trains
Point). Whilst waiting for the 2245 from Ipswich, 66589 went ordered for our region.
through with an up container train at 2225 and 66553 came
through at 2230 with a similar down working. (EM) Apparently the DfT has not specified the seat design for the GA
fleet. A seat specialist has been employed who worked on the
And in other news… refurbishment of its Intercity Mk3 vehicles a few years ago.
Combining this expertise with feedback from passengers has
Hydrogen power led to selection of a seat that meets safety requirements but
Seeking to meet the government’s challenge to remove diesel which GA hope will not become a target for criticism.
rolling stock by 2040, manufacturer Alstom and stock leasing
company Eversholt Rail are developing plans, announced on Unlike the new Thameslink trains, GA’s Bombardier fleet (Class
14th May, to fit hydrogen storage tanks and fuel cells to 720) will feature seat back tables with a plug and USB charging
redundant EMUs. These would be similar to those on Alstom’s point at every seat.
prototype iLint multiple-unit currently on test in Germany. They
claim that not only would such trains be zero carbon but they Thameslink woes
would also be nearly silent and emit no particulates thus On Sunday 20th May new timetables came into operation
offering substantial air quality and noise pollution benefits. heralding a major shakeup of services operated by Govia
Approximately one third of the UK passenger fleet is diesel Thameslink Railway. Every train operated across the Great
powered. Northern, Thameslink and Southern areas was re-timed. In
preparation for the changes the company had been running
Stadler electro-diesels under construction “preview” services on the Cambridge to Brighton run (see
Until new fuel sources are developed and rolled out or further NRS/NL 63/2 p3 and p.5/6 below).
electrification takes place, bi-mode power seems to be the way
forward for new trains. Construction is now well under way of
the 24 four-car and 14 three-car electro-diesel units ordered

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With such a massive change to time-tabling it is perhaps not LNER option will aid transition to his long term plans for an East
surprising that all did not go smoothly. Network data for Friday Coast Partnership merging track and train operations.
25th May shows that of scheduled direct services between
Cambridge and Brighton only 6 out of 17 trains ran southbound This is the third time the East Coast franchise has failed in a
and 7 out of 18 northbound. Of these 3 arrived on time or early. decade and the House of Commons Transport Committee’s
inquiry into the franchise, launched in February, continues.
East Coast Franchise Details can be found at www.parliament.uk - search for “East
Following well publicised difficulties with the franchise held by Coast Franchise”
Virgin East Coast Trains (VTEC), the Transport Secretary,
Chris Grayling, announced he will terminate the contract on 24th Meanwhile open access operator, Grand Central, has applied
June with an Operator of Last Resort taking over the East to the Office of Road and Rail to operate additional services on
Coast Main Line. This will be branded the London North the ECML between London -and Sunderland, Bradford
Eastern Railway. Interchange and Wakefield Kirkgate. The additional trains will
provide an additional 1,600 seats daily to and from London.
Mr Grayling decided against allowing VTEC to continue (Andy Wright)
operating on a not for profit basis instead believing that the

Heritage, Narrow-gauge and Miniature

News from Eaton Park Tornado fails

Eaton Park miniature railway re-opened on a An attempt to run at up to 90mph from
rather wet Easter Sunday (1st April) using King’s Cross to York on 14th April
Edmondson card tickets which were used by suffered a disruptive fate when 60163
B.R. and its predecessor railways from the Tornado’s middle cylinder piston valve
1840s until early 1990. The image (right) failed at Biggleswade.
shows the Lord Mayor of Norwich, David
Fullman, receiving a commemorative ticket Just prior to the failure the Railway
when the railway re-opened and (below) Performance Society recorded strong
taking a ride on one o the services. 8 acceleration to reach 90 mph. Minutes
Society members are now involved with the later a sharp brake application was made
railway – why not join them on a Sunday or a bringing the train to a halt just south of
Tuesday? (Mike Fordham) Sandy. After a long delay the whole train
was hauled by GBRf 66744 Crossrail to
Wells Harbour Railway Peterborough where Tornado was
transferred to the Nene Valley Railway
This 10¼” gauge railway hasn’t got its own website but it’s still and taken to their maintenance depot at
operating, linking Pinewoods Holiday Park to the town and Wansford.
harbour. Thought you might like to know!
The “Ebor Flyer” which Tornado had
Back to Worthing been hauling continued from Peterborough to York - arriving
220 minutes late with 66106 providing the motive power. The
For the first time since 1964 a public time-tabled service run by return journey ran to time. The incident led to a large number of
the Mid Norfolk Railway reached Worthing Crossing over the service trains being delayed by up to 70 minutes.
weekend of 19th - 20th May.
A train top and tailed by GWR Pannier Tank 9466 and Class 04 Early estimates of the cost of replacing the damaged parts is
D2334 with five carriages ran passengers along the line from about £20,000. The latest statement from the A1 Steam
Wymondham to Worthing. Locomotive Trust on 11th May reports that investigations into
the failure are drawing to a close although repairs are
proceeding. Support has been received from amongst others,
Locomotive Services Ltd and Jeremy Hosking who have loaned
components destined for the overhaul of A2 Blue Peter. It is
anticipated repairs will be completed during June when running
in activity and a main line test run should take place.

Away from the Tracks

Norfolk Tank Museum Visit – Thu 21st June

Mike Fordham has kindly arranged a visit to the Museum, which
is at Forncett St Peter, NR16 1HZ, starting at 1300. In Long
Stratton turn right into Swan Lane and keep going for a couple
of miles until you come to a railway bridge over Station Road –
the Museum is immediately west of this bridge. The replica
WW1 tank (made famous in Guy Martin’s C4 documentary)
should be on display. Please don’t end up at Muckleburgh!

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A miscellany of news and members’ contributions

Recently at the URC Hall over congested lines in the London area. The curve saw its first
train in 2014.

“Growing the East Anglia Network” – Railfuture After the break it was the turn of branch chairman Peter
(5th April) Wakefield to describe the problems of managing growth in and
around Cambridge. The area is seeing huge economic growth,
Most members will know of Railfuture, the national campaigning and it was surprising to learn that more working people travel in
body which aims to enlarge and improve the country’s railway to Cambridge than out to London.
network. For this meeting we were privileged to have no fewer
than three leading members of Railfuture’s East Anglia branch to Cambridge North station opened around a year ago. To cut costs
tell us of planned developments and proposals for our region. the station layout had been simplified but this now means that
trains terminating on the down side take too long to reach the up
Phil Smart began with an overview of issues facing rail in general line for their return journey south. The emerging 'CB4' district
and East Anglia in particular. His charts showed how passenger around the new station, at present, rather isolated, looks set to
numbers continue to rise steeply, while car journeys appear to be a new city quarter for business, retail and housing
be levelling off. This might be because of more urban living and developments, as well as a planned 217-bed hotel.
the ‘opportunity value’ of time, i.e. being able to work, shop etc
on the move when on a train. More passengers and crowded A new Cambridge South station will be situated near
trains are putting severe strain on the network, especially at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the biomedical campus, providing
pinch points like Ely North Jct and the single track East Suffolk access to a major employment site that will support new homes
Line. and 16,000 existing and 7,000 new jobs. The signs are that
Cambridge South will be delivered soon following encouraging
remarks in the Government’s autumn statement. It will be built
along with four tracks from Shepreth Branch Junction to
Cambridge station in order to provide adequate capacity and
reliability approaching Cambridge.

To the north-west, at Wisbech, there is a plan to enlarge the town
with a ‘New Garden Town’; if that goes ahead it will strengthen
immeasurably the case for reinstating the March – Wisbech rail
link. To avoid crossing the A47 Wisbech by-pass with a costly
new bridge there has been a proposal to locate Wisbech
terminus south of the A47, two miles outside the town, but Peter
said that an identified central site would make far more sense.

The missing link. Once completed, look how many journey
opportunities it would create (Railfuture).

Phil then turned to East West Rail, the major project to restore The Wisbech branch crosses the A47 two miles outside the
and revitalise the Oxford – Cambridge route in order to establish town; siting the terminus here would deter many would-be
a strategic link between East Anglia and Central, Southern and passengers (Railfuture).
Western England – and, as Phil pointed out, connect the six
fastest-growing towns in the UK. The East West Railway Co had
been formed late last year by the Secretary of State for Transport
“to optimise the delivery of the railway”. As regards the Central
(Cambridge – Bedford) Section, Network Rail is collaboratiing
with local authorities and rail industry stakeholders to develop
possible route options within the preferred corridor, to assess
their strategic and economic cases. Phil showed us maps of the
32 options!

Railfuture doesn’t only concern itself with passengers, but also Finally Peter reminded us of Thameslink, which was now running
works to get more freight on the railway. Ships arriving at a limited trial service to and from Cambridge, but where many
Felixstowe are getting ever bigger – we saw some mind-boggling more trains would start in May, meaning new direct routes
container vessels – and the Port authority prefers to transfer as between Cambridge and Brighton. From Cambridge you can
much as possible straight to rail rather than to lorry. Phil had now reach four major London termini – King’s Cross, St Pancras,
been a leading force in identifying the route for the Bacon Liverpool Street and London Bridge – without changing trains.
Factory Curve at Ipswich, which is one of a number of
enhancements between Felixstowe and Nuneaton designed to Our final speaker was Ian Couzens, who represents Norwich and
allow trains to reach the West Coast Main Line without travelling Norfolk on Railfuture’s East Anglia branch. Ian told us that the

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Chris and Sue’s first day’s travel took them from St Pancras to
Ulm, the city with the world’s tallest steeple (530’ approx. –
Norwich Cathedral is a mere 315’). Mainly Chris saw ICE units
but in Ulm a few Class 218s from the 1960s were seen.
Their second day took them to Vienna via Munich, whose
signalling centre resembled an aircraft control tower, and
Salzburg. Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) has been rebuilt and
although new rail construction is taking place across the city
trams are prominent.

Vienna is the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian
(Habsburg) Empire and is rich in grand buildings, notably the
300-room Schӧnbrunn Palace with its incredible gardens.
Although not on the same architectural scale, Vienna still has
its old roundhouse and water tower!

700039 departs from Platform 3 at Cambridge with the After 3 days in Vienna, Chris and Sue took OBB’s Railjet (their
Thameslink 11.24 service to Brighton on 9th May (Andy own high-speed train) to Prague (I will refrain from calling the
Wright). country Czechia as the name has not caught on). Czech
locomotives are in a pleasant 2-tone blue livery but its railways
Greater Norwich Local Plan envisaged 50,000 new homes being seem to be undergoing a Beeching-era simplification in favour
built between 2012 and 2036, and rail would have a major role of bendy-buses - these and trams (some historic) seem to be
to play in dealing with the expanded population. Railfuture’s the preferred mode of transport. Prague station is a step back
aspirations included three trains per hour on the Breckand Line, in time with an Art-Nouveau main hall (the former main
with electrification as the ultimate aim. Services on the Wherry entrance is now an imposing café). They took an excursion to
Line should be increased to three per hour, and some Yarmouth the ancient capital – Kutná Hora – but saw no evidence of
trains extended beyond Norwich. A half-hourly service on the railways there.
Bittern Line and a new station at Dussindale were also required,
as well as new stations near Long Stratton and Hethersett By comparison with Germany and Austria Czech rolling stock
(“South/West Norwich Parkway”). appears dated, but Chris and Sue benefited from a loco-hauled
run to Dresden where a Siemens loco took over. Their route
This was an absorbing evening, well put together and providing did, however, take them past deep gorges with castles above
much food for thought. After fielding questions, our speakers (Saxon Switzerland).
invited anyone interested to attend Railfuture’s East Anglia
Branch meeting on September 29 at the Friends’ Meeting They arrived at Berlin Hbf, something of an architectural and
House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich NR2 1EW. civil engineering tour de force, and which has a number of
(Mike Handscomb) levels – the top and bottom levels are for the trains with the
inevitable shopping levels in between. Chris’s membership of
“An Interrail Experience in 2017” – Chris the Institution of Civil Engineers rewarded him with a guided
Mitchell (3rd May) tour of the station, and these snippets should be interesting.
The River Spree was diverted for almost a mile, and the
The Interrail Pass offers unlimited rail travel in up to 30 proliferation of unexploded bombs held up the construction
European countries at your own pace within 1 month. The only programme for some 3 years. The station took some 20 years
excluded European countries appear to be Albania and the to build from the design stage. Filming of “McMafia” was in
Baltic states. Depending on the number of days’ travel inside progress at the station as well. Chris and Sue naturally visited
the 15-day or 1 month period selected, the cost varies from the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag with its Norman
£188 to £459. Chris booked his October travel via the DB and Foster-designed observatory dome. Checkpoint Charlie was
SNCF websites, his destinations being Vienna, Prague and highly commercialised, and they also saw a museum devoted
Berlin. to the primitive DDR Trabants. Finally, they saw Chancellor
Angela Merkel’s residence where the security appeared very
light by our standards.

Thanks to Chris for putting together a Cook’s tour of these
European capitals and to Andy Wright for operating the
projector.

Editor’s Note: You may find it useful to read this report in
conjunction with the similar jaunt undertaken by Brian & Julie
Cornwell featured in NRS/NL 63/1 pp. 13/14. As a matter of
style, I would prefer to hyphenate Interrail, others do not!

“Towards a Corporate Identity – A Look at North
London Railway station architecture 1850 –
1900” – Jim Connor (17th May)

We were delighted to have a return visit from Jim Connor,
whose planned visit on 1st March was thwarted by “The Beast
from the East”. As the presentation was to deal with corporate

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or “house” styles Jim pointed out that the company began life As stated above, the stations between Dalston Junction and
as the East & West India Docks & Birmingham Junction Poplar closed in 1944. Most unusually, however, the stations
Railway (it made a junction with the London & Birmingham remained open until 1945 for sale of tickets for the replacement
Railway at Chalk Farm) but it thankfully became the N.L.R. in bus service.
1853.
Editor’s Note: Jim’s presentation was chronological rather than
Jim began with a very early image of the first Hackney station geographical which meant he did not follow a line from
(1850 – 1870); the second Hackney station being slightly to the beginning to end. Once again, I have to recommend the
west and closed to passengers, along with the part of the North London Railway Atlas (Joe Brown) if you want to understand
London line east of Dalston Junction, in 1944. The station re- the complexities of the N.L.R.
opened in 1980 as Hackney Central and the former buildings
are used as a music venue/bar/restaurant, duly visited by Jim G.C.R. “Goods Galore Gala” Visit (12th May)
on semi-official business. The City Extension from Dalston Junc
to Broad St opened in 1865. Broad St – the work of Edwin Some 20 members, guests and friends went to the G.C.R. for
Horne – marked the start of the corporate image – Portland this Gala and, on the Railway’s advice, the coach was parked
stone, lots of glazing and terracotta and its French-style at Quorn & Woodhouse station.
rooflines. It was much-loved by Betjeman but its use was to
decline in the 20th century in the face of bus, tram and On alighting from the coach we saw, parked in the goods yard,
underground competition, and finally closed in 1986. Shoreditch a rake of 12 ton mineral wagons together with 12 box vans in
(1865 – 1940) was the first station out of Broad St, elaborately- another siding. Also in the yard were an assortment of classic
styled, more so than the plainer Dalston Junction (1865) and and vintage vehicles and several steam road vehicles.
which had become dilapidated in the 1960s. Although Jim
related how it was the scene of a murder in 1899 it was also
used in the film “Look Back in Anger” in 1959. The next station
discussed was Victoria Park on the line to Poplar – its first
station lasted 10 years, with a second opening in 1866. It
formed a junction to Stratford but closed slightly earlier than the
other WW2 casualties.

Poplar (1866 – 1944) followed the corporate style i.e. round-
arched windows, generally symmetrical and with the station
name prominent above the entrance. It also incorporated
stationmaster accommodation. Old Ford (1867 – 1944) was a
square building, boasting the usual arched windows and
prominent name sign but a supporting girder began to give way
in 1929 – traffic was suspended until the rear part of the
building had been demolished. Haggerston (1867 – 1940) was
also in the corporate style, as was Homerton (1868 – 1944)
which sold the most workmen’s tickets.

The N.L.R. did not always give credit to the architects who
designed its stations, but it seems clear that Horne played a
major part despite having no formal architectural training. Also
involved was the Company’s Engineer, Thomas Matthews, The
N.L.R. station at Bow (1850) was replaced in 1870 by a very
grand Horne designed station which included a concert hall and
resembled Broad St. Again, it was a WW2 casualty, closing in
1944. Prior to demolition it served as a library and as Salvation
Army premises.

The impressive Islington station dates back to 1850 and was After looking at the programme it appeared that a large number
also designed by Horne. In 1872 it was reconstructed and of trains would be running, and the first one we saw was the old
became Highbury & Islington. Another Horne building was favourite 70013 Oliver Cromwell hauling a passenger train
Caledonian Road & Barnsbury, the next station west on the towards Leicester North. Shortly afterwards Class 25 D5185
Richmond line. The last Horne-designed station was at arrived with a train for Loughborough. Boarding 70013’s train
Camden Road (1870. we then went to Rothley, passing over Swithland reservoir and
seeing to our left the branch to the Mountsorrel Railway.
There were a number of smaller Matthews-designed stations en
route to Poplar at Mildmay Park, South Bromley, Kingsland and At Rothley 6990 Witherslack Hall stopped with an express
Maiden Lane, most of which had closed before 1944, but the parcels on the down line, after which Class 20 D8098 passed
only surviving Matthews-designed station is at Acton or Acton on the up line hauling a mixed goods. 70013 then reappeared
Central (1853) well to the west. hauling a permanent way train on the down line. Within

The fortunes of Messrs Horne & Matthews strongly contrast.
Although Horne was a member of the R.I.B.A. from 1875 he
went into obscurity after designing a church in Ealing, living in
the attic of a terraced house in Dover prior to his death in 1915.
He left a paltry £166 in his will. On the other hand, Matthews,
the engineer, died in 1905, leaving £23,000 in his will.

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minutes, Standard 5MT 73156 arrived on the up line in charge route to Leicester North. D5185 was backing into a siding
of the dining train. attached to Diesel Brake Tender B964122, now known as
All these movements were recorded in just over 20 minutes. “Brenda the Tender” (!) and a tank train. Finally, 8F 48624
Due to a medical emergency on the dining train (!) at Rothley, came from Loughborough with a breakdown train.
and a points failure, the timetable was then disrupted for most
of the afternoon. Everybody appeared to enjoy the day, having seen a great
variety of goods and passenger trains. (Malcolm & Shirley
Loughborough was also a hive of activity with 70013 seen on a Wright)
passenger train, 6990, Class 08 D3690 and “Jinty” 47406
moving various goods wagons around the station. Images from the day: Previous page by Malcolm Wright and
this page (below) by Mike Fordham.
Returning to Quorn, 70013 was seen from the road bridge
giving off a good head of steam with another passenger train en

Quite a hard quiz…but it’s just for fun!

1. Name either of the stations (there’s one open and one closed) connected to 1st November.
2. Founder and patron saint of Glasgow or named train that ran between Glasgow Buchanan St and Aberdeen.
3. In which city is Spencer Street station (it has changed its name fairly recently)? Another station in the city was in the news just

before Christmas.
4. The last 5 A1 Pacifics (BR 60158-60162) had Scottish names – these could also have been an overnight train, a Scott poem, a

city nickname, a railway company and a football team (though the spelling has been modernised). Unusually, and right through
B.R. days, one was never allocated north of the Border – which one?
5. “The New Line” and “the Viaduct Line” were once in the same conurbation. Neither is used today. Where would they have
been found?
6. Where in London is it possible to get a meal in a Victoria Line carriage?
7. Alight here, and cross the Tory sea for a bargain? Which station and what destination?
8. In which town were there stations at General, Canalside, Low Level, Riverside, Bridge Street and Abbey? 6 names but only 4
stations – only one open and the rest closed now – that’s a big clue! Diligent Newsletter reading also helps!
9. Which local line was badly flooded between Christmas & the New Year?
10. To finish on the watery theme, where is there a station with the separate word “Canal” in its name?

Answers on page 11.

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North Norfolk Spring Steam
Gala

The first major event on the NNR of
2018 took place between 20th and
22nd April. Billed as the Spring Steam
Gala it appeared as the BR Standard
Gala on the timetables. Visiting
locomotives BR Standard 2 78018
and Standard 4 80072 appeared
courtesy of the GCR and Llangollen
Railway respectively. They joined the
home fleet comprising 76084, 8572,
92203 Black Prince, 90775 The Royal
Norfolk Regiment and Y14 564 in
place of N2 1744, which failed earlier in the week. (AW)
Images taken on 20th April by Andy Wright, clockwise from top
right: 76084 and 92203 double head the 14.29 service from
Sheringham to Holt; 78018 heads the 14.57 Sheringham to Holt
service with a rake of Mk1 stock; 564 and 8572 head the 13.02
Sheringham to Holt service as it departs Weybourne; 80072
with the 16.15 Sheringham to Holt parcel vans train on the
climb to Weybourne; The driver of 90775 completes a double
token exchange with the signalman at Weybourne as the 11.28
non-stop goods train from Sheringham to Holt passes through
platform 1.

Tiverton Junction and its branches (notes by
Edward Mann and Michael Roach, images by

Michael Roach)

Mike has supplied a set of images from Tiverton Junc, taken in
the early 1960s. It was an interesting place, and at that time
Mike would not have had the benefit of a crystal ball to
understand how significant some of his images were.
Tiverton Junc was at the Exeter end of the West of England
main line and two branch lines forked from it – west to Tiverton

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and thence north to Dulverton (on the Taunton – Barnstaple comparison, Bodmin Parkway is 235,000 and static and Bristol
line) and south to Stoke Canon where the branch rejoined the Parkway is 2,500,000 slightly falling.
West of England main line – and east to Hemyock. Tiverton
Junc to Tiverton closed to passengers from 5th October 1964 Again at Tiverton Junction on 7th September 1963, 1421
whilst the arms to Dulverton and Stoke Canon closed to prepares to leave with the final 1710 to Hemyock. Its 2-coach
passengers from 7th October 1963. Services operated from train would be augmented by 2 milk tanks from Hemyock
Exeter St David’s to Dulverton via Tiverton, which enjoyed a Creamery on the return journey.
shuttle service to Tiverton Junc.

By comparison, Tiverton Junc to Hemyock was one for the
purist, the handful of trains (mostly mixed) taking anything up to
58 min for the 7½ mile journey from Tiverton Junc (1960
timetable). This line closed to passengers from 9th September
1963 but then hung on until 1975 when the dairy at Hemyock
(and the line’s life-blood) was closed.

The decision was later taken to close Tiverton Junction station
and replace it with a brand new “Parkway” style station 1¾
miles to the north, adjacent to Junc 27 of the M5, one of just 3
in the West Country (the others are Bodmin Parkway and
Bristol Parkway). The site chosen for Tiverton Parkway station
was formerly the location of Sampford Peverell Halt (1928-
1964). It opened on 12th May 1986, Tiverton Junction having
closed the day before. The station was a success with an
annual passenger figure of about 500,000 and rising. By

6873 Caradoc Grange speeds past Tiverton Junction station It is now 29th September 1964 and 1450 has charge of a
on 8th July 1963 (the Hemyock branch is off to the right) Tiverton train which it will propel. Note the oil depot in the
around 1700 with 1V49 which might be either the Liverpool – background, believed to date from WW2. There was an
Plymouth or “The Devonian” (Bradford – Paignton). Is anyone R.A.F. aerodrome at Dunkeswell 7 miles away (aviation buffs
able to identify 1V49 positively, please? might find its history interesting).

1466 has arrived at Tiverton Junction with the 1615 from Also taken on 29th September 1964, this view is from the
Tiverton on 7th September 1963 – a 12 min. journey. station access road looking south-east.

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NRS Visit to IDHTS compensation from Network Rail for any delays attributable to
NR. Poorly co-ordinated or very clever drafting…you pays your
The Ipswich Salvation Army Citadel provides the ultra-modern money, I suppose.
backdrop for this image of Society worthies and retiring Ipswich
& District Historical Transport Society Chairman Martyn Hunt Re-enactors Repelled from Le Visham
(right). “Home and away” fixtures have long been a staple of
our respective Societies’ programmes, and this year our team The WW2 re-enactment is a popular feature of many of our
consisted of Andy Wright, who began proceedings with “From heritage railways. Unfortunately, in 2017 a group of German
Plawsworth to the Coast”. David Pearce followed with a trip up (but really British) re-enactors on the NYMR were too efficient
the Great Central from Loughborough (Central) to Leicester for their own good – armed, asking for papers from passengers
(Central), and he was followed by Graham Kenworthy with a etc - and the railway has ended up with adverse publicity which
look at (mainly) water transport and cliff and funicular railways must, of course, be avoided at all costs.
at home and abroad. Brian Kirton probably surprised everyone What had happened was that Levisham had become Le
when he concluded proceedings with a presentation on the Visham, an occupied French village, and the re-enactors seem
Dutch eel-boats that used to cross the North Sea carrying to have entered into their roles just that little bit too well, and –
millions of eels to satisfy the appetites of many Londoners. This because of the complaints and bad publicity - the NYMR took
centuries-old trade died out just before WW2 but Brian has the decision not to invite them back! Maybe the NYMR should
developed a close relationship with those building a replica eel- have asked for the re-enactors’ script, or whatever it’s called.
boat. Many thanks to the IDHTS for their hospitality. (EM) Harmless fun or too many sensitivities offended – decide for
yourselves, but please don’t get in touch with me. (EM).

The Urge to Spend a Penny (But Not When a
Train is Standing in a Station)

Sorry about the title, folks, but if you, like me, have no idea
what the longest distances between stations are then read on.
(You never know when it may be useful.)

From left to right, Brian Kirton, Graham Kenworthy, David Who would have thought that the longest distance between
Pearce, Andy Wright with IDHTS Chairman Martyn Hunt stations in Scotland was a whopping 64 miles 61 chains? To
(Mervyn Russen). get your bearings, head north from Lockerbie on the WCML,
take the Carstairs avoiding line and head for Edinburgh. The
Tunnel Vision? next station you’ll reach will be Kirknewton so, at just short of
65 miles, there’s ample opportunity to do what comes naturally.
There used to be a line from Treherbert to Bridgend via The longest English distance is from Pewsey to Bruton, via the
Maesteg which traversed the 3,443 yard Rhondda Tunnel Westbury and Frome avoiding lines – a mere 50 miles 62
between Blaencwm and Blaengwnfi and which was unusually chains – whilst in border country it’s 26 miles 23 chains from
closed because of the Tunnel’s condition by the Civil Engineer Hereford to Abergavenny. If you thought (reasonably) that York
from 26th February 1968. Trains continued to run between to Malton was a contender it’s a weedy 21 miles 12 chains!
Cymmer Afan & Bridgend until 22nd July 1970, the Tunnel (EM)
section being covered by a bus service.
The Branch Line News has reported that the tunnel is being They come back to bite you where you don’t
examined with a view (!) to re-opening to cyclists and walkers want it!
with or without dogs no doubt.
The excellent Fenman magazine (a quarterly on-line
Greater Anglia/Mr Pochin/the Bailiffs publication) reminds us that all is not sweetness and light in the
west of the county. King’s Lynn to Ely ran as a double-track
Mr Pochin brought a case against GA on account of the route for almost 100 years until partial singling took place in
appalling delays he had experienced commuting from 1983. In the following 35 years the line has been electrified and
Halesworth to Ipswich. Judgment was given in his favour last its use has increased remarkably but the less than forward-
December for £350 but GA was disinclined to pay up. A warrant thinking of the 1980s (single where we can must have been the
was accordingly issued for bailiffs to seize GA property. This mantra) causes much delay on the line, especially on the single
had the desired effect, and Mr Pochin has since had his claim section between Downham Market and Littleport. The other
paid plus costs. single section – King’s Lynn to Watlington - is seen as a lesser
problem. The line has become an important commuter route, so
It does, however highlight an imbalance (or flaw) in the GA isn’t it time this was sorted out? After all, the presently under-
“delay repay” scheme, which applies once delays exceed 30 used A1270/Broadland Northway/NDR cost a staggering
min. GA, on the other hand, automatically receives £205M… (did the equivalent of GRIP* apply?)

*GRIP = Governance for Railway Investment Projects
(soporific, so we’ll leave it there).

Quiz Answers

1.All Saints (DLR) or Allhallows-on-sea (Kent); 2. Saint Mungo;
3. Melbourne; 4. 60158 Aberdonian; 5. Leeds; 6. Walthamstow
Pumphouse Museum; 7. Greenhithe is the station for
Bluewater Shopping Centre; 8. Neath – Bridge Street, Low
Level & (latterly) Riverside were the same; 9. Wells &
Walsingham Light Railway; 10. Paisley.

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“Let’s Talk” Magazine of about 180 miles, ran from Edmondthorpe near Melton
Mowbray, and Peterborough and Sutton Bridge, from which
The M.& G.N. closure was getting into the local news in mid- junction three branches radiated to Cromer, Norwich and
1958, and the following gaffe was extracted from the Yarmouth.” Methinks a sloppy proof-reader (do proof-readers
magazine’s June issue: “The railway, which had a total length still exist?) needs to wise up on Melton Constable!

Up and Round the North of England for under
five score (Malcolm Banyer)!

I caught the 0745 from North Walsham to Norwich - alas no
bacon at the West Cornwall Pasty shop - so I boarded the 0830
to Liverpool Street empty-handed. A fly-away builder’s bag
caught on the overhead near Stowmarket impeded my
progress, arriving Liverpool St 26 mins late. Hurrying to Euston
via the Hammersmith and City line, my train to Birmingham
New Street left at 1103. I arrived at 1110 but luckily caught the
1123 after a word with the young lady on the gate. New Street
was reached by 1250. Euston – Birmingham cost £9.55.
Onward to Lancaster, departing New Street at 1315, Lancaster
by 1510; Birmingham – Lancaster cost £16.50.

The next morning I caught the 0848 to Carlisle via Barrow-in- 153316 waits at Grange-over-Sands with a Preston-bound
Furness, alighting at Grange-over-Sands at 0914. As it was service. Morecambe Bay is beyond.
such a sunny morning I decided to walk along the promenade
to Kent’s Bank for the 1017 - it’s further than you think! The
next stop was at Ulverston 1030, in time for coffee in the base
of the disused water tower.

And so on to a loco-hauled service with 37403 Isle of Mull to
Barrow at 1133. A quick change of platforms and off to Millom
at 1140 with 68017 and 68018. Millom by 1213 -time for lunch –
there’s a handy café just over the bridge. Left Millom 1304
passing 2 x 68s and flasks at Bootle, arrive Harrington at 1407.
Time to stretch my legs and catch the 1505 to Carlisle, cost
£21.40.

A quick look at the station and overall roof, a visit to
Wetherspoons, in time to catch the 1728 to Newcastle via
Hexham - still plenty of snow there - with plenty of time to catch
the 1911 to Durham – cost £14.40. After a couple of days’ “rest”
with the grandchildren I caught the 1501 to York for the
amazing price of £4.60 connecting with the 1602 to
Peterborough, the 1744 to Norwich and finally the 1955 to
North Walsham - cost £26.40.

At the moment travel with a Senior Railcard is inexpensive - just An unusual view of Grange-over-Sands station.
plan your journey!

Editor’s Note: The Cumbrian Coast Line is popular with our
members – the Cumbria Round Robin is worth considering
though it would not have suited Malcolm.

Lingering at Llanidloes (see NRS/NL 63/1
pp.9/10 & NRS/NL 63/2 p.11)

We have lingered to the point of outstaying our welcome, and
the following contribution from Michael Roach is the last.
Michael’s quintet is of particular interest as it shows the stations
to advantage some 3 months before closure.

We begin at Builth Road H.L. (on 5th September 1962) on the
Central Wales line, looking north towards Craven Arms and
Shrewsbury (right). The Mid-Wales line passed beneath the
photographer and the next image was taken from the extreme
right-hand side of this one. Passengers walked along the
footpath on the right to gain access to the sloping path to the
Low Level station. There was also a lift on the right for staff and
goods purposes.

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Builth Road Low Level is viewed from the High Level station
footway on 5th September 1962 (below). We are looking south
to Builth Wells, Three Cocks and Brecon. Some trains from the
south terminated here, and there were only 2 trains a day that
travelled the full length of the route from Moat Lane Junction to
Brecon. The refreshment room seems to survive as the local
pub!

Brecon, its own shed having been subsumed under Oswestry
before 1960. A proposal to build a chord line beyond the fir
trees was never implemented. Both lines officially closed from
31st December 1962 but the last passenger trains ran on 29th

Builth Wells station is seen on 4th September 1962 (below). We
are looking west, and later north, to Builth Road 2 miles away. If
the station still existed it would be very convenient for the Royal
Welsh Agricultural Show (the biggest in Europe) held each July
as the Showground lies just across the road on the right. As it
is, showgoers are bussed to the Showground from Builth Road
station (including those arriving on a special train from Cardiff
each day). Even if you come by car you are still bussed from
the park-and-ride sites as there is no on-site parking for paying
visitors. The P & R works well, thankfully.

Erwood station, looking north on 5th September 1962 (right December, a day of serious snowfall.
upper). The buildings survive as a craft centre, gallery and tea Editor’s Note: I have distinguished between the day the last
room. An oddity here was that the platforms were half- trains ran and the official closure date. Convention has it that
staggered. A passenger alighting from a northbound train on the official closure date is the next day after the last trains ran
the left-hand platform used the boarded crossing only to arrive when there would have been a service. There was no service
in the middle of the southbound platform and face 2 steps up. on Sunday 30th December 1962 so I hope all becomes clear.
Not very wheelchair-friendly; the Disability Discrimination Act
enforcers would have had a field day! The only footbridge on Norwich Victoria M.P.D.
the whole route was at Moat Lane Junction station.
The station closed in 1916 and the engine shed followed soon
Three Cocks Junction is seen looking north on 7th September after. I had never thought about its actual location, but the
1962 (right lower). The platforms on the left are for Builth and Engine Shed Society’s latest magazine contains an aerial
Moat Lane, 48 miles away. The platforms on the right are photo, albeit of a much larger area, when the engine shed was
to/from Hereford. The train in the platform has arrived from not the centre of attention. Enough of that, it was parallel to the
Builth Road L.L. and will return there. All the locos used on the back gardens of the houses on the north side of Victoria St,
line came from Oswestry shed but some were outstationed at which aren’t much changed today. To be more precise, it was in
what is now the Marsh Insurance car park.

Britain’s Most Unpopular Railway Station?

Glasgow Queen St has been named as Britain’s most
unpopular railway station in a survey of passengers. It was
placed at # 56 with 58% approval, but like is not being
compared with like. OK, King’s Cross came out top with 96%,
but what is Beaconsfield doing there at # 7 with 91% (like
Glasgow Central) or Amersham at # 15 with 90%. Rather a
pointless survey if you ask me.

13

___________NRS NEWS

Annual General Meeting - 19th April 2018 the ever popular Christmas Meal in December.
● The 2018 Show Day took place at Poringland organised by a
The main points from the A.G.M. are:
● Brian Kirton remains our Chairman, being willing to serve a team led by Brian and was considered a success with higher
attendance from the public than in previous years.
second consecutive year. He was re-elected unopposed. ● Various ideas were discussed for making constructive use of
● Committee membership is unchanged with the exception of the remainder of the Harrison legacy. The committee will be
exploring the options in the coming months.
Ray Halliday who, having served a year as Past Chairman
and three years on the committee in all, decided to stand Parklands Open Day
down due to other commitments. We thank Ray for the
excellent work he has done during this period. With thanks to our member, Brian Baker, the annual Open Day
● In the absence of our treasurer, John Laycock, a copy of the will take place on Tuesday 7th August from 1430. Members and
accounts for 2017 was presented. Due to a number of their families and friends are welcome, and refreshments will be
questions arising requiring clarification it was decided to available.
postpone adopting the accounts and setting the subscription
for 2019. There will be a short Special General Meeting at The address is Blue Riband House, Parklands, Hemsby, NR29
our meeting on 20th September to deal with this. Formal 4HA. As our next Newsletter may not reach everyone in time,
notice will be sent to members with the July/August please take note of the date.
Newsletter.
● Membership Secretary Mike Handscomb said we ended Membership Changes
2017 with 96 members, 1 less than 2016. Sadly Brian Hunt
passed away during July. So far in 2018 we have 92 We are pleased to welcome Graham Ashton, Roger
members. Montgomery and Allan Shirley, all of Norwich.
● Mike also updated members on the sale of the archives. Nett
sales in 2017 brought in £1416 and a further £373 in 2018. Sadly one of our senior members – Barry Huddart – passed
● It was good to see our Newsletter Editor back in action away on 7th March. Unfortunately, mobility problems meant that
following major surgery. He thanked all those who had kept he had not been to a Society meeting for several years. Our
the Newsletter running in his absence and also Graham and condolences go to his widow Vera and their family. His funeral
Janet Smith for continuing to distribute it. has taken place.
● Edward also reflected on another varied programme of
indoor meetings arranged jointly with Graham Kenworthy. Sad News
He thanked Chris Mitchell for helping bring in his industry
contacts and also Richard Adderson and David Pearce for We were sorry to learn that Les Bird passed away on 12th May.
the original presentations they never fail to bring us. Members will recall that he had entertained a large audience on
● A report from Brian Cornwell, who couldn’t be with us, 16th October 2014 with his presentation on the London
highlighted the successful visits to Wroxham last June and Overground and Crossrail. Chris Mitchell has kindly agreed to
Scunthorpe Steel Works in September. He also organised write an obituary which will be in the next issue.

_________FEATURE

Some B.R. Investment Schemes of the 1980s – Authorised or Otherwise
(Concluding Part) (Rod Lock)

Time marches on, and the next wave of investment schemes related to stations – Oxford, Guildford, Chelmsford, Fenchurch St &
Bolton. We will not dwell on these as some of the stations have been further improved, and will move on to a line re-opening, the
West Anglia electrification and RETB on the East Suffolk.

The Liverpool St modernisation, incidentally, followed the normal requirement that income from property development went into a
“common pot” and was spent to best advantage. With Liverpool St it was intended that the income from the Broadgate
development and the East Side development should be spent on Liverpool St itself. The Board agreed to this.

Aberdare Branch – Restoration of Passenger Services:
● From Abercynon to Aberdare, 6 miles involving 5 new stations and an additional Class 150/2;
● Estimated cost £1.877 million, funded by Mid-Glamorgan County Council, with support from the Welsh Office and the European
Regional Development Fund;
● Branch closed to passengers 1964;
● Will be integrated into Valley services;
● A 5-year experiment – B.R. to meet any losses;
● Sponsor considers costs can be reduced by operating an hourly service with only one additional Sprinter. Also considers fares
can be increased by 10% above appraisal level;
● Freight to remain the prime user;
● Control from Abercynon. Track circuit block signalling and axle counters to provide train detection;
● Raise line speed from 30 m.p.h. to 50 m.p.h.
● Cardiff street congestion negates car’s journey time advantage;
● Compared with buses, train will be 10-20 mins faster;
● Platforms to accommodate 2 x Class 150/2 (coupled);
● Hourly service planned.

14

_________FEATURE

Cambridge – King’s Lynn Electrification:
● Base case compared with 17 options;
● Implementation 1991-1993;
● Electrification north of Ely ranked no. 9;
● Substantial funding (around £5 million) required from local authorities;
● For an hourly service to King’s Lynn, track doubling required;
● Bus substitution not beneficial – ranked no. 12;
● Class 47s due for renewal in mid-1990s, at 30 years;
● Slow timings and sparse service depressing demand for commuting north of Cambridge. There is growth potential at Ely, but
uncertain north thereof.
● From May 1988, a Class 101 DMU was specifically allocated for non-loco-hauled trains;
● Passenger revenue north of Ely £1.5 million p.a. Revenue growth assumes Ely expansion.
● Time savings to King’s Lynn: Electrification 14 min; Sprinter 7 min;
● Electrification to King’s Lynn – additional EMU required but saves 3 DMUs but re-diagramming of Cambridge main line and
branches might avoid it;
● Electrification to Ely only – additional EMU not required, but there is a risk it might be required;
● For electrification to King’s Lynn to break even, revenue increase of 350% needed;
● Electrification to King’s Lynn remains in deficit if all sensitivities move in its favour – reduces deficit to £1.6 million;
● Main financial savings will come from the withdrawal of loco-hauled services, and on maintenance;
● Rolling stock maintenance (actual) with loco haulage (⅓ locos ⅔ coaches) £1.4 million with EMUs and new DMUs £0.3 million;
● Electrification to Ely not robust enough against all risks:
● Best option – change at Cambridge into Class 155s;
● Second best option – electrification to Ely , change into Class 155s;
● For loco-haulage to be worthwhile, other factors must alter by £10 million.

Editor’s Note: When I typed this piece I found it strange that commuters from north of Cambridge could still find themselves
“expected” to change at Cambridge. How times have changed!

East Suffolk Rationalisation - Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB) Signalling:
● Estimated cost £1.639 million(1983 prices);
● Effect on Revenue Account £0.5 million better. 42 staff saved;
● Next best option (for comparison): Partial singling to avoid renewals; Replace pole route (in danger of falling down); Retain
existing signalling; Modernise level crossings at rate of 2 to 3 per annum;
● Net Present Value surplus £1.195 million compared with next best option. Break-even year 1987;
● Objectives: to reduce operating & infrastructure costs; to minimise renewal costs; to improve net revenue;
● 1981 Earnings £471,000; Direct costs £650,000; Operating ratio 138;
● 25 manned level-crossings;
● 11 unmanned level-crossings, including 2 AHBs; others are accommodation/occupation;
● Close 5 signalboxes – Beccles, Brampton, Halesworth, Melton & Saxmundham (to become the signalling centre);
● Automate level-crossings to become automatic open crossings locally monitored (by train driver);
● Fit 9 Class 101 DMUs with token equipment (Dept of Transport insistent on fixed equipment to avoid damage and ensure
reliability );
● Area of RETB control - Oulton Broad South station to Westerfield Junc;
● Last signal controlled by Oulton Broad North Junc signalbox - OB21;
● Because of many lineside signs – AWS indicators, AWS cancel indicators, station limit boards & stop boards (to obtain tokens) –
ASLEF’s request that the Class 101s should be provided with headlights was agreed to.

_________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 Road, 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 or tel: 01603-
782008.

15

_________WORKING TIMETABLE

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

The Bure Valley Railway: Aylsham Station, Norwich Rd, Aylsham, NR11 6BW. For information: www.bvrw.co.uk or tel: 01263-
733858. Daily running until 28th October.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway: Dereham Station, Station Rd, Dereham, NR19 1DF. For information: www.mnr.org.uk or tel: 01362-
851723. Regular running until 31st October.

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway: Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, IP14 5PW. For information: www.mslr.org.uk or tel: 01449-
766899.

The North Norfolk Railway: Station Approach, Sheringham, NR26 8RA. For information: www.nnrailway.co.uk or tel: 01263-
820800. Daily running until 28th October.

The Norwich & District Society of Model Engineers: Eaton Park, Norwich. For information: www.ndsme.org – Now operational
(weather permitting) every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until 30th September 1300 – 1700.

The Wells & Walsingham Light Railway: Stiffkey Road, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1QB. For information: www.wwlr.co.uk or tel:
01328-711630 (up to 1700 please). Daily running until 28th October.

The Whitwell & Reepham Railway: Whitwell Rd, Reepham, NR10 4GA. For information: www.whitwellstation.com or tel: 01603-
871694.

ASHMANHAUGH LIGHT RAILWAY:
Sundays 1st July & 5th August – Running Days 1400 – 1700 (weather permitting).

BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY:
Sundays 17th June & 15th July – Running Days 1430 – 1730 (weather permitting).

BRESSINGHAM MUSEUM, STEAM & GARDENS:
Sunday 8th July: “Everything Goes” (all in steam).

BURE VALLEY RAILWAY:
Sunday 17th June – Fathers’ V.I.P. Day.
July Weekends – “Strawberries & Steam”.

EATON PARK MINIATURE RAILWAY:
Running Days every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of September 1300 – 1700 (weather permitting).

MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY:
Fri/Sat/Sun 22nd/23rd/24th June – Steam Gala Weekend.

Sat/Sun 4th/5th Aug – “Railways at War” – 1940s Weekend.

NENTA TRAINTOURS:
Sat 7th July - “The Severn Valley Explorer” from Norwich dep 0610 approx and then via Ipswich & Ely to Kidderminster (for the
S.V.R.) & Worcester (optional river cruise). Norwich return 2350 approx. Fares from £79.75 – Premier Class available.
Details:www.nentatraintours.co.uk or tel: 01692- 406152.

NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY:
Fri/Sat/Sun 15th/16th/17th June – Diesel Gala.

Sat 30th/Sun 1st July – Vintage Bus Rally (Sat) followed by Vintage Transport (Sun).

Mon 2nd – Sun 8th July – “The Story of Suburban Travel”.

Fri/Sat/Sun 13th/14th/15th July – Beer Festival.

In addition, and mainly on Tuesdays during July & August, the NNR will be running its Vintage Set – see brochure or website.

WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY:
Sun 17th June – Fathers’ Day Steam & Roast Lunch.

Sun 1st July – Steam Sunday.

Sat/Sun 4th/5th August – 9th Steam Rally.

Printed by Pride Press Ltd. Tel: 01603 665045.

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