NRS NL 63-4 July-Aug 2018

Norfolk Railway Society

Founded 1955 www.norfolkrailwaysociety.org.uk
Volume 63 No. 4 July-Aug 2018

_________TRACK REPORT

news from railways in and around Norfolk

National Network

GE LINES UPDATE: July

GE LINES NEWS

Mid-Norfolk Railway comes to the aid of
Greater Anglia:
It was announced in late June that GA had
signed a £3.5m contract with the MNR
which is to create extensive stabling
facilities for the delivery of the new rolling
stock and then to accommodate the existing
fleet when that is replaced and withdrawn
from service.

The works, to be undertaken by Sonic Rail

Services Limited, include a new ground

frame controlled point just north of

Hardingham station serving a new long

siding running southwards towards

Kimberley, effectively creating a double

track formation, where 4 sidings will be laid.

Works are due to commence during July

and be completed by March 2019. In On 17th June 68004 heads the non-stop Norwich - Great Yarmouth “Air Show

addition a 19 core cable is to be laid special” service through Brundall Station. The train, comprising 8 Mk3 carriages

between Dereham and Wymondham which and DVT no. 82112, has 68001 on the rear. Four Class 68s were in use over the

will enable the MNR to introduce much weekend of the air show providing additional services (Andy Wright).

improved communications and signalling

along the line. visiting Peak Rail-based Austerity Swiftsure operated a two

Mid-Norfolk Railway extension: train service on Saturday 23rd June until Swiftsure returned
The MNR extended its operational line to Worthing LC, 15 miles after its first round trip with a hot box – its diagrams were then
from Wymondham and 1 mile short of North Elmham, on 19th worked by 47596 Aldeburgh Festival.

May. Services were worked by Class 04 shunter D2334 hauling On Sunday 24th June, in connection with the Hardingham Fête,
Class 101 trailer car 56347 (latterly ex-Bressingham Steam MNR services called at Hardingham station from where a bus
Museum and the Foxfield Railway). provided a shuttle service into the village. More than 100

Mid-Norfolk Railway forced to introduce replacement diesel passengers availed themselves of this service particularly from
loco for steam and then bus substitution: the Dereham direction. All was well until late afternoon when
Due to a shortage of available main line steam locomotives, the D2334, presumably pressed into service due to the non-
MNR postponed its Steam Gala Weekend (23rd/24th June) until availability of other traction, experienced a gearbox or similar
later in the year. The regular resident steam loco 9466 and failure resulting in its coupling rods becoming bent between
Dereham and Thuxton, rendering it incapable of being moved.

In This Issue The service from Wymondham had arrived at Hardingham and

Track Report it was decided to set this back to Wymondham at 10mph taking
National Network Wymondham visitors to the Fête home. There was no prospect
1 of normal train services resuming quickly so the bus was used

Pick-up Goods 5 to transfer train passengers stranded at Hardingham back to

Feature Dereham – its capacity was exceeded so the remaining
passengers were treated to an impromptu buffet service by
A few fine days and a thunderstorm by Brian 13 Nigel Teulon - the owner of the normally private Hardingham
Kirton. station - until the bus could return for the remainder. One

NRS News 15 elderly gentleman asked for a brandy – and was duly served!

Working Timetable 15 The MNR sent two motor vehicles to assist and these brought

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9466 (left) passes Hardingham Station with its train for Wymondham Abbey on Saturday 23rd June and (right) later in the day a
service hauled by 47596 heads south from Hardingham towards Kimberley. Over the next 9 months this scene will be
transformed with installation of double track and a connection into the yard - see p.1 (Andy Wright).

further drinks. D2334 was recovered only after its coupling rods Worstead, Gunton, Roughton Road, West Runton and
were removed. Sheringham on the Bittern Line. These ticket machine
New ticket machines: installations will improve revenue collection, making it easier for
This scheme was announced by GA in late June. 29 stations train conductors to check tickets and reduce fare evasion on
are to be provided with new ticket machines including busy services.
Wymondham, Attleborough and Brandon on the Breckland
Line; Brundall, Lingwood, Acle, Cantley, Reedham, Haddiscoe Beccles station:
and Oulton Broad North on the Wherry Lines, and Hoveton, A replica blue enamel running-in board provided by the station
adopters and a new waiting shelter provided by third parties
Norfolk Railway Society were unveiled on 15th June.
(Founded 1955)
Great Yarmouth Air Show Sat/Sun 16th/17th June:
President: Ken Mills, Esq. The first Great Yarmouth Air Show was blessed with fine
weather and well supported by the general public. GA utilised
Committee and Officers 2018-2019 Telephone two main line sets top and tailed by 68001/004 and 68002/018
respectively to bolster the normal service.
Chairman Brian Kirton
East Midlands franchise renewal tendering:
Vice Chairman Warren Wordsworth The Government announced in early June that the new
franchise would see Norwich to Liverpool Lime St services
Past Chairman vacant severed at Nottingham meaning that some 300 passengers a
day taking the current through service would need to change at
Secretary & Andrew Wright Nottingham in future.
Webmaster
GE INCIDENTS
Treasurer John Laycock
The following details represent a small sample of the incidents
Membership Sec Mike Handscomb occurring:-

Newsletter Editor & Edward Mann Sunday 27th May - OLE damaged at Manningtree: The 1226
Indoor Programme Ingatestone – Ipswich brought down the OLE on the Stour
bridges just north of Manningtree. The 1300 Norwich –
Indoor Programme Graham Kenworthy Ingatestone service ran past on the Up line and then all
services were suspended until late evening when repairs had
Show Day Manager Brian Cornwell been carried out. The Manningtree – Harwich Town services
resumed at 1600.
Committee Member Malcolm Wright
Oulton Broad: Problems with the swingbridge and a track
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------- problem between Lowestoft and Oulton Broad North affected
services during the afternoon. The 1417 Ipswich – Lowestoft
Norfolk Railway Society Newsletter terminated at Oulton Broad South where it formed the 1607
return. Services on the Norwich line were subject to delays of
Editor: Edward Mann up to 40 minutes.

Layout & Picture Editor: Andrew Wright Tuesday 29th May: The 1400 London – Norwich developed a
fault at Needham Market delaying following trains and resulting
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 4th October 2018.
Copy date: 20th September 2018.

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in the cancellation of the 1630 ex-Norwich and the 1900 return led to the suspension of services during the afternoon.
from London. The 1430 ex-London was held at Ipswich Thursday 21st June - Bridge strike at Ely: A van became
between 1546 and 1625 (41L) and reached Norwich 54L. The stuck under the railway just after 1100 causing some delays to
1520 Ipswich – Cambridge, which departed on time, passed rail services.
Needham Market 66L and it was terminated at Bury St
Edmunds to form the return 1647 Cambridge – Ipswich from Friday 22nd June - Track circuit failure at Maryland: This
there. The 1601 Ipswich – Peterborough departed 20L and was occurred during the afternoon and reduced the number of
40L at Bury St Edmunds and was then terminated at Ely. The operational lines from 4 to 2 leading to the inevitable delays,
1626 Ipswich – Cambridge departed 23L and passed Bury 41L. cancellations and terminations short of the original destinations.

The 1228 Doncaster - Felixstowe container service was held at Points failure at Witham: This led to the suspension of the
Stowmarket from 1620 to 1702 (was the loco used to assist the Witham – Braintree services during the afternoon, in turn
1400 ex-London?) and the 1600 Norwich – London was routed causing further delays to main-line services.
around it by using the Down platform line at Stowmarket. Due
to late running, the 1700 ex-Norwich ran non-stop from Ipswich Saturday 23rd June: 57314 worked the Northern Belle set from
to London. Norwich to the West Country with an unidentified loco at the
rear. Ticket prices were a mere £305 to Bath and £360 to
Thursday 7th June: A fatality occurred at Needham Market Bristol!
involving the 1100 London – Norwich service which was 81L at
Stowmarket and 106L at Norwich. The usual disruption and Tuesday 26th June – Points failure at Ely North Junc: The
cancellations to the normal service resulted. 0909 Cambridge – Norwich departed Ely 72L. The 0940 and
1040 Norwich – Cambridge services were cancelled but an
Friday 8th June: A van became stuck under the Station Lane additional 1010 Norwich – Ely ran. The 1011, 1109 and 1209
bridge at Thetford at about 1730 but no train services were departures from Cambridge all started from Ely.
delayed.
Friday 29th June – It ain’t half hot, Mum: The heatwave being
Saturday 9th June: The 0445 Hams Hall – Felixstowe North experienced since late May has taxed air-conditioning
Gbrf container service struck a car on an ahb crossing at equipment and led to failures on a number of vehicles – the
Trimley leading to the suspension of passenger train services 1600 London – Norwich service had 4 of its Mk3 vehicles
for the remainder of the day. The freight service finally reached running with no air-conditioning causing a most apologetic
its destination 312L. Two Felixstowe-bound container services conductor to apologise repeatedly on the PA. The 1630 was
remained held at Colchester at 2020. formed by Class 321s which were a relatively common sight
covering for stopped main-line sets.
Sunday 10th June: A cracked rail was discovered on points
giving access to platforms 11 and 12 at Liverpool St which The 2100 London to Norwich service was terminated at Ipswich
necessitated a reduction in services to/from Liverpool St for the due to a passenger having been taken ill. The following 2130
following week until the rail could be replaced. At one stage it was terminated at Diss due to a fatality between Stowmarket
was reported that the replacement parts had been ordered and Haughley Junc. The 2230 and 2330 London to Norwich
overseas in March and had not been due for delivery until services were both terminated at Ipswich in reaction. The 1612
October! Tees Dock – Felixstowe South container train, having passed
Kennett 11E, finally passed Bury St Edmunds at 0317 183L.
Monday 11th June and for the next week: Due to the Ipswich to Cambridge / Peterborough services were suspended
enforced shortage of platforms at Liverpool Street several between Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds.
Norwich services were terminated at either Colchester (the
0600, 0705 and 1700 ex-Norwich) or Stratford (the 1430, 1500 Thursday 5th July: The 1000 London - Norwich service was
and 1530) respectively forming the 0830, 0930 and 1930 from involved in a fatality at Romford at about 1015. The train
Liverpool St starting from Colchester and the 1700, 1730 and reached Shenfield 90L where it was terminated. Services
1810 starting from Stratford. resumed with the Down Electric line platform reopening at
1110, the Up Electric at 1130, the Up Main at 1145 and the
Clacton and Southend Victoria services were similarly thinned- Down Main at 1200. Needless to say, train services were
out with some services terminating at either Shenfield or disrupted and subject to cancellations for the remainder of the
Stratford. day.

Ticket restrictions were lifted and, apart from the Conductors Friday 6th July: Starting with the 1458 Ipswich – Felixstowe all
having discretion on Norwich main-line services, all services passenger services on the branch were cancelled for the
into Liverpool St were declassified but later in the week the First remainder of the day’s service due to “more units requiring
Class on the Norwich services was also declassified. maintenance than usual”. Before that, the 1000 Ipswich –
Peterborough and the return service had been cancelled for
Sunday 17th June - OLE damage at Kelvedon due to similar reasons.
vandalism: The 1600 Norwich – London service came to stand
beyond the station. It is believed that passengers were taken off A signal fault developed between Marks Tey and Kelvedon at
the train and allowed to walk back to Kelvedon station 1610 and a points failure occurred at Seven Kings at 1715
platforms. The 1600 ex-Norwich set was noted in the Up Loop leading to evening peak services being delayed.
at Witham at 0845 on 18th June.
Saturday 7th July – Train out of fuel: The 0906 and 1025
Monday 18th June: Great Yarmouth Air Show Class 68s Norwich – Great Yarmouth services and the 0947 and 1115
(001/002/004/018) were returned to Crewe by 37419 which was returns were cancelled due to “the train being out of fuel”. It is
noted stabled at Norwich at 0730 and at Crewe at 1515. thought that the train involved was the locomotive hauled short
set top-and-tailed by Class 37s.
Tuesday 19th June - Somerleyton swingbridge failure: This

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Bridge strike at Somerleyton: Road bridges are frequently A fire beside the line at Salhouse saw the 1636 Norwich –
struck by road vehicles but on this occasion a boat collided with Sheringham terminated at Salhouse and the following 1745 and
the swingbridge at Somerleyton! The 1848 Lowestoft - Norwich 1845 services were cancelled.
departed 30L and reached Norwich 42L resulting in the 2005
Norwich – Lowestoft and the 2107 return service being Wednesday 18th July: Another lineside fire occurred between
cancelled. Cromer and Sheringham curtailing train services from Norwich
at Cromer. Numerous Wherry Line services were cancelled
Signal fault between Cambridge and Ely: The 1809 during the week due to train faults including consecutive
Cambridge – Norwich departed 60L (74L at Thetford). The services such as the 1005 and 1058 Norwich – Lowestoft and
1909 Cambridge – Norwich started from Ely. the 1638 and 1706 Norwich – Great Yarmouth..

Tuesday 10th July - A day of incident: The 0730 London – Thursday 19th July: After the 0945 Norwich – Sheringham and
Norwich service, running on time, was terminated at its return were cancelled due to a problem at the depot, a points
Stowmarket at 0855. At about 1615 the train was noted in the failure occurred at Cromer! The 1045 ex-Norwich is believed to
Down Loop waiting to leave for Crown Point – 90011 had been have got close to Cromer but was then sent back to Roughton
detached from the rear and was attached in front of the DVT, Road to form the 1144 ex-Sheringham starting from there. The
suggesting that the DVT had either sustained windscreen 1145 ex- Norwich was held at North Walsham from 1211 to
damage or had a defective speedometer. 1245 (33L) and was then terminated at Cromer to form the
return service.
The 0930 Norwich - London struck a pedestrian on the footpath The 1300 London – Norwich was cancelled due to lack of train
crossing (a downgraded former LC) just north of Needham crew but then ran ECS to Norwich.
Market. The train reached Ipswich 89L where it was terminated.
Severe disruption was occasioned to normal services. The A further lineside fire occurred between Manningtree and
1030 Norwich – London was terminated at Diss and Ipswich just after 1530. The 1500 London – Norwich service
subsequently formed a 1215 Diss – London service. was held at Manningtree for almost an hour (1554-1652),
reaching Ipswich and Norwich 60L. The 1500 Norwich –
To add to the problems, the 1152 Ipswich – London EMU London service terminated at Ipswich and the 1530 at
experienced difficulties after leaving Ipswich reaching Colchester leading to cancellations from Liverpool St. The 1552
Manningtree 71L and was then terminated at Colchester. Ipswich – London departed 61L and was terminated at
Colchester 75L. Other services were delayed by up to 40
Train running more than 3 hours early delays Norwich- minutes as the service resumed.
bound service! A DRS Class 37 hauling a GA DVT travelling
at a maximum speed of 75mph from Crewe to Crown Point Saturday 21st July: The 1030 London – Norwich came to a
passed Stratford at 1443 60E and, rather than being recessed stand at Ingatestone whilst a defect was investigated. The GA
at Colchester (booked 1643-1905), was allowed to proceed at Journey Check website stated that the passenger alarm was
1529 (218E). activated at Marks Tey but the location may have been stated
incorrectly as Chelmsford was passed 45L and Norwich arrival
The 1400 and 1430 London – Norwich services had been was 57L. A number of services overtook the 1030 London,
cancelled due to the earlier fatality and the heavily loaded 1500 including the 1100 to Norwich, using the Down Loop at
caught up the ECS approaching Stowmarket. A track fault had Ingatestone.
been reported between Haughley Junc and Elmswell with trains
heading towards Bury St Edmunds having to be stopped and Tuesday 24th July – Train hits obstruction on line between
cautioned forward at Haughley Junc. The ECS passed Diss and Norwich: The 0639 Ipswich – Norwich service struck
Haughley Junc 194E with the 1500 ex-London immediately a number of drain covers abandoned on the railway just north
behind. The signaller probably had his hands full dealing with of Diss causing considerable disruption – the train finally
the Haughley Junc area problems so the opportunity to recess reached Norwich at 0915, 111L. The 0648 ex-Norwich had
the ECS on the Up platform line at Diss (possible as the 1630 been cancelled because of a train fault but, as a result of the
Norwich – London was cancelled) was not grasped so the two obstruction, the 0740, 0830, 0900 and 0930 Norwich – London
trains continued to follow one another to Norwich – the ECS services were all cancelled. The 1000 departure was replaced
going onto the Wensum Curve and the 1500 ex-London arriving by a Norwich – Colchester special connecting into what would
22L. have been the 1000 ex-Norwich starting from Colchester.

Wednesday 11th July: In reaction to the previous day’s In the Norwich direction the 0630 London – Norwich failed at
incidents the 0900 Norwich to London and at least one return Bethnal Green leading to the cancellation of the 0700 ex-
journey was formed of a 4 car 321 EMU. . London. Because of the obstruction near Diss, the 0600 ex-
London was terminated at Diss. The 0900, 1000, 1100 and
Thursday 12th and Friday 13th July: One main line set was in 1130 ex-London were cancelled and the 1200 started from
service unable to convey bicycles owing to a defective door on Colchester.
the DVT. Services continued to be subject to cancellation,
short-formed or running without toilet facilities – even on A 5P99 ECS departed Liverpool St at 1115 and ran to time
Ipswich – Peterborough services taking 100 minutes end to end passing Trowse Junc at 1322 but then proceeded to fail,
- due to more trains requiring maintenance. blocking Trowse Swingbridge before arriving in Norwich at 1503
99L. One can imagine the delays caused by this bottleneck –
Sunday 15th July: After the warmest May on record during including the 1200 ex-London (starting from Colchester) arriving
which an extended heatwave began, and the driest June in 77L and the 1210 ex-Cambridge passing Trowse Junc at 1338
East Anglia for 55 years, it was inevitable that the lineside fire but not reaching Norwich until 1508, 98L. And all this happened
risk would increase – main line steam being banned since the on one of the hottest July days on record!
beginning of July. [Peter Adds]

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A miscellany of news and members’ contributions

Society visit to the Mid-Norfolk Railway (7th June)

50 members, partners, wives and friends assembled at Dereham station on a
slightly chilly evening. The adventurous had a guided tour of Dereham depot,
during which Chris Pearson told us that 0-6-0PT 9466 (whose cab is boarded up
overnight to deter vandals) will soon be joined by a Hunslet 0-6-0ST for the
season. The 2 class 08s are being stored for GA whilst 50019 Ramillies,
tarpaulined over, will soon leave for overhaul. Resident 37003 is away being
overhauled at UKRL’s premises in Leicester. Other (less bothered) participants
climbed aboard the Mark 2 set where a couple of carriages had tablecloths and
cutlery etc ready for the main business of the evening. The wanderers returned,
the fish and chips were distributed (my goodness – in single-use polystyrene
containers!), and we set off at 1930 for a gentle canter through the mid-Norfolk
countryside. By the time we reached Thuxton – a decamp for the energetic – the
fish and chips had been eaten, but in the spick-and-span Thuxton box Richard
Waterhouse demonstrated the lever sequence for one-train and two-train running.
Garvestone crossing is now interlocked with Thuxton box; the box masonry was
the work of volunteers but the joinery was contracted to a Norwich firm. Then it was
away to Wymondham Abbey where 47596 Aldeburgh Festival ran round its train,
and some of the party had a brief opportunity to stretch their legs. Your reporter
simply stretched his legs towards the bar for a small bottle of Chardonnay and was
horrified to find that it hadn’t been chilled!

This alarm
apart we
moved from
twilight to
darkness,
getting back
to Dereham at
2150. And
now the
thanks: to
Mike
Handscomb
for his
efficient
organisation
from the
Society’s
standpoint; to
Dereham’s
Railway
Tavern for the
all-important
fish and
chips; to
Richard
Waterhouse
at Thuxton; to
our member
and MNR
board
member Chris Pearson and to the cheerful MNR staff who
looked after our needs – a late night for some I’m afraid –
including MNR Chairman Charlie Robinson who helped with
the serving, leading by example!

And finally …just about every heritage railway seems to have
far more rolling stock than it needs, and more than it will
certainly ever restore. Why not keep the scrapmen happy, and
raise some cash by disposing of these rusting hulks? (EM)

Images - clockwise from top right, Graham Smith with the
well-travelled NRS headboard on the front of Aldeburgh
Festival; inside the signal box at Thuxton; Messrs Scarfe and
Fordham take images of the Class 47 at Wymondham Abbey;
two Class 08s nos 754 and 847 being stored for GA; Chris
Pearson provides members with an update on MNR
developments (Andy Wright).

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A few “Sort of” Rail Tickets It would have been wrong of me not
to obtain Richard Adderson’s
A trawl of my somewhat thin collection produced these varied comments on this subject! I had not
tickets from 50 years ago. even considered that Norwich City
had a stock of car parking tickets;
We begin with a Regulation Ticket. I’m not sure when they sadly, Richard still needs to find one!
originated but they were common on services to and from the He does, however, mention that
West Country in the 1950s. The aim was simply to ensure that bicycle tickets were common in the
everyone had a seat, but not a particular seat. Fast forward a 1950s, with either 1-day or 7-day
few years, and Second Division Norwich City were drawn to validity. At Drayton in June 1957, for
play the mighty Manchester United in the 4th Round of the F.A. example, 32 x 1 day tickets yielded
Cup on 18th February 1967. “Regular supporters” emerged from 16/- (80p), but not enough to save
the woodwork in their droves, and I believe 5 specials ran. the “Joint”! Users were too canny to
Hence the Regulation Ticket plus the usual travel ticket, which buy any of Drayton’s 7-day tickets
is here to complete the documentation. No problem about during this period! Still, this example
finding the spare stock in those days! As you can imagine, of a bicycle ticket from County
Norwich station was very busy around 0700 – I believe Train 3 School rounds the piece off nicely
got away at 0710. It was hauled by a Class 37 throughout in with a little story and a trip down
both directions, its route being March, the GN/GE “Joint” to Memory Lane. Dropping down the
Gainsborough Lea Rd*, then the fairly-new Retford dive-under, transportation scale, this 7-day bicycle ticket was issued on 6th
Sheffield Victoria, Woodhead Tunnel, and (I think) Guide Bridge May 1963, and it came to light in the mid-1960s when East
and a circumnavigation of south Manchester to reach Anglia’s answer to Coronation Street (Weavers Green) was
Manchester (Central), now the G-Mex Centre. Then it was on to being filmed on location at the suitably-rural County School
the shuttle to Old Trafford Halt adjacent to the ground. A station which had closed in 1964. One of the cameramen (who
trouncing from a team containing the likes of George Best and was a friend of Richard’s) was “nosing around” and came
Denis Law was to be expected; instead City ran out 2:1 across some old tickets. Richard got this grubby example but
winners. Returning, I suspect the same route was followed as none of the others. Did our unknown cyclist live in Guist,
outward – it certainly was from Lincoln. Press and T.V. cameras perhaps?
greeted the returning fans around 2300 (Train 3 was first back).
Everything fell apart a few weeks later when Sheffield From our Property Correspondent (aka Mike
Wednesday (then in the First Division) had no trouble ending Handscomb)
Norwich’s cup run. Few on the train would care that a
surprisingly large proportion of the route is unrepeatable today. The Old Station House, Haddiscoe – which can be yours for a
mere £600,000 – has brought squeals of delight from EDP
* The Property Editor Caroline Culot. To get your bearings, it’s
Gainsborough effectively Haddiscoe High Level station on the Yarmouth South
route is an Town – Beccles line, which closed to passengers from 2nd
assumption. There November 1959 (not a Beeching closure, Caroline, but it’s a
was a more direct frequently-made mistake). “What used to be a busy station with
(G.C.) route from people waiting for the trains …” is, well, fanciful if you consider
Saxilby to Retford, the location.
via Cottam, but this
closed to A Disproportionate Mileage – or Was It?
passengers in
1959. Short of In August 1961 I went on holiday to Chester with my parents.
seeing a Traffic They did not have a car, so most journeys were made by rail.
Notice for the day, Getting there involved a route no longer available today – the
it must remain “direct” route from Peterborough East to Rugby via Market
unresolved. Harborough, on the morning service to Birmingham, and I
recall “Black 5” haulage from March – the traditional engine-
Car parking tickets changing point in those days. That the Class 31 from Norwich
were, I think, more could have worked throughout was immaterial. A connection
generally issued was made with the Welshman – Euston –
than we might Llandudno/Pwllheli/Porthmadog, which had a couple of class
imagine. Today, it’s 40s to Crewe, where 45527 Southport took over.
something of a
lottery – some I recall visits to Liverpool (suburban service to Rock Ferry and
places are free; then under the Mersey in one of the old suburban sets,
others have the emerging at Liverpool Central Low Level), and to Manchester –
inevitable machine. Chester Northgate was still open then. But the most extensive
July 1964 was was a circular tour which included a ride on the Ffestiniog
shortly before the Railway. Nowadays, a circular tour would be via Llandudno
opening of the Forth Road Bridge, so my father’s Ford Anglia Junc, Blaenau Ffestiniog to join the F.R., Machynlleth,
105E must have crossed the Forth on one of the ferries. Be that Shrewsbury and back to Chester. Then it was rather different.
as it may, Dalmeny is on the south side of the Forth, and I think We must have caught a train to Rhyl (one of the starting
we all wanted to go over the Forth Bridge. It can only have points), then on to Llandudno Junc to join a service to Blaenau
been a DMU to North Queensferry and back. Ffestiniog – the only d.m.u. of the day. As an aside, after the
pleasant scenery to Roman Bridge the train plunges into the
lengthy Ffestiniog Tunnel to emerge amid mountains of slate
waste near Blaenau Ffestiniog. No simple transfer in 1961 – it

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had to be a Crosville bus to Tan-y-Bwlch to join the F.R. train. I been remotely controlled from Perth, nearly 1000 miles away.
believe the obligatory ladies in Welsh costume greeted the
tourists. It was also reported that one-pilot planes will be flying by 2022
with fully autonomous (no pilot on board) passenger and cargo
My memory does not recall whether we got off the F.R train at jets following three years later…
Minffordd (a simple exchange) or whether we got off at (Peter Adds)
Porthmadog which meant a walk through the town to the B.R.
station. In those days this was part of the Western Region so A Walk in the Park?
3208 took its Cambrian Coast service to Afon Wen en route to
Pwllheli. Afon Wen was little more than an exchange station, The full names of the mainland stations below all finish with the
the line to Bangor via Caernarfon closing in 1964. In any event word “Park”. Please say where they are or were. A knowledge
we must have joined a connecting service from Pwllheli to of geography is of little help - e.g. had Preston been included it
Bangor and thence to Chester. Where my researches fall apart, should have led you to Preston Park near Brighton as opposed
however, is finding any sort of through service from Bangor to the Lancastrian city. What do you make of these? 1.
without a long wait. Whether a service was extended (most Hornbeam; 2. Crow; 3. Maxwell; 4. Holland; 5. Phoenix; 6.
likely) or was a special working is lost on me without a Humphrey; 7. Conway; 8. Burley; 9. Elm; 10. Bermuda. You
contemporary L.M.R. timetable. might like to concentrate on BR/NR, LUL and the tram
networks.
And so to the distance – take a deep breath! The round trip, by
B.R., was about 172 miles, but the F.R. distance was just 7½ Answers on page 16.
miles! Disproportionate or what? Without realising it, I did rather
well! “Jude the Obscure”

As if to reinforce my point about a Class 31 working from We are making a very rare visit to the Test Valley in Hampshire,
Birmingham to Norwich, D5512 brought the Norwich train into which includes a (very) little-known line that failed to live up to
Rugby! Of course, loco and crew diagramming was unknown to expectations. The accompanying map should put everything in
me then. (EM) context.
My roving reporter friend, Michael Roach, was half of a cycling
Gloucester’s Two Stations

Gloucester used to be served by 2 stations. There
was Gloucester Central (G.W.R.) which dealt with
Paddington/Gloucester/Cheltenham services,
Paddington/Gloucester/South Wales services, cross-
country services between South Wales and the
Midlands, and (now consigned to history) the
Gloucestershire branches. Gloucester Eastgate
handled L.M. services between the Midlands and the
West Country, including Birmingham/Bristol.

The G.W. main line from Paddington/Swindon tour on 9th January 1960 which started from Southampton and
paralleled the L.M. main line into Gloucester. Such is headed up the Test Valley towards Dunbridge (Mottisfont &
the background, and I thought little of it until I came Dunbridge today) where a secondary line headed north-
across a piece in the December 1964 Railway eastwards towards Andover. This line closed to passengers
Magazine that Eastgate had replaced Central as the
main terminal for expresses from Paddington and
Cheltenham following the installation of a new rail
junction at Standish, 7 miles south of Gloucester, which
enabled trains from the Swindon/Gloucester line to run direct to
Eastgate instead of having to reverse at Central and have a
fresh engine take over for the onward run to Cheltenham. L.M.
trains calling at Eastgate effectively described a circle in and
out of the station, over various level-crossings, thus avoiding
reversal but seriously hampering road traffic. The diversion of
some of Central’s trains to Eastgate “should lead to substantial
economies”.

Fast forward a few years; second thoughts and better
technology prevailed. HSTs took over many of the services;
Eastgate closed from 1st December 1975 and Gloucester
Central’s main platform was later extended. All that became
necessary was for a driver to walk from one end of the train to
the other.

World News Mottisfont on 9th January 1960.

The 14th July edition of The Times reported that in Australia a
28,000 tonne iron ore train hauled by 3 diesel locomotives had
run more than 150 miles from the quarry at Tom Price to the
port of Cape Lambert with no driver on board. The train had

7

_________PICK-UP GOODS & Southampton line, itself to lose its passenger service south of
Newbury from 7th March 1960. They were joined by a lot of
Horsebridge on 9th January 1960. sailors from the adjacent Worthy Down camp, whose journeys
would soon become rather more difficult.

Not content with their first ride, they returned on 30th January
1960 and cycled north to Whitchurch Town station where they
saw 3211 on the 1412 Eastleigh – Newbury.
And blow me, a fortnight later on 13th February 1960, our
intrepid explorers travelled north behind 3210 on the 1412
Eastleigh – Newbury, but only a couple of stops as far as King’s
Worthy. They then walked back to Winchester City to catch the
train home. In 1960 King’s Worthy was a separate village, 2
miles from Winchester, but now it’s just a suburb.
I must confess I cannot recall seeing any of the stations before,
but Mike has kindly identified all of them.

Fullerton Junction - a post-closure view by Mike Handscomb. 3211 at Whitchurch (Town) with the 1412 Eastleigh -
Newbury on 30th January 1960.

from 7th September 1964 and the intermediate stations at I believe one or two members may have a slight acquaintance
Mottisfont, Horsebridge, Stockbridge and Fullerton Junction with the area, so “supplementaries” would be welcome.
were closed. Andover, on the South West main line, remains Another cross-country line – the Midland & South Western
open. Back at Fullerton Junction the line branched to
Hurstborne, also on the S.W. main line, but closed from 6th April
1964. (See dotted line on map.) On the branch there were
intermediate stations at Wherwell and Longparish. The branch
was, sadly, something of a no-hoper and these stations closed
to passengers from 6th July 1931. The branch was nicknamed
“the Nile Valley Railway”.
All things considered, and in the depths of winter, it was quite a

King’s Worthy on 13th February 1960, looking very
dilapidated less than a month before closure.

Wherwell on 9th January 1960. Junction Railway – began at Cheltenham (St James’s), and
then went via Cirencester (Watermoor), Swindon (Town) &
cycle ride! Longparish must have been their furthest point as Marlborough to Andover Junction. It closed to passengers from
they headed back to Worthy Down on the old Didcot, Newbury 11th September 1961 and, at closure, had just one end-to-end
service each way daily. Like the D.N.&S. its value was
recognised during war years. Once again, if anyone has first-
hand knowledge (unlikely, sadly) please get in touch. (EM)

All images except Fullerton Junction by Mike Roach.

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Memories of Chester and North Wales At 1805, 44993 on 10 coaches awaits departure with the
The North Wales Main Line 1810 to Birmingham New St. This service started from
Holyhead.
Does this start as a branch of the WCML at Crewe, or does it
really start at Chester? I don’t really think it matters. Take a look At 1807, 70045 Lord Rowallan on 8 coaches enters Chester
at Table 81 if the line is unfamiliar to you. with a service for Holyhead.

It was originally 4-track to Llandudno Junc, but the
disappearance of slow passenger and freight trains has meant
a reduction to 2-tracks. In common with so many other main
lines, the intermediate stations have been “thinned out”, the last
purge being in 1966.

Chester remained a steam stronghold, as witness Michael
Roach’s images from 4th July 1964, taken over a half-hour
period from 1756 (when he arrived from Ruabon) to 1825, when
his train left for Shrewsbury. The images are, generally, facing
east i.e. towards Crewe and the ancient-looking signalling is
L.N.W.R.

We hope to look at the stations to Holyhead soon.

It’s worth mentioning that the Llangollen Railway is busily
extending to Corwen, where it’s hoped the new station will have
been completed in January 2019. Unfortunately for the Railway
there is no (and there will not be) any NR connection anywhere
close. Geography does not help. Corwen was once a junction;
a line went north through Ruthin and Denbigh to Rhyl. Corwen
to Ruthin was closed to passengers from 2nd February 1953;
Ruthin to Denbigh went from 30th April 1962, together with the
line to Mold Junc (Chester), whilst Denbigh to Rhyl lost its
service from 19th September 1955. Llangollen to Corwen was
somewhere in the middle of the cross-country route from
Ruabon to Barmouth that was seriously flood-damaged
between Llangollen and Bala Junc in December 1964 and
never re-opened. Quite a convoluted set of closures which
leave a huge gap between Llandudno and the North Wales
main line which hugs the coast as it heads north-westwards
from Chester.

At 1823, “Jubilee” 45660 Rooke on 4 coaches gets ready to At 1811, “Jinty” 47389 busies itself at the east end of the
leave with the 1825 to Shrewsbury; this is at the west end of station. The industrial surroundings look depressing!
the station.

Bored by Board Games – Try this one! For want of a nail…

I read in railwatch – the campaigning rail magazine – that the This is the beginning of a fairly well-known saying that goes:
complicated GRIP procedure (NR’s Governance for Railway For want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the
Investment Projects) was explained diagrammatically at a horse was lost; for want of a horse the battle was lost…
recent lecture. It’s an 8-stage process, and the presenter’s 6 There are many versions of this proverb, which means that
year-old grand-daughter happened to see the diagram. She seemingly minor acts or omissions can have grave and
asked: “Is that a new board game? If so, when does a player unforeseen consequences.
win?”

9

_________PICK-UP GOODS

Enter, stage left, Network Rail and, stage right, the defective tunnels, and there would be “optically-guided”, driverless, tram-
piece of track at Liverpool St (11th June)! Centre: Mass of like vehicles running on rubber wheels. And they might go out
disgruntled commuters chanting “Late again!” [General as far as Cambourne, Haverhill & St Ives.
confusion. Curtain falls.] It’s bad enough getting into Cambridge by road now – one just
wonders what construction methods will be used to keep the
The Cambridge Metro city functioning. I’ll keep quiet about the money.
There’s certainly jam today – but jam tomorrow?
This could be up and running any time between 2025 & 2041,
depending on what you read. There would be a couple of by Neilson Reid & Co, Glasgow, in 1901. A member of the 13-
strong Q class it worked GNR (I) services between Belfast and
Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s Londonderry and Belfast and Clones. On the break-up of the
International Tour (more correctly, The GNR (I) in 1958 it went to the CIÉ until withdrawn in late 1963.
Second Strand Diesel and Cork & Kerry
Railtours)

Peter Davies was an eager participant (his wife, Rose,
probably less so), and he has kindly supplied the following
images of the classic Irish traction that was used. Note the
wider Irish gauge of 5’3”.

The tour ran from 10th-14th May, starting with a positioning
run with no. 85 Merlin (below) from the R.P.S.I. base at
Whitehead, via Belfast Central to Dublin Connolly. The loco
entered service in 1932, having been built by Beyer
Peacock & Co of Manchester for the Great Northern
Railway (Ireland) for use on the company’s Dublin – Belfast
services. Strangely, the tenders for the small class of 5
were built at Dundalk. When the GNR (I) was split up in
1958, Merlin and another went to the Irish Republic’s Córas
Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), and the other 3 to the Ulster
Transport Authority (UTA). When steam finished in the
Republic in 1963, the UTA considered purchasing it but
another was chosen instead. It was privately purchased in
1965, but did not find a new home until 1969. It was
returned to service in 1986 and, after various periods out of
service for repair, it returned to service in 2014. It is shown
making a water stop in front of the preserved signal box at
Lisburn during the RPSI’s positioning run to Dublin on 10th
May.

This attractive view of 071 class pioneer no. 071 (top, right))
displays its classic livery at Wexford on 11th May on the
Second Strand Diesel Tour. It entered service in 1976, part
of an 18-strong class built by General Motors (another 3
went to Northern Ireland Railways). The loco has been
restored to its original orange and black livery and seems to
enjoy celebrity status. Although CIÉ was dieselised in 1963
the 071 class is effectively a second-generation for the Type
A (001 class) but with the spread of multiple units the 071s
operate mainly freight and infrastructure trains.
At first sight, NIR “Jeep” 2-6-4T no. 4 (above) looks very
similar to its LMS and Standard counterparts. This should
not come as a surprise as it was designed and built at
Derby, entering service in 1947. The class did a lot of work
between Belfast and Londonderry but ended their days
working motorway spoil trains in the Belfast area.
Elsewhere in this issue we record the arrival of 70013 Oliver
Cromwell at Norwich on 12th August 1968 yet the “Jeeps”
(officially WT class) soldiered on for almost 3 more years
until the last one was retired. Its last passenger run is
believed to have been the 1725 Whitehead – Carrickfergus
on 31st March 1970, when a ticket could be had for 3/9 or
19p (sic). Remarkably good value when compared with
BR’s “15 Guinea Special”! It is seen here preparing to take
the Cork & Kerry Tour forward from Mallow to Tralee on 12th
May.

The most recent locomotive the R.P.S.I. has restored to main-
line service is no. 131, a “classic” British 4-4-0 which was built

10

_________PICK-UP GOODS

There followed a long period of stagnation before work
began in earnest and it was finally steamed early in 2015.
The official launch of this engine came last March, and here
we see it (right) detached from its train at Whitehead after
its first steam tour via Belfast Central and Antrim on 15th
May.

Editor’s Note: Irish railway history isn’t for everyone, so I’ve However the sun was instrumental in making my next shot
“fleshed out” relevant locomotive histories. Merlin is in an more acceptable on the move from Wensum Junction past the
attractive sky blue livery and the diesel is equally attractive Engineer’s Depot into the Goods Yard. I then headed beyond
in orange and black so please email me if you’d like to see the Engine Shed to witness the final scenes which included the
the colour images. sight of John Myatt, a local reporter with microphone in hand,
interviewing the driver on the footplate and a shot of the fireman
Graham Kenworthy meets Oliver Cromwell dropping the fire for, what was expected to be, the last time on
(20th Century Style) BR.

12th August 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the return of Although the occasion was covered by other photographers, I
Oliver Cromwell to Norwich en route to its first preservation like to think that, thanks to my hi-vis badge of office, my efforts
site at Alan Bloom’s Bressingham Steam Museum as part of were a little more unusual. [G.K.]
the National Railway Museum’s National Collection.

As is fairly well-known, the loco worked one leg of the so-called
“15 Guinea Special” on the previous day. Although this marked
the end of steam on BR, dispensation was given for the working
back to Norwich beyond the time of the ban.

As I worked in BR’s Grosvenor House on Prince of Wales
Road, it was relatively easy to find out the expected timings
and, having donned my hi-vis safety top, I made my way
trackside to Trowse Swing Bridge.

The loco, with Bill Harvey aboard, was booked to
work chimney first around the Wensum Curve and
then to run tender first via Thorpe Junction into
Norwich Loco.

My first two attempts at photos at Swing Bridge
Junction were terrible due to the sun’s position.

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_________PICK-UP GOODS

The Keith & Dufftown Railway

Malcolm and Shirley Wright visited this Railway at the
beginning of June, and have thoughtfully supplied a short
account of their visit.

The line was originally part of the Great North of Scotland’s
line from Elgin to Keith via Craigellachie which closed to
passengers from 6th May 1968. The Railway’s operational
base is at Dufftown, and the line passes through some of
Scotland’s most picturesque scenery – lochs, glens, forest
and farmland, with wildlife, castles and whisky distilleries for
good measure! Keith Town is not, however, connected to
the ScotRail station on the Aberdeen – Inverness line.

The line passes through Speyside and was dubbed “The
Whisky Line”, the marketing name used today. Of the
distilleries, the oldest is Strathisla in Keith, dating from
1786, but perhaps the most well-known is Glenfiddich in
Dufftown.

Re-opening of the 11 mile line took place in 2000, and at
present it is an all-diesel line with services operated by 2
pairs of Class 108, both of which came from The East
Anglian Railway Museum. Services are usually
Friday/Saturday/Sunday, but it needs to be remembered
that the area is not heavily-populated.

Malcom and Shirley found the line a delight, with the
volunteers being very welcoming; they would strongly
recommend a visit.

Anyone desperate for another heritage line nearby should
check out the Strathspey Steam Railway at Aviemore or the
mile-long Royal Deeside Railway near Banchory. – Ed.

The Shortest-lived Renaming Ever?

Southgate station, on the Piccadilly Line, was renamed
Gareth Southgate for 48 hours from 16th July. It reverted to
its “proper” title 48 hours later. Will New Southgate, at the
London end of the ECML, follow suit?

Shock Horror…who stole Thomas the Tank
Engine?

The Thomas the Tank Engine land train that plies up and
down Lowestoft sea front was apparently stolen from inside
its secure shipping container overnight on 17th/18th July, and
is believed to be on its way to Scotland. Have they checked
on Sodor, I wonder?

Gold-Plated Stations, “The 66 Steps” & a
Nothing Signalbox

Let me explain: Breich, Britain’s third least-used station, Spirit of Banffshire in action on 1st June (top). The other unit is

with 48 entries/exits annually, is on the line from Glasgow Spirit of Speyside (middle).

Central to Edinburgh via Shotts (also see NRS/NL 63/1

p.8). The line’s stations are being improved in connection What a great view of a Ford Thames Trader (sporting a Dudley

with its forthcoming electrification and the works at Breich registration) parked near the railway in Dufftown (bottom).

have been costed at £2.4M – a cool £50,000 per

passenger! The least-used station, incidentally, is at Barry Stockport – Sheffield line, we find that the island-platform
Links not far from Dundee with a mere 24 entries/exits. station is a shadow of its former self. Being an island station it

Another gold-plated contender is Kenilworth station, between requires a climb of 33 steps up the footbridge and 33 down to
Coventry and Leamington Spa. The new station opened on 30th reach the trains. Not very buggy or cycle-friendly! Thanks to
April, costing approximately £13.6M. railwatch for this item.

There’s no access problem at Kenilworth, as it is a single And finally…congratulations to anyone who had heard of Sod
platform, but if we turn our attention to Chinley, on the Hall signalbox. It’s been consigned to history, but could have
been found on the Preston – Ormskirk line.

12

_________FEATURE

A FEW FINE DAYS AND A THUNDERSTORM
(Brian Kirton)

We met our good friends Peter & Chrys at Manningtree station
on a hot Friday 25th May. I am slightly ashamed to say that we
didn’t continue to The Netherlands by rail. We took the car on
the ferry from Harwich because, for a boating holiday, the
amount of clothing and reference books considered necessary
doesn’t lend itself to train travel, let alone the rail replacement
bus service from Hook of Holland to Schiedam Centrum. 1st June
marked 125 years of the Harwich-Hook of Holland route.

Regular travellers have difficulty in detecting progress on the Loco 01 1075 at the head of the steam shuttle around
Hoekse Lijn, the 24km RET Metro replacement for the heavy-rail Dordrecht.
route of similar age to the sea crossing. A six-car Metro train
appears marooned at Hoek van Holland Haven by the slow
works at intermediate level crossings, bridges and stations.
Problems have included old cables in the permanent way,
ground pollution and with moveable bridges over waterways at
Maassluis and Vlaardingen. Infrastructure projects do go over
budget in The Netherlands. After closure on 1st April 2017,
conversion to light-rail should have been completed in
September that year, then March 2018. It now seems
questionable whether 2018 will see the line finished. Initial costs
of 318 million euros have risen first to 400 million, now to 490
million. In order to save about 50 million, Pex Langenberg,
Alderman of Rotterdam, proposed the cancellation of the 1.2km
extension to a new station (closer to the beach) at Hoek van
Holland Strand. Earthworks indicate that this plan has sadly been
adopted although, beyond the level crossing, the very short NS
line to the former Hoek van Holland Strand has not yet been
lifted. Mr Langenberg has tendered his resignation.

Before taking over our boat, two hotel nights facilitated a visit to Above: In Netherlands Railways livery, a 1947 Crossley 46-
Dordt in Stoom, or Dordrecht in Steam. Held every two years, seat service bus with a De Schelde body. One of many
this festival attracts visitors from throughout The Netherlands, historic buses and coaches providing transfers at Dordrecht
Germany and the UK. The crowds are entertained by several in Steam. Below: Grou railway swing bridge crosses the
shanty choirs. Everything steam-powered is represented; Prinses Margriet Canal with a gap in the catenary.
traction engines, street organs, numerous tugs, barges, freight
vessels and passenger ships. A historic grain elevator towered
above the proceedings. Vintage buses provide transfers between
the key locations in Dordrecht and one ticket costing EUR16
entitles you to unlimited travel on ships, buses and, as you would
expect, a steam-hauled train. Every two years, the train is
provided by Stoom Stichting Nederland (Steam Foundation, The
Netherlands). Their smart rake of Belgian coaches was topped
and tailed by locos 01 1075 and 65 018 on the swift run from
Dordrecht station to an industrial site just off the line to
Gorinchem. Photography was encouraged from the trackside. It
was a pleasure to meet Erik Ulijn on the train, he had so kindly
welcomed us to their Museum Steam Depot in Rotterdam last
September, on a day when it is normally closed. (see NRS/NL
62/5 p.14)

On our drive through the Province of Gelderland, we visited a
favourite preserved line, the Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij
(VSM). Our train between Apeldoorn, Beekbergen and Eerbeek
was hauled by German loco 50 3654-6. On high-season dates,
services extend to Dieren, north-east of Arnhem. Both
Apeldoorn and Dieren are main-line connected. The railway
takes part in the National Steam Train Day in May and, in
September, they hold Terug naar Toen (Back to the Past). This
replicates Gala Events in the UK with visiting locomotives, an
intensive all-day service with passenger and freight trains, plus side attractions. Terug naar Toen takes place on 1st & 2nd
September 2018 and the anticipated dates for 2019 are 7th & 8th September.

We boarded Noa Delano in Sneek, our 4th time of chartering this boat. We planned a route that would include the main channel for
commercial shipping across Friesland, visits to two railway stations and one that is not really a railway station despite its
appearance! The Prinses Margriet Canal conveys inland barges between Lemmer (on the IJsselmeer) and Groningen. Many hire
boat companies discourage customers from using this route but Yacht Charter Sneek approve it if you can demonstrate a

13

_________FEATURE

knowledge of how to keep out of the way of commercial shipping
that cannot stop in a hurry! We passed beneath the railway at
Grou on the main line from Zwolle to Leeuwarden. Timetable
changes in December saw traffic increased to 4 trains per hour in
each direction. The air-draft is 7.15 metres so it is a swing bridge
with a break in the catenary to allow fixed mast sailing vessels
and high ships to pass. We explored the historic town of Grou
and called at the modern station of Grou-Jirnsum which is served
by stopping trains between Meppel and Leeuwarden. The
departure board recorded a rare cancellation.

Soon we left the main canal to visit the village of Terherne. As

one of the many components of the Frisian Lakes Project (2000 -

2015), a new Classic Ships Harbour was completed in 2008/9.

Designed specifically for historic vessels which the Dutch refer to

as the ‘brown fleet’, it is sustained by income from attractive self-

catering holiday bungalows built around the harbour. Velma and

I had been privileged to attend the official opening 10 years ago Terherne ‘station’ with departure board. Setting for the
and recalled that they allow modern boats to overnight when children’s story Kameleon.
space is available. We were made welcome and enjoyed a tour

of the owners’ private museum of elegant wooden boats and a

breathtaking royal yacht. They maintain a close relationship with the Windermere

Steamboat Museum (currently closed but soon to re-open under the name

Windermere Jetty).

Terherne has another claim to fame. All Dutch children know the story of
Kameleon, it is about twin brothers who embark on adventures on an island close
by. They leave by boat from a railway station (well it’s a children’s story!) and an
ex-NS departure board on the ‘platform’ adds to the authenticity. Visitors of all ages
can relive their youth by taking a boat trip to the Island.

We spent almost 2 days in the Princenhof Nature Reserve where many boaters An axle-counter controls the signalling at
overnight at remote moorings in the peaceful countryside. We chose to moor at Workum station passing loop.
Earnewald, the only village in the area. From here, we cruised to Workum, one of
many historic towns in Friesland. It is noted for the Jopie Huisman Museum; he
was a local scrap merchant who was able to express himself through incredible
drawings and paintings of everyday scenes. Jopie was an untrained artist who died
in 2000 but many of our former customers on sailing holidays met him in the 1980s
and 90s. Workum station is on the non-electrified single track line with passing
loops from Leeuwarden to Stavoren and is served by Arriva Trains. The station
buildings have long gone but one of the former goods yard premises survives as a
restaurant. Peter pointed out to me that signalling is by axle counter.

The next day stormy skies were evident but we had to cross the Heegermeer, one
of the Frisian Lakes which looks not too big on a chart, but feels huge when you are struggling to keep to the buoyed channel in
bad weather. We had an evening engagement and friends to meet in Heeg at the far end of the lake. As the winds increased, the
normally calm shallow waters showed just how rough they can be. Noa Delano pitched and rolled, books and possessions fell from
table although the boat’s crockery remained intact. In the murky distance, we could see another hire boat from a firm that has a
fleet based on the design of English narrowboats. It was
displaying a white flashing light. As we got closer, we could see
it was giving help to the crew of an upturned boat. Fortunately,
the emergency services overtook us so we were able to continue
to the moorings at Heeg. By evening the storm had subsided so,
with Dutch friends, we took a trip on a replica Eel barge - sailing
vessels that for three centuries had kept Londoners supplied with
fresh eel. We had followed the construction of Korneliske Ykes
II from the laying of the keel in 2005 to the launch and naming
ceremony in 2009. The purposes of building such a ship were to
highlight the history of this almost forgotten trade, to encourage
heritage tourism, and to train young people in the skills of
building wooden boats. It was therefore gratifying to hear that
over 50 young people have become craftsmen, many running
their own businesses and one is now a qualified skipper.

As we returned home on an equally warm 2nd June, we looked Novice hands on the tiller of the eel-barge!
forward to another (land-based) Dutch holiday later in the month
with our family from Colombia. This offered more train travel and
return visits with the grandchildren to the Railway Museum in
Utrecht and MiniWorld Rotterdam.

14

___________NRS NEWS

A Message of Thanks from John Hutchinson A week later, on Thursday 27th September, the Norfolk
Transport Group meetings resume with a Members’ Evening
One of the problems we suffer during our “close season” is (1930).
circulating important news. Members without email contact
unfortunately tend to be the last to know. Parklands Open Day

That said, the following message of thanks has been received Please see NRS/NL 63/3 p.14 for details of this event on 7th
from John Hutchinson which I think should be self-explanatory. August. Its date, relative to Newsletter availability, may mean
it’s already history – you had prior notice!!!

“Following a 3-week stay in the NNUH after emergency surgery The late Les Bird
in early June and now in for long-haul rehabilitation at home, I
would like to express my sincere thanks to members of the In NRS/NL 63/3 p.14 we announced the death of Les Bird on
Society who have visited or ‘phoned me with words of 12th May. Chris Mitchell attended his funeral at Great Yarmouth
encouragement. Not least, thanks to all those members who Crematorium on 1st June, and has helpfully summarised his
signed my ‘get well’ card while enjoying their Fish and Chip obituary.
supper on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. The card was one of the
first to arrive when I was at a particularly low ebb in hospital Les joined B.R. on leaving school in the early 1970s and proved
and bucked me up no end! Progress is steady at home but I to be an able learner. By the early 1980s he was the
have a long way to go and several possible hurdles to face in Nottingham Division’s Station Area Manager for Regional
the weeks ahead. Once again – thank you all.” John Railways, which covered East Anglia, Lincolnshire and the East
Hutchinson Midlands. Subsequent management appointments were with
Central Trains and then East Midlands Trains.
NRS Special General Meeting
His love of the Norfolk Broads hastened his move to Gorleston
As discussed at the AGM and reported in NRS/NL 63/3 p.14 where he developed his Railway Consultancy and then
we will be holding a SGM on Thursday 20th September 2018 at successfully implemented the train service for TfL’s Outer
19.30 to adopt the 2017 accounts and set the subscription for Orbital Railway.
2019. A formal Notice of SGM accompanies this Newsletter.

Resumption of Meetings Latterly he was involved with the introduction of the Class 345s
for the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) as well as the redevelopment
Society meetings resume on Thursday 20th September with a of Ilford Traincare Depot in partnership with Bombardier.
Special General Meeting followed by the usual Members’
Summer Reports (1930). Many tributes were paid by railway industry representatives and
condolences offered to his widow, Denise, and close family.

_________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.

Meetings

Thu 20th Sept – NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY – Special General Meeting followed by Members’ Summer Reports (1930).

Thu 27th Sept – NORFOLK TRANSPORT GROUP – Members’ Evening (1930).

Thu 4th Oct – NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY – “Ipswich – A Railway Junction in the East” – presentation by John Day
(1930).

Thu 11th Oct – NORFOLK TRANSPORT GROUP – “Dinky Toys” – David Cooke (1930).

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.

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.

15

_________WORKING TIMETABLE

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 – 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.
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ASHMANHAUGH LIGHT RAILWAY:
Sundays 2nd Sept & 7th Oct – Running Days 1400 – 1700 (weather permitting).

BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY:
Sundays 19th Aug & 16th Sept – Running Days 1430 – 1730 (weather permitting).
Saturday 22nd Sept – Evening Running 1900 – 2200.

BRESSINGHAM MUSEUM, STEAM & GARDENS:
Sat/Sun 11th/12th Aug – Steam in Miniature Weekend & Garden Rail Show (Sat).
Sun 26th Aug – “Everything Goes” – all in steam.

BURE VALLEY RAILWAY:
Sat/Sun 8th/9th Sept – “Steam in Miniature”.

EATON PARK MINIATURE RAILWAY:
Running Days every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of September 1300 – 1700 (weather permitting). In particular:
Mon 27th Aug – Fundraiser for Lord Mayor’s Fund.
Sun 30th Sept – “Children in Need” Fundraiser.

MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY:
Fri – Mon 24th – 27th Aug – “Ales by Rails” – Beer Festival & Steam Weekend.
Sat/Sun 8th/9th Sept – 50th Anniversary of the Dereham – King’s Lynn Closure.
Fri – Sun 28th – 30th Sept – Autumn Diesel Gala.

NENTA TRAINTOURS:
Sat 1st Sept – “The Settle & Weardale Circular” from Norwich dep 0505 approx and then via Ipswich & Ely to Carlisle, or Appleby
for the Weardale Railway. Norwich return 2355 approx. Fares from £79.75 – Premier Dining available.
Details:www.nentatraintours.co.uk or tel 01692- 406152.

NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY:
Fri/Sat/Sun – 31st Aug – 2nd Sept – Autumn Steam Gala.
Sat/Sun 15th/16th Sept – 1940s Weekend.
Sat 6th Oct – Members’ Day.

WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY:
Sun 26th Aug – Bank Holiday Steam Sunday.
Sun 2nd Sept – Steam Sunday.
Sun 7th Oct – Steam Sunday.

In addition, the RC&TS (Ipswich Branch) and the IDHTS hold regular and excellent-quality meetings in the town. Please contact me
if you’d like to have details.

Quiz Answers 7. Birkenhead; 8. Leeds; 9. Between Dagenham East &
Hornchurch (District Line); 10. Between Bedworth & Nuneaton.
1.Harrogate; 2. Between Newark & Retford (closed 1958); 3.
Glasgow; 4. Central Line; 5. Bulwell, Nottingham (NET); 6. I hope I can find another batch of stations with a common
Between Trafford Park & Urmston (Greater Manchester); ending soon!

Printed by Pride Press Ltd. Tel: 01603 665045.

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