70013 to Mid Norfolk cancelled

Dear all

The Mid Norfolk Railway website is giving :-

Sunday 17th May: Cancelled Visit of Oliver Cromwell
We have been informed that, due to circumstances outside the MNR's control, loco 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" will not be available this weekend. We apologise for any inconvenience caused but we hope that the locomotive will be able to visit the MNR later in the year.

details at

http://www.mnr.org.uk/

:smt022

Andrew M

 

Just left the MNR at 13.30 Wymondham for Norwich. Mixed messages coming out as to why the cancellation. ](*,)

 

:smt010

at least it was looking like heavy rain on saturday

 

EDP have said its due to timings

http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/ne ... 3A10%3A790

 

Interesting article from the EDP dace83. This is the fourth reason (timings?)I have heard today. Not worth mentioning them though as it is all speculation. I just conclude when I hear so many reasons(excuses) there is more to it than meets the eye. ](*,)

 

Being late Saturday into Sunday makes me wonder if a Network Rail blockade is scheduled. Colin.

 

Quite possible Colin and I will add this to the reason (excuse) book. Logistics and all planning weeks in advance seem to fly out of the window all too often. When I hear a genuine plausible reason I can understand the proceedings and the reason to change the itinery, but when you hear what I have today I begin to wonder! We just have to get used to the powers that be with their co ordination skills coming up trumps again with something that smacks of Billy Smart Circus. Shame under all circumstances for many people. Time will tell if 70013 returns to Dereham.

 

I was at the Mid Norfolk on Sunday, and yes I did know in advance that OC was not running! My daughter (13 and well into trains) wanted to go anyway, and what an under rated line the MNR is. If you have not gone to see it is well worth a visit. The potential is enormous, and it has a wonderful “feel” about it. Anyhow, reasons I heard why OC was not running:-
1. The booked driver was sick! (No I don’t believe that one; I mean how would they know far enough in advance to get the cancellation into the local Dereham paper!)
2. Problems running the loco round at Wymondham. Not sure about that one, I am told that it took ages running round the support coach when it came in the week before.
3. Difficulties getting OC out in the evening and back to its home base. Certainly more believable, and I suppose if a problem on NR came up at short notice, then NR has a duty to its own passengers to get it fixed. The more cynical amongst us would think that NR would arrange something without considering the consequences.
I do know that volunteers on MNR were understandably displeased as I am led to believe it was part of the agreement of berthing OC for a week that it should run on the Sunday. Perhaps something else can be arranged for this well deserving line.
Phill

 

Well the press release did say, 'later in the year' so maybe a weekend of two may be on the cards [-o<
I agree with you the MNR is well worth a visit for the feel

 

Glad you had a good day at the MNR even though 70013 was not available. It also seems you got mixed messages as to why OC was no longer to be stabled between rail tours and running on Sunday. You are right that the MNR has huge potential and it is a shame a visit from OC could not help promote the railway to raise the profile for all concerned. Never mind, I hope one day to see 70013 return and certainly hope the Swanage railway has more luck stabling and running OC next week.

 

Anyone know where 70013 is at the moment?

 

From what i have heard she has been at Crown Point Depot all week while the train has been stored in the sidings next to the station that can be seen from the road next to Morrisons etc

 

Yes the loco was at the back of Crown Point when I came past at about 9pm last night.