North Norfolk Railway General Discussion

It will take time but I'm sure you will come to terms with this. In a few years , following intense study and completion of a doctorate in railway history you may feel confident enough to post again!

 

Feel partly responsible for starting the conversation that lead to discussions about 76079…

 

The latest C&W blog covers the start of a partial restoration of the unique Austerity (Wartime) Thompson BG coach:

C&W News - Thompson Resurrection Commences

 

80080 arriving next week according to the railway’s facebook page.

With perhaps the exception of 43106, I imagine a standard 4 tank was very near the top of their want list.

 

80080 has arrived on the NNR, interestingly it’s facing Sheringham

 

Visiting 69 announced for Mixed Traction Gala. To be named during the event as part of the NNR 50th anniversary celebrations

 

Full story here https://nnrailway.co.uk/gb-railfrei...as-heritage-line-celebrates-50th-anniversary/

 

The latest C&W blog covers the completion of the railway's Pipe Wagon from the demonstration goods set:

C&W News - Pipe Wagon Completed

 

80080 in action over the bank holiday weekend, seen at dead mans hill and windpump crossing on Sunday 25th May.

 

80080 is an incredible addition to the fleet. Hoping it stays longer than 5 years!

 

The loco fleet they are amassing is quite insane. Must be one of the biggest fleets of working locos in the country if they include Betton?

 

I'd love to be in the meeting deciding which engines to run each week. A great problem to have with all those engines available.

 

I heard that before 80080 arrived the CME was saying that despite all the hire locos they have "collected" he had only three locos in use/useable.

 

Whilst this looks like a large fleet let’s put some context around it:

13809 – has a boiler ticket extension to early Jan 2026 but is on limited use.
4277 – in traffic
80080 – in traffic
90775 – out of traffic temporarily for repairs
Hunslet no.18 - in traffic
Hunslet no. 22 - undergoing repairs due back soon
Wissington - serviceable but too small for daily service except when Vintage train is running
Newstead – restoration nearing completion
6880 – due for summer season

During the peak season the NNR puts out three locos on some days. To cover this our steam loco strategy calls for five serviceable locos to cover approximately 350 steaming days a year. Even with water treatment, with our hard Norfolk water a washout is required every three to four weeks. Some of these locos are contracted for a low number of steaming days others for higher numbers.

The N2 won’t be ready until later on this year so will effectively replace 13809.

The B12 and Ring Haw are not expected back until 2027. Work won’t start on Y14 564 until the N2 is completed. 76084 is awaiting decisions from its owners on how to proceed. 90775 only has two years left on its ticket. 92203 is comfortably tucked up at Bressingham until we have funds and workshop capacity to start the work. As under restoration locos come back on stream some of the above hire locos will depart.

 

Its ticket expires in '29/30.

 

Thanks Steve for a very helpful update on the status on the locos.

 

I think 4277 is also leaving at the end of the year. Seems very sensible for the NNR to book 80080, Newstead and the austerities when they have the chance rather than wait for locomotives to go out of service and then try to book something.

 

Good to see GBRf 69010 named “North Norfolk Railway” today

Photos - Leigh Caudwell and M59137

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ekke7ZTVq/

A VERY SPECIAL VISITOR

We're delighted to announce that Ashington No 5 will be returning to the Poppy Line this summer!

Initially built for the Ashington Coal Company in Northumberland, this locomotive hauled the first members steam trains at the North Norfolk Railway in August 1969.

She then made regular appearances out on the line when the railway opened for public running in 1975 making her return to us this summer very special indeed.

We'd like to thank @northtynesiderailway for making Ashington No 5 available to us, and we look forward to welcoming her back.

She’s due to be running for the Festival on Rails 23 - 28 Aug and 50th Anniversary Steam Gala 29 - 31 Aug. See https://nnrailway.co.uk/special-events/

P Coleman, J Stuart - images depict Ashington No 5 hauling member trains during August 1969 and more recently at North Tyneside Steam Railway.





Because the railway doesn't have enough locos already!

 

No 5 is returning to work for nine days at the height of our 50th Anniversary celebrations. As the announcement makes clear, she has a very special place in the NNR’s history and we’re delighted she’s coming back for a short spell.

A bit like the return of the DRB Railbus, very appropriate in our anniversary year.