Mid Suffolk Light Railway

I visited again yesterday, Sir Berkeley running again in the sunshine. In the restoration shed they said the Y7 985 is hoped to be back in traffic by Easter next year.

 

Some great photos above! We've just had our last running day with Sir Berkley and it'll be returning to Middleton this week, which will be a shame to see it go as its a lovely loco!

Sunday was busy again at the railway, with all trains full and at times people queueing ready for the next service.

 

Seeing photos of the recently restored Y5 and thinking it would look perfect on the Mid-Suffolk.

 

Just announced - Illingworth owned by Stephen Middleton of Stately Trains is to visit the Middy from October 2025 until Easter 2026!

 

Just a couple of updates from MSLR:
"Santa Specials have sold very well this year and we are already almost sold out, none left at all for parties of 5 plus, but there are a few 2, 3 or 4 small group tickets available on some trains so it is still (just) worth checking the web site."

Also our programme of Events and openings for 2026:
"We have been asked what is the Mid Suffolk Railway programme of Events and openings for 2026 and below is a provisional list of days. Please be aware this is provisional and will be subject to change. Details of visiting Locomotive's and motive power will be announced in due course."

1st January – New Year’s Day Steam & Light Festival
5th & 6th April – Easter Steam-Up
3rd & 4th May – Bank Holiday Steam Railway Days
24th & 25th May – Middy in the 1940s
31st May – Steam Railway Day & Model Railway Exhibition
7th/14th/21st June – Railbus Railway Open Days
28th June – Railbus & Vintage Bus Day
5th July – Steam Railway Day & East Anglian Practical Classics visit
12th July – Steam Railway Day
19th July – Steam Railway Day & Suffolk Craft Fair
26th July – Steam Railway Day & Vintage Motor Cycle Clubs visit
2nd August – Steam Railway & Land Rover Day
9th August – Big Bus Day with Stonham Barns
16th August – Steam Railway Day & Royal Enfield Owners visit
23rd August – Steam Railway & Model Mania Day
30th & 31st August – Steam Gala Weekend

For those interested the Railbus will be "E79963 from the East Anglian Railway Museum (subject to contract). Also, we are (subject to contract) due to have Peckett 1310 'May' visit for our season next year. With Y7 985 set to return from overhaul (hopefully for Easter!) it's set to be another exciting year at MSLR!

 

GER coach no.14 has been purchased and arrived on the railway the other day, a significant addition to the railway as it’s the only known surviving coach that ran on the original mid suffolk, looks great.

 

Superb acquisition. Apart from it being the District Engineers saloon, it looks like it has a very interesting internal layout. Does it need much work doing?

 

Not sure on interior condition, it was restored some years ago now, was also clear varnished initially but then painted to its present colour sometime in the past, it’s come from the Embsay & Bolton abbey railway, they’d be the ones to ask.

 

I believe it'll be going straight into service and you should be able to see it running with Illingworth/May over Easter.

 

That’s one day of the Easter holiday sorted.

 

I wonder if my mate from the HRCA will be signalling then?

 

I'm fairly sure it was in service at Embsay just last year. Was also used with Illingworth and another 6-wheeler on a photo charter recreating the Nidd Valley Light Railway.

 

Thinking of going over the weekend, does anyone know what will be running, please

 

Peckett 'May' has arrived as their season guest, I understand Illingworth goes home shortly so it will be one of those.

 

Subject to the usual caveats but both May and Illingworth will be running on Sunday and Monday. The Wickham Trolley should also be running.

 

Planning on going Monday so fingers crossed

 

Yep, the weather forecast looks good

 

I did go to the railway last Monday and had a really good time. My video can be found on YouTube and I hope everyone enjoys it.

 

Very enjoyable visit to the Middy on Easter Monday to say farewell to Illingworth/Mitchell and hello to May. Pleased to see the place so busy. Some photos from the day.
2026-04-06 MITCHELL HC 0-6-0ST 1208/1916 MID SUFFOLK 11 by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

2026-04-06 MAY PECKETT R2 0-4-0ST 1370/1915 MID SUFFOLK 66 by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

2026-04-06 MAY PECKETT R2 0-4-0ST 1370/1915 MID SUFFOLK 20 by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

2026-04-06 'MITCHELL' HC 0-6-0ST 1208/1916, 'MAY' PECKETT R2 0-4-0ST 1370/1915 MID SUFFOLK by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr