North Norfolk Railway General Discussion

The whole big engines vs small engines debate will never end. I guess more than anything it comes down to what is available.

I think 80080 is the most exciting new addition to the fleet. This and 76084 (when it returns) are perfect for the NNR.

In my opinion, the B12 and Y14/J15 will always be the jewels in the crown. But, as mentioned before, their ages, especially with the Y14, are starting to show.

 

It seems like no time since she was a mere 100, she's 114 now, even that strippling B12 is 98

 

For what it is worth, owners the M&GN Society have been publicly 100% behind the continued use of the Y14, which I interpret to include being a main service engine intended to do "it's fair share" of main summer trains. They are very committed to the next overhaul, once workshop capacity is available to set to at a sensible pace. It's also a very popular engine and close to the hearts of many.

As others have touched on, it is true that a (very) extended and somewhat unfortunate bedding in period was suffered following the last overhaul leading to temporary load restrictions, but usage improved matters considerably and the loco was back on 5 coach trains in the latter half of its last ticket. Old hands will also remember how capable the engine was as a J15. My feeling is it will remain faithful as our Victorian-esque* engine...

*Yes I'm aware of the loco's build date but it is a Victorian design and appearance!

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Thanks for the clarification. I am really pleased to hear that the load restriction was temporary.

 

I’ve always thought the B12, Y14 and Ring Haw are the ‘soul’ of the railway.

 

Is there any news on progress of the B12? There's a video of a Weybourne shed tour, which shows the tender under sheeting having been returned from Ian Riley's.
around the 8 minute mark

I believe the chassis is being overhauled at Ian Riley's too. The video is dated 9 months ago, given the usual high speed output of IR's works, is it known when the bottom end is due to return?

I'm too used to narrow gauge, where the Talylynn and / or Boston Lodge can overhaul an engine in a year, 10 months if all goes according to plan with a bit of luck. Or Statfold Barn where they seem to be able to do a loco in about 6 months.

Bonus fact:
The record for the fastest construction of a steam locomotive is held by the Great Eastern Railway (GER), which built a Y14 class engine in just 9 hours and 47 minutes at their Stratford works on December 10-11, 1891. This impressive feat of 19th-century engineering saw the locomotive completed and in steam in under 10 hours.

They could've built a new one by now! I say this all in jest.

Just along winded way of asking about the B12 progress really.

 

Boiler work is proceeding at Weybourne and chassis at Riley’s. The two should be reunited early next year.

 

To be clear I wasn't asking when it will be finished, I was asking about progress. Are there any updates anywhere, its always interesting to see things being machined, or new bits being bolted on, or painted or whatever.

What is being done / what needs to be done. For example, will it be getting new cylinders, or using the originals having been machined again. Also any pics or videos.

 

The M&GN Society newsletter Joint Line has regular updates on all locomotives and rolling stock.
Alternatively the Facebook ‘Friends of…’ group is a good source of info