‘Poppy Line’ confirms Standard tank for April gala

BR Standard ‘4MT’ 2-6-4T No. 80136 has been confirmed as the first visiting engine for the North Norfolk Railway’s ‘Spring Steam Gala’ on April 20-22.


Destined for the North Norfolk Railway’s ‘Spring Steam Gala’ in April, BR ‘4MT’ No. 80136 runs round at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on September 26 2016. THOMAS BRIGHT/SR

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway-based locomotive will be paired with the ‘Poppy Line’s’ resident Standard ‘Class 4’ – No. 76084 – and, in homage to the 2-6-4T’s suburban roots, is likely to run with the NNR’s four-coach BR Mark 1 suburban set.

The news comes after Somerset & Dorset ‘7F’ No. 53809 moved to the Sheringham-Holt line in January for an initial six-month trial period (see SR476), although the 2-8-0’s stay could be extended to 12 years if the railway and the locomotive’s owner, the 13809 Preservation Society, agree terms this summer.

No other guest engines have been announced for the three-day event, but the ‘Poppy Line’ will be able to field ‘Y14’ No. 564, ‘B12’ No. 8572, ‘N2’ No. 1744 and 2-10-0s WD No. 90775 ‘The Royal Norfolk Regiment’ and ‘9F’ No. 92203 ‘Black Prince’ – all of which are currently in operational condition.

For more information, visit: www.nnrailway.co.uk/page.php?pid=36

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