North Norfolk Railway autumn showcase features trains from Victorian times to the 1960s

Trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s will be waiting to take passengers for a ride on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October as the North Norfolk Railway stages it Autumn Showcase weekend. The two days are set to feature three steam engines and a diesel locomotive working a frequent service of passenger trains between Sheringham and Holt from 9.30am each day.

The event will see line’s oldest working locomotive Y14 No 564, which was built in 1912 to a Victorian design, hauling a train of unique 4- and 6- wheeled carriages dating from the 19^th century. The “Quad-Art” set dating from the 1920s will also be in use; the vehicles have been out of action for most of this season receiving periodic maintenance including revarnishing of all four carriages to return them to the appearance they would have had when new almost a century ago.

The characterful 4-car suburban set will also be amongst the carriages in use while the line will also field a set in 1950s and 60s livery which will include on-board catering from an art-deco bar car designed by Sir Nigel Gresley.

Other locomotives will include 2-8-0, 7F No. 53809 which was built for the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway in 1925 and War Department 2-10-0 No. 90775 “The Royal Norfolk Regiment” which was built in Glasgow in 1943 and saw service in Egypt and Greece before being saved for preservation in the UK. 1960-built Class 31 diesel locomotive D5631 will complete the line-up.

In addition to the frequent passenger trains, which will include a non-stop express, demonstration goods trains will run to recall the days when goods traffic was more important to many railways than passengers. Visitors will also have the opportunity to look behind the scenes at the Weybourne locomotive and carriage & wagon works where, in return for a small donation, they can join a guided tour of the sheds.

Commercial Manager, Graham Hukins, commented “The event will serve up a timetable full of variety giving visitors a chance to ride behind several different locomotives and explore our three stations which afford passengers with excellent photographic opportunities.” 

Further details and bookings can be found at www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Following the event, the NNR’s daily programme of steam and heritage diesel services runs until 30 October and the line’s popular festive services, the Norfolk Lights Express and Santa Specials run in November and December – full details of dates and times can be found at www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Photo credit: Steve Allen

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