MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY PRESERVATION TRUST
The Mid-Norfolk Railway will be making 2011 the year that really launched steam at the line with several major headline events.
Firstly, newly-restored GWR King 6023 King Edward II has been in service at the MNR since the beginning of June, having successfully run over 1000 miles on the line between Dereham and Wymondham. In addition, another visitor in the form of the RVP Beavertail observation car has been a popular addition to the rolling stock.
Saturday 9th sees the arrival of MNR regular GWR Pannier 9466 which has been outshopped in early British Rail black livery and will haul services throughout the summer. The weekend of Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th will see 9466 and 6023 in service together in a build up to what is a must-attend event of the year.
Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th will see the MNR’s first ever steam gala with three engines in steam over the two days. Alongside 9466 and 6023 will star the Great Central Railway’s LMS 3F Jinty 47406. An intensive service will be operating over 3 days, being launched with a steam-hauled evening fish and chip train on the Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday will see regular services with all engines as well as a demonstration ballast train. Hauling the last train on Saturday evening will be 9466 and 6023 double heading another evening meal train.
Beavertail coach E1719 has been an extremely popular addition for the steam season, regularly selling out. On-board catering and a dedicated Beavertail attendant and assistant has ensured customers are well-fed and watered and the 1940s atmosphere has been enhanced with period music.
In order to maintain the momentum that the additional steam running will bring the MNR, two heavyweight appointments have been made to the operating and maintenance departments. We are extremely proud to announce that Dennis Howells MBE, recently in charge of the King Edward II restoration project, has agreed to take on the role of Traction Inspector – Steam. Dennis brings a long career of mainline and preservation experience and will ensure that the MNR is at the forefront of recruitment and training of steam crews for years to come.
In addition to Dennis, Bruce Murray will be taking up the role of Chief Mechanical Engineer – Steam. Bruce also brings a wealth of experience, being involved in the mainline running of Pannier 9466. Bruce and Dennis have been involved in the Mid-Norfolk Railway for several years and they have enabled it to develop from what was previously known as a diesel-only railway. 2011 is the year that firmly put the MNR on the map as a steam railway.
Further details of the MNR may be found on our website www.mnr.org.uk.
