Search Results

Class 47596 "Aldeburgh Festival" Rolling Stock Class 47596 arriving at Thuxton - R Macintyre Class 47596 arriving at Thuxton - R Macintyre 1/4 Builder Brush Works Introduction Date 2nd March 1966 Withdrawal Date 18th October 2002 Configuration Co-Co Status In Service Number Held D1933 Owned By MNRPT British Railways Class 47 Diesel-Electric Type 4 The British Railway Class 47, also know as Brush Type 4, is a class of diesel-electric locomotive that was built by Brush Falcon Works & Crewe Works between 1962 - 1968, a total of 512 were produced. The class was built to be able to work passenger trains, including the Intercity services, and freight workings . They soon became a common sight across the whole country with the majority being allocated to Crewe, Cardiff Canton & Bescot. They quickly, along side the Class 37s, became one of the mainstays of the BR fleet and quickly earnt their reputation as a powerful and reliable class of locomotive. By 1986 only five out of the original 512 had been withdrawn from service, all because of serious accident damage however, with the introduction of new rolling stock and spare parts becoming scarce the decision was made to slowly start withdrawing the class. However, by 1995 only 147 locomotives had been withdrawn, still leaving 360 of the class in service. With the privatisation of the railway may of the class were bought by private operating companies and used for either freight or charters. However, as newer technology became available the class was being replaced as from 1996 to 2006 an average of 15 locomotives were take out of service per year. 62 out of the 512 produced are still active today, with 31 being preserved across Britain's Heritage Railways and another 31 still being used by mainline operating companies. A further 33 Class 47s were converted to Class 57's between 1998 & 2004. 47596 47596 was released from Brush Works on 2nd March 1966, originally as D1933, and allocated to Bristol Bath Road (82A). In June 1984, it was named "Aldeburgh Festival" and held this name until September 1993. Over the course of its working life it was transferred to Bescot, Tinsley, Gateshead, Holbeck, Stratford, York, Thornaby, Old Oak Common & Crewe. 47596 was then withdrawn from traffic October 2002 due to being a surplus to requirements, until the Stratford 47 Group purchased it. In 2020, 47596 was placed into Dereham T&RS Shed where she received maintenance work and repaint from the Stratford 47 Group which saw the loco repainted back into it's original Two-Tone BR Green livery which it would of held back in 1966. The repaint of 47596 was carried out inside Dereham Traction & Rolling Stock Restoration & Maintenance Shed, the shed was built with the support of the EU Leader Funding Rural Development Programme (Project Ref. 109532). The MNR announced in November 2024 that it was purchasing 47596, & its sister 47580, from The Stratford 47 group, the full article can be found here .

County School Station 1/3 Built in 1886 by Great Eastern Railway Named after the Boarding School it was built to serve Closed to passengers in October 1964 Bought by the MNR in 1999 While most of our stations were built by the Norfolk Railway when the line opened, County School was added by the Great Eastern Railway in 1886, as a junction station for the East Norfolk Railway's line to Aylsham and Wroxham. Originally planned to be built at Broom Green, the railway was persuaded to move the station and points 1 mile further south to serve the Norfolk County School. In 1903 the Norfolk County School became the Watts Naval School, but the station kept its original name. A result of relocating the station was that the two branch lines ran beside each other for the mile northwards to Broom Green, creating a section of line that frequently saw unofficial races between Wells and Wroxham-bound trains. In 1915, a goods train from Wroxham and a passenger train from Wells met at Broom Green and appear to have raced each other on the approach to County School. Sadly, the goods driver misread the signals and the two trains collided on the points outside County School signal box. Luckily, nobody was hurt – but a buffer from one of the engines was found on site, and is now displayed at the station. In 1954, the complicated track layout, and quiet nature, of the site was chosen by British Railways as an ideal location for much of the principal filming of their driver training films used during the introduction of Diesel Multiple Unit trains. Driving trailer car E56301 is displayed at the station to mark this connection to the British Railways Modernisation Plan. The branch to Wroxham had closed in 1952, although a short section to Foulsham remained in use for goods until 1964. Final passenger closure came under the Beeching Cuts in 1964. A year later, the station was chosen as a location in “Weavers Green”, a short-lived Anglia Television rural soap opera. Soon after this, the island platform building and signal boxes were demolished and much of the track removed. A single line through the site survived to serve the remaining goods trains until it was closed and lifted in 1983. Activity resumed at the station in 1987, with track through the station being relaid and opened as a demonstration line by 1990 – operated by a private company. In 1992, the station became “Gare De Nouvion” in the penultimate episode of wartime sitcom “Allo, Allo”. In 1996, following the closure of the previous operation, the Mid-Norfolk Railway signed a lease for the site, and raised £28,000 to refurbish the buildings to LNER condition. In 1999, the MNR purchased the site from Breckland District Council. In 2005, the refurbished station featured as Eynsford station in the television movie “Peter Warlock: Some Little Joy”. The North Norfolk Model Engineering Club moved to the site in 2019, beginning work on the Wensum Valley Miniature Railway in 2021. This 3.5 and 5 inch gauge line uses part of the old Wroxham branch north of the station, and is open to passengers on selected Sundays. At the moment, no standard gauge trains operate at the site, but efforts to return trains to the site are ongoing. There is a museum telling some of the stories of the station, school and local area and a popular Tea Room, which is open at weekends for most of the year. The station is also the start of a number of local walks, and is signposted from the nearby National Cycle Network. Written by R Cullen

The Dino Squad Express 29th May & 13th August 2025 Meet multiple types of dinosaurs throughout the experience Dinosaur themed refreshments Exciting dino activities at Dereham Station & onboard Runs twice a year during the school holidays Available Soon Come along to the Mid-Norfolk Railway for a prehistoric adventure and get up close to a variety of dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes. Your journey begins at Dereham Station where you will be greeted by members of the Dino Squad and their Rangers. Once you embark on your steam* hauled train ride you will have the opportunity to meet some baby dinosaurs onboard at your table**, before pulling into Thuxton Station - keep your eyes peeled for a very special visitor who will be waiting to welcome you there. More baby dinosaurs will keep you entertained on the journey back to Dereham, where you will then be able to see the big carnivores...…. watch out, they might be hungry! Your ticket includes one round trip between Dereham and Thuxton (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes***) at your pre-ordered time, as well as access to our station and marquee. In the marquee there will be dinosaur activities, photo opportunities and displays, as well as a gift shop. Our tea room will also be open providing refreshments and snacks for all ages, including special dinosaur-themed lunch boxes. Dates Thursday 29th May 2025: 10:00am 12:00pm 2:00pm Wednesday 13th August 2025: 10:00am 12:00pm 2:00pm Event - Terms & Conditions *Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused. **Please note that the Mid-Norfolk Railway do operate a Challenge 25 policy and reserves the right to ask for Photo Identification/proof of date of birth. The Mid-Norfolk Railway also reserves the right to not serve alcohol to anyone it believes is below 18 years old, no refund will be made in this case. The Mid-Norfolk Railway will not tolerate any abuse or violence towards its staff members at any time. *** Due to potential delays, this time is an estimation. ****Please note that tables are for four people, bookings not in multiples of 4 may be seated with another party. *****The Mid-Norfolk Railway are unable to offer any cancellations, refunds or reschedules to any orders, therefore please ensure you can attend the date/time you select before you make payment and book. By making a booking you agree that you shall not take on board the carriage any alcoholic drinks or illegal substances.

Class 50019 "Ramillies" Rolling Stock 1/1 Builder Vulcan Foundry Introduction Date 23rd April 1968 Withdrawal Date 19th September 1990 Configuration Co-Co Status Undergoing Repairs Number Held 50019 Owned By Class 50 Locomotive Association British Railways Class 50 Diesel-Electric Type 4 The British Railway Class 47, also know as English Electric Type 4, is a class of diesel-electric locomotive that was built by English Electric Vulcan Foundry Works between 1967 - 1968, a total of 50 were produced. The class was built to be able to work passenger trains on the West Coast Mainline between Crewe and Aberdeen. They soon became a common sight across the west coast with the majority being allocated to Crewe and the remainder to Bristol Bath Road. By 1974 the majority of the West Coast Mainline was electrified therefore making the class redundant, due to this the fleet was transferred to the Western Region working passenger services from London Paddington to Penance instead. Due to increasing reliability problems the decision was made to refurbish the entire fleet at Doncaster Works between 1979 and 1984 however, these modifications didn't last long as by 1990 the fleet once again became unreliable. By 1992 only eight of the class still remained in service with the rest either being stored or scrapped. 18 out of the 50 produced are still active today across various British Heritage Railways with a few still operating mainline charters/freight. 50019 50019 was released from English Electric Vulcan Foundry on 23rd April 1968, originally as D419, and allocated to the Western Line (LMR) (WL). On 18th April 1978, it was named "Ramillies" after the warship HMS Ramillies. Over the course of its working life it was transferred to Stoke Division, Bristol Bath Road & Laira. 50019 was then withdrawn from traffic September 1990 due to being a surplus to requirements, until the Class 50 Locomotive Association purchased it.

Class 47367 "Kenny Cockbird" Rolling Stock 1/2 Builder Brush Works Introduction Date 18th September 1965 Withdrawal Date 26th September 2001 Configuration Co-Co Status Undergoing Repairs Number Held 47367 Owned By Stratford 47 Group British Railways Class 47 Diesel-Electric Type 4 The British Railway Class 47, also know as Brush Type 4, is a class of diesel-electric locomotive that was built by Brush Falcon Works & Crewe Works between 1962 - 1968, a total of 512 were produced. The class was built to be able to work passenger trains, including the Intercity services, and freight workings . They soon became a common sight across the whole country with the majority being allocated to Crewe, Cardiff Canton & Bescot. They quickly, along side the Class 37s, became one of the mainstays of the BR fleet and quickly earnt their reputation as a powerful and reliable class of locomotive. By 1986 only five out of the original 512 had been withdrawn from service, all because of serious accident damage however, with the introduction of new rolling stock and spare parts becoming scarce the decision was made to slowly start withdrawing the class. However, by 1995 only 147 locomotives had been withdrawn, still leaving 360 of the class in service. With the privatisation of the railway may of the class were bought by private operating companies and used for either freight or charters. However, as newer technology became available the class was being replaced as from 1996 to 2006 an average of 15 locomotives were take out of service per year. 62 out of the 512 produced are still active today, with 31 being preserved across Britain's Heritage Railways and another 31 still being used by mainline operating companies. A further 33 Class 47s were converted to Class 57's between 1998 & 2004. 47367 47367 was released from Brush Works on 18th September 1965, originally as D1886, and allocated to Immingham (40B). In December 1997 it was the only of the class still wearing its original Two Tone Green livery, it was eventually painted into BR Blue later that month. Over the course of its working life it was transferred to Tinsley, Crewe & Stratford. On 10th February 1992 at Tinsley Depot the locomotive was given the unofficial painted name of "Kenny Cockbird" which it held until May 1996. 47367 was then withdrawn from traffic by then owner Freightliner in 2001 and then stored at Derby, until the Stratford 47 Group purchased it in 2002. The locomotive was then moved to the North Norfolk Railway where it worked several passenger and freight workings from 2007 until 2013, where it was then moved to the Mid-Norfolk Railway in May 2014. The MNR would like to take this opportunity to thank the owners for the hire of 47367 to the MNR and for their continued help ensuring the MNR can operate trains.

Model Railway Exhibition 1st March 2025 Join us for the Mid-Norfolk Railways Model Railway Exhibition Day, held annually on the first weekend of March! Experience the excitement as numerous stunning layouts are on display, showcasing the creativity of model railway enthusiasts. Trains will be running between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey, offering a fantastic day out for families and rail fans alike. Don’t miss opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of model railways! Exhibiton Details Model Railway Exhibition at Dereham Memorial Hall Join us for an exciting Model Railway Exhibition hosted at Dereham Memorial Hall!Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of model railways, with intricate layouts, expert displays, and a chance to meet like-minded enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or new to the charm of model railways, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Date: Saturday 1st March 2025 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Entry Prices: • Adults: £6 • Concessions: £5 • Accompanied children: FREE Additional Information: • Free Parking is available at Dereham Station for your convenience. • Refreshments will be available throughout the day to keep you fueled while you explore. Don’t miss this fantastic day out for all ages! 2025 Model Railway Exhibition - Timetable East Dereham Yaxham - Request Thuxton Kimberley Park - Request Wymondham Abbey Wymondham Abbey Kimberley Park - Request Thuxton Yaxham - Request East Dereham Fares Tickets can be bought at either Dereham or Wymondham Abbey station, if you are boarding at either Yaxham, Thuxton or Kimberley Park tickets can be bought on the train. Continuing from 2024 our popular Kids Go Free** offer is valid on this event. Fare Type Day Rover Return Journey Adult £17 £10 Child (aged 5-15) £5** £5 Child (under 5) FREE FREE Concession (Over 60, Disabled & Students) £15 £10 Registered Carers £10 £8 Dogs/Bikes £3 £3 MNRPT Member £10 £5 Traction Class 142 061 *Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsiblity for any inconvenience caused. ** For every full-paying adult rover fare, 2 accompanying children may travel for free. *** Dates and traction allocations are planned to run but are subject to change at short notice.

Breckland Fryer - Fish & Chip Special Pre-bookable refreshments Locally Sourced Fish & Chips Licensed Bar & Soft Drinks available Runs throughout the Summer Season (April to September) Available Soon Make your evening extra special by trying our locally sourced Fish & Chips, served on a steam* train. Our locally sourced crispy golden chips and perfectly battered fish make for an indulgent and satisfying meal. Come join us and enjoy the unique experience of dining on a steam train as you savour your delectable Fish & Chips. Add the perfect finishing touch to your meal with our pre-bookable soft or alcholic** drinks range. We can't wait to welcome you to our event! The price includes a reserved seat aboard our Breckland Fryer Fish & Chips steam* train for a return journey from Dereham to Wymondham and back. The Breckland Fryer Special departs Dereham at 7pm and arrive back at approximately 8:50pm on the dates below. Dates Available Soon Saturday 26th April / Dereham Station Saturday 3rd May / Dereham Station Saturday 7th June / Dereham Station Saturday 21st June / Dereham Station Saturday 12th July / Dereham Station Saturday 9th August / Dereham Station Saturday 13th September / Dereham Station Dining Train - Terms & Conditions *Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused. **Please note that the Mid-Norfolk Railway do operate a Challenge 25 policy and reserves the right to ask for Photo Identification/proof of date of birth. The Mid-Norfolk Railway also reserves the right to not serve alcohol to anyone it believes is below 18 years old, no refund will be made in this case. The Mid-Norfolk Railway will not tolerate any abuse or violence towards its staff members at any time. ***The Mid-Norfolk Railway are unable to offer any cancellations, refunds or reschedules to any orders, therefore please ensure you can attend the date/time you select before you make payment and book. By making a booking you agree that you shall not take on board the carriage any alcoholic drinks or illegal substances.

Class 04 D2334 Rolling Stock 1/2 Builder Drewry Car Co Ltd Introduction Date 25th July 1961 Withdrawal Date 8th July 1968 Configuration 0-6-0 Status Undergoing Repairs Number Held D2334 Owned By Private British Railways Class 04 Diesel-Mechanical Shunter The British Railway Class 04 is a class of diesel-mechanical locomotive that was built principle by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns between 1956 - 1961, a total of 100 out of the 142 were produced. The first 42 locomotives were built be Vulcan Foundry between 1952 - 1956. The class was built for light duties where a larger locomotive were not needed, they were mainly assigned to shunting duties at depots and as station pilots. As British Railway started to introduce more multiple units that could be driven from both ends the demand for shunting locomotives started to diminish and so BR started to withdraw the class with many being sold on to private industry. Out of the 142 that were produced 122 were scrapped, leaving 20 examples of the class in preservation. D2334 D2334 was released from Drewry Car Co Ltd on 25th July 1961 and was allocated to Heaton (52B). Over the course of its life it was transferred to various depots including Percy Main, Gateshead & Darlington where it was then withdrawn in July 1968. After its withdrawal from BR it was sold to the National Coal Board who initially sent the locomotive to Manvers Main Colliery in South Yorkshire. During its time with the National Coal Board it work in various collieries such as Wath, Thurcroft and finally Maltby, before being sold into preservation in 1985. The locomotive arrived at the Mid-Norfolk Railway in January 2017.

Special Events DEREHAM MODEL RAILWAY DAY Saturday 1st March 2025 MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY 30th ANNIVERSARY 22nd & 23rd March 2025 ALICE ON THE WONDERTRAIN Easter 2025 (April) VINTAGE BUS DAY 11th May 2025 SPRING DIESEL GALA WEEKEND 24th, 25th & 26th May 2025 THE DINO SQUAD EXPRESS 29th May 2025 STEAM GALA 2025 WEEKEND 27th, 28th & 29th June 2025 1940s WEEKEND 2nd & 3rd August 2025 THE DINO SQUAD EXPRESS 13th August 2025 BEER, MUSIC & FOOD FESTIVAL 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 25th August 2025 THE POLAR EXPRESS™ TRAIN RIDE November & December 2025

Class 31255 Rolling Stock 1/2 Builder Brush Traction Introduction Date 19th January 1961 Withdrawal Date January 1999 Configuration A-1-A A-1-A Status Undergoing Repairs Number Held 31255 Owned By Private British Railways Class 31 Diesel-Electric Type 2 The British Railway Class 31, also know as Brush Type 2 and originally Class 30, is a class of diesel-electric locomotive that was built by Brush Traction between 1957 - 1962, a total of 263 were produced. The class was built to be able to easily work freight trains & passenger trains, they were most commonly seen in the Eastern region with the majority being allocated to March & Finsbury Park. Due to the original Mirrless engines being prone to failures and faults in 1964 BR decided to replace them with English Electric 12 cylinder 12SVT engines instead and therefore slowly between 1965 - 1969 the entire fleet were re-engined. By 1975 BR started to slowly withdraw the class from service with the majority either being sold to industry, scrapped or private railway companies. However, it wouldn't be until 2017 that they were officially withdrawn from mainline service which left 26 out of the original 263 in preservation, which includes two of the class that in 2022 were re-activated for mainline freight & charter services. 31255 31255 was released from Brush Traction on 19th January 1961, originally as D5683, and allocated to Sheffield Darnall (41A). Over the course of its working life it was transferred to various depots, such as Finsbury Park, March, Tinsley, Saltley, Stratford & Bescot were it stayed until it was bought by EWS. EWS used the locomotive as a test bed for the then new Toton paint shop and therefore it was the first Class 31 and one of only two 31s to hold EWS livery. In January 1999 31255 was then sold into preservation at the Colne Valley Railway. Finally, it moved to The Mid-Norfolk Railway in 2016.

The Heart of Norfolk - Afternoon Tea Unlimited Tea & Coffee throughout your journey Homemade Scones, Sandwiches & Cakes Delicious Clotted Cream & Jam Runs throughout the whole Season (March to September) Available Soon Join us for a journey through history as you enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea onboard a steam* train. Relax and savour the delicious sandwiches, cakes, and scones that are all freshly prepared by our skilled team and all accompanied with unlimited tea or coffee throughout your journey. Our unique dining experience will delight all of your senses, making it an afternoon to remember. The price includes all day travel on any of our trains and a reserved seat aboard our The Heart of Norfolk Afternoon Tea steam* train for a return journey from Dereham to Wymondham and back. The Heart of Norfolk Afternoon Tea Special departs Dereham at 3:45pm and arrive back at approximately 5:25pm on the dates below. Dates AT Dates Available Soon Sunday 30th March / Dereham Station (Mother's Day Special) Monday 5th May / Dereham Station Sunday 1st June / Dereham Station Sunday 15th June / Dereham Station (Father's Day Special) Sunday 27th July / Dereham Station Sunday 17th August / Dereham Station Sunday 31st August / Dereham Station Sunday 21st September / Dereham Station Dining Train - Terms & Conditions *Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused. **Please note that the Mid-Norfolk Railway do operate a Challenge 25 policy and reserves the right to ask for Photo Identification/proof of date of birth. The Mid-Norfolk Railway also reserves the right to not serve alcohol to anyone it believes is below 18 years old, no refund will be made in this case. The Mid-Norfolk Railway will not tolerate any abuse or violence towards its staff members at any time. ***The Mid-Norfolk Railway are unable to offer any cancellations, refunds or reschedules to any orders, therefore please ensure you can attend the date/time you select before you make payment and book. By making a booking you agree that you shall not take on board the carriage any alcoholic drinks or illegal substances.

Class 142 061 Rolling Stock 1/1 Builder Derby Litchurch Lane Works Introduction Date 1986 Withdrawal Date 2020 Car Types DMS & DMSL Status In Service Number Held 142 061 Owned By MNRPT British Railways Class 142 Diesel Multiple Unit The British Railway Class 142 Diesel Multiple Units were built by British Rail Engineering Limited and Leyland Vehicles Limited at Derby Litchurch Lane Works between 1985 - 1987, with a total of 96 units (192 cars) being produced. During the classes 35 years in service (1985 - 2020) they unfortunately became very unpopular with rail commuters due to their poor ride quality at speed and being able to feel every joint in the track. Starting in the early 1990s the entire fleet was mechanically upgrade due to the original parts starting to fail, this consisted of a new more powerful engine and associated transmission. By mid 2020 all remaining 94 units were withdrawn from service due to them no complying with the Persons with Reduced Mobility Technical Specification for Interoperability. A total of 26 units (52 cars) were sold into preservation with the remainder being scrapped. 142 061 (55711 & 55757) Diesel Multiple Unit 142 061 is formed of vehicles 55711, a Driving Motor Second, & 55757, a Driving Motor Second Lavatory. Upon the unit being withdrawn from mainline service in 2020 the unit was stored at Gascoigne Wood before being delivered to the MNR in September 2020 and then entering service in May 2021.