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UPDATE: Please be aware that we have had a further update and we will not reopen until 30th April. Read more here. The Mid-Norfolk Railway is planning a full programme of events for 2022. The events will include a Steam and Diesel Gala together with other special event weekends. The 2022 operating season will open on 6th March and as in previous years will feature a mixture of running days. New for 2022 will be specific Diesel locomotive running days, these will join the schedules as the orange timetable. Diesel services will feature either the Maroon-liveried vacuum-braked Mark 1 and Mark 2 coaches or the former Greater Anglia Mark 3 coaches depending on the traction that is hauling the train. On multiple train days the timetable will be a mixture of steam and diesel trains together with diesel multiple unit services. The first steam running day will be 27th March and the first special event will be an Easter-themed event. From 9th May, for at least two weeks the railway is planning to close to carry out a major engineering project. In June, the railway will be holding a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event, running dates to be confirmed nearer the date. 26th June will also see the regular annual opening of Hardingham station as part of Hardingham Fête. This annual event is rare opportunity for the public to be able to use the station as the station grounds and buildings are in private ownership and this event is at the owner’s invitation. The railway is planning to hold a Steam Gala over 1st to 3rd July visiting steam engines will be announced in due course. On 6th and 7th August, the annual 1940s Railway at War weekend will be held once again with re-enactors setting up displays all along the line and visitors are encouraged to enter into the spirit of the event by dressing accordingly. The Diesel Gala will be one of the highlights of the coming year and will be run from 23rd to 25th September. The Diesel Gala will feature visiting mainline and heritage diesels to supplement the MNR home fleet. The railway is planning for the first time to be open for the Norfolk school’s autumn half-term break from 24th to 28th October and the year will end with the return of the ever popular Polar Express, that will run during November and December leading up to the Christmas. Throughout the 2022 running season, the railway will once again be running the popular ‘Breckland Fryer’ fish and chip trains in the evening and ‘Heart of Norfolk’ afternoon tea trains on selected running days. The railway will continue to run the ‘Kids Go Free’ group tickets that was successfully introduced in 2021. These tickets will be available for all standard running days but do not include special events or special trains. The MNR shop at Dereham station has had a refresh with new lines of merchandise and clothing that feature the railway’s new ‘Heart of Norfolk’ logo. Further details of events and timetables will appear on the railway’s website in due course at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk

BR Standard Class 4 MT 80078 has left the railway for its winter travels but will be returning for next year's running season. 80078 has now departed to first join the Swanage Railway for service on their Christmas services and will then undergo a period of maintenance away from the Mid-Norfolk Railway, following a very busy busy season including daily service during the Flying Scotsman visit. Picture courtesy of Anthony Dunford, MNR Head of Restoration

The Mid-Norfolk Railway has announced that two more days have been added to the schedule for visits to see Flying Scotsman at Dereham station. Tickets are now be available for Thursday 7 and 14 October.  Tickets for Wednesday 6 and 13 October are now sold out. The tickets priced at £8 each give access to the station platform for a fifty minute slot and can be booked online on the Mid-Norfolk Railway website  and (if still available on the day) at the station. The slots start at 9am and the last slot is 4pm. Ticket holders can also purchase on the day, on a first come first served basis a ticket to visit the actual footplate and sit in the driver’s seat during their slot. Charlie Robinson, Chairman of the Mid-Norfolk Railway said: “We knew the visit of this iconic steam engine was going to be popular but until you are directly involved with it, you do not fully realise what that means. We are therefore adding these two extra days as everything else has now been sold out and as such we want to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to see Flying Scotsman while it is with the Mid-Norfolk Railway”. Platform tickets are being sold via the railways website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/flyingscotsman  or if still available can be purchased on the day.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway has confirmed the earlier announcement  that Flying Scotsman hauled trains will be travelling from Dereham to Brick Kiln Junction just north of Kimberley Park station, before returning to Dereham. Flying Scotsman will be arriving at the railway on the 1 October and is expected to be facing southwards towards Wymondham. The trains will therefore have Flying Scotsman at the front of the train when departing from Dereham, but will have resident BR Standard Class 4 MT steam engine leading for the return journey. Photos courtesy of MNR member, Ian McDonald The journey time for the round trip is expected to be approximately one hour ten minutes. Once passengers have departed the train will be cleaned ready for the next trip. When not running the Flying Scotsman will be available to visit on Wednesday 6 and 13 October with the opportunity to purchase a guided tour of the engine also available. Passengers will enter the platform at Dereham via a large marquee that has been erected to create a one-way system, the buffet and station shop will however be open to use before exiting the station via a second marquee after their journey. The Dereham station car park will only be available to blue badge holders and pre-booked coach parties. Public parking is available in the town centre . Charlie Robinson, the Chairman of the Mid Norfolk Railway said: “We, at the railway are looking forward to greeting our passengers and are confident that they will enjoy the iconic experience that is The Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous Steam Engine. We want this to be a memorable regional event for Norfolk.” During the running of the Flying Scotsman trains the foot crossing at Rashes Green will be controlled by MNR volunteers and security staff to ensure the safety of the general public. For similar reasons Yaxham and Thuxton stations will not be open to the public during the Flying Scotsman runs as the platforms do not have the capacity to hold substantial numbers of spectators safely plus there is no  available car parking at either station. George Saville the MNR’s General Manager highlighted the railway’s safety first policy when he said: “it is a criminal offence to trespass on all railway land including heritage railways. Safety is our number one priority and despite being limited to a 25 mph line speed, all railway engines have significant stopping distances. This means special training is required to be track side. Members of the public who trespass on the railway therefore put themselves at significant danger. He added: “Can I also ask the public to please respect our neighbours property and ask that members of the public do not cross privately owned land to get to the lineside unless they have the permission of the owners. During the visit the railway has also employed additional security staff in addition to the extensive CCTV that is installed at Dereham station and yard. As such when the station is closed the public are asked not to attempt to enter to see Flying Scotsman. In addition to the visit of Flying Scotsman the railway will also be busy with the return of the Direct Rail Services , Rail-Head Treatment Trains that will operate across the region once again. These trains are designed to clear leaves from the national railway lines and will be operating from Dereham until Christmas as such members of the public can expect to see activity at the station.

Coming up tomorrow, our Diesel Weekend - running on 25th & 26th September. With a variety of residents locos and units running. Rover tickets can be purchased on the day for £18 for adults (which include 2 free children) or £36 for families (up to 2 adults and 4 children) - other ticket options are available. Our loco allocations on the timetable have been updated this evening, unfortunately due to maintenance issues 33202 will not be running. However we are pleased to confirm D9520 (Class 14) will be making its passenger debut on the railway. Along with the three Stratford 47 Group's 580 (County of Essex), 367 (Kenny Cockbird), D1933/596 (Aldeburgh Festival) which will be running with our Mark 3 former Greater Anglia coaches for the first time in passenger service. Our restored Mark 1 & 2 coaches will be running also. Our Pacer 142061 will also be running and will be our first departure (on Saturday only) from Dereham at 0845 and Wymondham Abbey 0930 and later running shuttles to/from Thuxton station. Further information available at mnr.org.uk/dieselweekend 266 views 4 likes. Post not marked as liked 4

The tickets to travel on trains hauled by the world famous steam engine the Flying Scotsman during its visit to the Mid-Norfolk Railway in October nearly sold out in three days. Photo credit: Ian McDonald A small number of additional tickets have now however become available and are now for sale via the railway’s website. James Oakley the Mid-Norfolk Railway’s Commercial Manager explained the situation when he said: “The railway in addition to selling tickets direct to the public also made availability some blocks of tickets to some of our commercial partners, who sold these on as part of package deals. It is these unsold returns that we have now got back and have been made available via the website.” The iconic steam locomotive will be hauling eight coach trains at the railway on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, and 16th October, with trains leaving Dereham station at 10am, 12noon, 2pm, and 4pm. There will also be a departure at 6.30 pm on the 2nd, 9th, and 16th October. Flying Scotsman hauled trains will travel from Dereham to Brick Kiln Junction just north of Kimberley Park station before returning to Dereham. This is due to operational reasons, principally the track configuration at Wymondham that does not support eight coach trains. Charlie Robinson the Chairman of the Mid-Norfolk Railway said: “This is an incredibly important event for the Railway, as it will be the first time the Flying Scotsman will have run on a heritage railway in the region. The tickets having sold so quickly demonstrates the enthusiasm to see this iconic engine in action and to be part of the experience. I can only apologise that we cannot run more trains and therefore offer more tickets.” He added: “we are grateful to the owners of the Flying Scotsman, the National Railway Museum for this opportunity to showcase this world famous engine here on the Mid-Norfolk Railway.” On the static days there will be a chance to buy, on the day an extra ticket that will give them a guided tour of the Flying Scotsman. Platform tickets will also be be available nearer the date of the visit for those wishing to get close to the engine. On the 4, 5, 11 and 12 October, the Flying Scotsman will be available for schools to book a visit learn about the history of engine. Booking details will be advertised in the near future. ​ Platform tickets and static display tour tickets when available will be sold via the railways website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/flyingscotsman

The Mid Norfolk Railway has announced that the railways diesel weekend is planned to feature a number of firsts for the railway. The weekend will see diesel hauled trains only over the 25 and 26 September, will subject to availability feature the debut of the newly resident privately owned Class 14, working the maroon liveried Mk1 and 2 coaches for the first time. The second first for the railway will see the Stratford 47 Group’s newly returned 47580 County of Essex and freshly repainted and refurbished D1933 Aldeburgh Festival hauling the new ex GA Mk3 coaches in public service for the first time. The third of the Stratford 47 groups engines 47367, and privately owned 33202 will also be taking their turns on the Maroon MK1 and 2 sets. Finally a pacer set will also be running as part of the programme. A two train service is currently planned with trains passing at Thuxton Station for the first time in nearly two years following both the Covid -19 pubic running closure and the recent relaying of part of the down loop. Tickets for the weekend will be priced at £ 18 per adult will be daily Rover tickets allowing multiple journeys. The Railway’s ‘Kids Go Free’ promotion will be available for the weekend. Full details can be found on the railway's website, where tickets will be available to purchase (in the next couple of days) as well as Dereham and Wymondham Abbey stations on the day. Trains will operate to the Railway’s Purple Timetable, together with a Pacer departing from Wymondham Abbey station at 0920 on the Saturday. Commenting on the diesel weekend George Saville, the Mid Norfolk Railway General Manager said: “This event is going to be an important weekend for the railway as it marks the full reopening of the railway following the Covid-19 lockdown. The staff and volunteers at the railway are looking forward to sharing what is new at the railway with the weekend’s visitors and we are all sure they will see the difference.”

We are very disappointed to announce the cancellation of the Wedding Fair at the Mid-Norfolk Railway on 12th September. This is due to a small number of exhibitors confirming attendance. Further information about what the Mid-Norfolk Railway can do for your wedding, reception or anniversary is available at https://www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/weddings

The Mid-Norfolk Railway has announced that this summer, at the railway, it is ‘Kids Go Free’ time on all services including special events. As part of the summer staycation season, as the UK emerges from the Covid-19 lockdown, the railway has introduced a new range of tickets for the summer. Now a family ticket will allow up to 4 children to travel for free and every individual adult ticket sold will allow up to 2 accompanying children to travel for free. The Mid-Norfolk Railway designates that the age range for children for this special offer is from 5 to 15 inclusive. Those under 5 already travel free regardless and unaccompanied older children will still need to pay the child fare. “We are delighted to make this special offer this year, as we recover from the difficult times that we have all experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We can all see that many families this summer have chosen to take their holidays in the UK. We therefore hope this little encouragement will see many come to visit our fantastic railway and enjoy a journey through the Heart of Norfolk aboard our heritage trains.” James Oakley, Commercial Manager Mid-Norfolk Railway The offer in addition to the standard train timetable days, will include the tickets for the Vintage Bus Day on the 1 August, the Railway at War weekend on the 7 and 8 August, the Summer Steam Weekend on the 28 and 29 August and will come to an end on the railway’s Diesel Weekend on the 25 and 26 September. Further information including train timetables is available on the railways website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk  where tickets can also be purchased before the day.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway’s popular Vintage Bus Day event is returning for 2021 and will run on Sunday 1 August. The event will see in addition to the opportunity to ride on Heritage buses and trains the rare chance to visit the privately-owned Hardingham station on the MNR. Further information about the event can be found on our website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/vintagebusday   This year’s event will be based at Dereham railway station, where around 30 vintage and modern buses together with coaches are expected. In addition to the static display at Dereham Station there will be free bus trips available on a variety of local routes to the Mid Norfolk Railway stations at County School, Yaxham and Hardingham, as well as Dereham's Market Place and Theatre Street/Cherry Tree Car Park for free Park & Ride journeys. At County School, the restored station and grounds plus the popular tea room will be open for drinks and light refreshments. The privately-owned Hardingham Station will be available to be visited courtesy of the owner, with MNR trains stopping allowing a train and bus connected journey to be made. Hardingham Station is only accessible by either bus or train. The event is kindly sponsored by locally based Konectbus  who will have some of their modern buses on display. “As Dereham's local bus company we are delighted to once again sponsor this event that showcases our shared transport heritage and also allows us to demonstrate our modern buses to visitors at the event". David Smith Commercial Manager Go East Anglia The Railway is currently planning to run an enhanced service of steam and diesel trains, which will include one of the railway’s recently acquired 'Pacer' railcars / diesel multiple units - which was appropriately based on the Leyland National bus design of the 1980s.   The event will start at Dereham Station at 1000. The MNR will also be running an earlier than usual train from Wymondham Abbey Station for visitors to access the event from the south.   This year’s event will be the fifth year that the Vintage Bus Day has been run and with the exception of last year’s cancelled event is a now well-established MNR event. “We are delighted that this event is able to run this year, it marks another step forward as we recover from the difficult times that we have all experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I would also like to thank our volunteer team that have organised this years event and offer a warm welcome to our visitors who will I am sure enjoy a great day experiencing the important and oft forgotten heritage of how the rural railway network was supported by a bus network in the past.” Charlie Robinson, Chairman Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust Further information including train timetables will be available on the railways website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk

Work will begin shortly on the next track renewal project at Thuxton station on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. The preparatory works has been ongoing for a while and the main work is due to begin soon and last for approximately four days. The work, the latest in a programme of upgrades to the permanent way and associated infrastructure between Wymondham South Junction and Dereham, will see the replacement of the 'down' running line north of the level crossing at Thuxton station with concrete sleepers and flat bottom rail to the passing loop point. The major track works will be conducted by contractor Sonic Rail Services, with the railway's own working members (staff & volunteers) assisting. "This is an extremely important upgrade as this passing loop is vital to the operation of multiple trains on our railway. The work also brings to a conclusion the refurbishment and upgrade of this section of the line." George Saville, General Manager Mid-Norfolk Railway The work will also see another step forward in the long-standing MNR project to re-signal the line. At Thuxton, this has meant the construction of a new signal box and the gradual return of signals and installation of point motors, all of which are controlled by Thuxton Signal Box. This phase of the project will see the signalling and associated equipment installed and commissioned for the long siding to the south of the station and brought into use. The entire resignalling project is being carried out in phases by the railway's own Signalling & Telegraph (S&T) team. "With the successful conclusion of this part of the project by the railway's S&T volunteers, another important step towards the long-term ambition to re-signal the whole line has been made. Our attention turns now to the resignalling of Dereham station and the yard. Much work has already been completed there and we anticipate to fully commission the Dereham Central Signal box soon." Richard Pike, Head of Signalling & Telegraph Mid-Norfolk Railway As the Mid-Norfolk Railway expands, there are always plenty of opportunities for volunteers to become involved in the railway. To volunteer, you will need to become a member and full training will be given for the role. Details can be found on our website.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway, together with the Stratford 47 Group  who own the engine, are pleased to announce that Class 47 number 47580 'County of Essex' has returned to the railway to rejoin the group’s other locomotives that are already resident on the line. Photos thanks to MNR Member, Ian MacDonald “We are delighted to once again provide a home for this engine. It is extremely important for us as this 47 has the equipment needed to run our MK3 coaches and means that we now have two mainline engines that can power The Polar Express Train Ride  services this Christmas”. George Saville, MNR General Manager 47580 arrived back onto the Mid-Norfolk Railway track after a journey as a light engine across Southern England, following the conclusion of the Mid-Hampshire Railway’s recent Diesel Gala event where the engine was one of the featured visiting engines. 'County of Essex' will now join the Mid Norfolk Railway’s roster for regular timetabled diesel hauled services and also be available for special event days.