A North Norfolk Showcase

Following an excellent week last May in North Norfolk, it was good to return here and be just in time to be able to enjoy the NNR's Autumn Showcase Gala over the weekend of 5th/6th October.

SATURDAY

After the long drive to Sheringham and a quick lunch, we walked to the station to see the action and decided to get our tickets for Sunday in advance. We were pleasantly surprised to find that because of the lateness of purchase during the afternoon, we could immediately use them. And so we did!

There were four sets of coaches in use - two of standard Mk1s both of 4 coaches, the Suburban set of 4, and the Quadarts. Certainly plenty of variety and very comfortable to ride in.

When we arrived the first train we saw had "Betton Grange" in charge. Having enjoyed its first active running at our May gala, it was great to see it again. The loco stays on the NNR until 2nd November.

It was good to see an old friend in the form of SDJR 7F 53809, which is now based at the NNR.

Also based at the NNR for the 2024 season, GWR heavy tank 4277, now named "Hercules".

 

One of the two diesels running was visiting Class 25 D7659.9⁹

While waiting to leave Sheringham the Quadarts arrived behind "Wissington" - the highlight of the Gala. That we must have a ride in tomorrow!

Being a shorter railway and with Weybourne about two thirds along, multiple round trips and swaps between trains were relatively easy and enabled travel in the different formations being run. 

On our first return trip we got off at Weybourne and changed to the Suburban set to return to Holt. 

The interior of E48001, a Mk1 TLO built 1955.

In one of the Suburban set, a First Class compartment in horsechestnut leaf moquette.

Still onboard the Suburban set and leaving Weybourne to return to Sheringham.

Distant Weybourne village with the sea beyond.

The Suburban set back at Sheringham. These Mk1 coaches were built 1954-55 and the set comprises a  

CL, a BT, a T, and the TLO in which we travelled.

SUNDAY

The next day we were back at the station in time to catch the 9.30 train hauled by "Betton Grange".

[Photo : Louise C.]  "Wissington" arrives with the suburban set.

Our train included two relatively recent maroon repaints - BCK 21103 .......... 

......... and TSO 4873.

In between them tired looking TSO 3868.

We opted to travel in one of the First Class compartments in Crimson & Cream BCK 21224 at the front of the train. As with our own BCK 21095, the two First Class compartments are upholstered in the Horsechestnut Leaf moquette. As I had noted on our first visit to the line, this lovely moquette has been used extensively on the Railway.

While waiting for the train to depart, I photographed the lower lines on 21224 and 4843.

The gold colour used with the Crimson & Cream livery becomes very obvious when compared with the more usual yellow used when lining out Maroon and Chocolate & Cream coaches. Alex has introduced the correct gold colour with our current repaint of SO 4790 into Crimson & Cream.

Our train arrived at Holt to find the goods train ready to depart, .........

........... hauled by Class 31 D5631 from the home fleet.

The next arrival on Platform 2 was 53809 with the Suburban set.

Holt has some very good things to see. In May we had visited the excellent museum. This time we had been recommended a visit to the old residence at the west end of the station.

This fascinating building is made up of the body of 524, a GER Second Class four-wheel, 5 compartment coach built in 1899, with a side extension. It was used as a private residence near Reepham before being restored as a museum display residence at Holt Station.

The extension with the very obvious side of the former coach on the right.

Looking through the side of the old coach into the dining room.

The bedroom inside the old coach.

The dining room.

The west end of the building.

This curiousity is well worth a visit, though it's opening may be limited to galas and other special events.

We caught the next train to Weybourne, only to find the Quadart set waiting in the other platform. A mad scramble off the train and over the bridge, and we were just in time. Made it at last!

The quality of its restoration is simply amazing.

Back at Holt a chance to capture the complete rake.

Short for "Quad-Articulated", this unique set of permanently coupled coaches have been overhauled and restored in LNER varnished teak condition. Due to their age and historical importance these coaches are now only used periodically throughout the year. They were restored using a match funded Heritage Lottery grant, with an additional grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Carriage Sheds built to store the set.

Despite their age, the riding was very smooth.

And now the confession! Our trip on the Quadarts was the one that was diesel hauled. A rather strange combination, but it didn't spoil our travel on this amazing restoration. This particular run ended at Weybourne with the set sidelined until the main run with "Wissington" later on.

I wish 564, the GER Y14  had been running. We had this loco for the 2007 Christmas Cracker Gala when it was still LNER J15 65462 and I travelled behind it on my way to Winchcombe and C & W to introduce myself. A week later I began my volunteering at the Works.

Countess of Warwick class 0-6-0ST " Wissington" waits with the freight at Sheringham.

The ballast plough in the NNR's freight is an Oyster. Similar to but slightly lighter than our Shark. The bright coloured vehicle is the "Bird's Eye" conflat.

The lovely riding BCK 21224 that we rode in earlier today.

Another round trip to Holt behind "Betton Grange".

At Holt 1937-built Gresley Buffet (RB) E9128E.

The beautiful varnished wood at the south entrance to the RB.

Our penultimate trip was in TSO 4958 with the seating upholstered in the red Boomerang moquette.

As we got back to Sheringham, we spotted "Wissington" with the Quadarts in Platform 2. I lept out of the train and rapidly made my way to the footbridge, only to hear a whistle and see the Quadarts leaving. Oh well, maybe another day.

I decided to do the penultimate round trip of the day on my own. Pity about missing the Quadarts, but who would complain when another run behind "Betton Grange" was available.

I chose TSO 4641 to travel in as it was immediately behind the engine. With the windows open the sounds would be perfect!

Yet another coach with Horsechestnut Leaf moquette.

"Betton Grange" going well.

Drifting into Weybourne. 

By the time the train was on its way back to Sheringham, both the view to the sea and inland began to disappear as drizzle came in. Thankfully the weather had stayed good for almost the whole weekend. Overall it was a brilliant gala. 

TUESDAY

Stopping briefly in Sheringham Station carpark, just in time to catch the DMU arriving from Holt.