The MNR is pleased to announce the long awaited return of our Steam Gala on 28th, 29th and 30th June.
To celebrate the reopening of our line between Dereham and Wymondham, we have been able to secure two guest steam locomotives to accompany our resident British Rail Standard 4MT 80078.
We are also delighted to be able to announce that for the first time in the history of the Mid Norfolk Railway, we will be operating two trains which will both be running with matching Mk1 and Mk2 Maroon carriages.
Our first confirmed visiting loco is Great Western Railways 2-6-2 Large Prairie 4144, courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre. Built in September 1946, 4144 was withdrawn from service at the Severn Tunnel Junction depot in 1965 and was destined for cutting up until it was taken on for preservation in 1974. The rebuild was completed in 1997 and the locomotive was back in service in 1998.
Our second visitor is the mighty Southern Railways 4-6-2 "Battle of Britain" Class 34072, 257 Squadron, appearing courtesy of Spa Valley Railway and Southern Locomotives Limited. Battle of Britain class 34072, designed by Oliver Bulleid, was built in 1948 and withdrawn from BR service in 1964. It was purchased by Southern Locomotives Ltd and restored at Swindon in 1990, moving to Swanage in 1992.
The Steam Gala will consist of an intense and varied timetable across the three days from Friday 28th June to Sunday 30th June. We will publish this on our website at mnr.org.uk/steamgala when it becomes available.
On Friday 28th and Saturday 29th the first train of the day will be a Bacon Roll Special, departing Dereham at approximately 8.15am (tbc) and travelling non-stop to Wymondham Abbey.
We will also be running a Cream Tea Special hauled by a different loco on each day of the gala. Our popular Breckland Fryer will be running on Saturday 29th which will be pulled by at least one of the visiting locomotives. Prices and pre-booking for Dining Services will be available in the coming days.
We can also confirm that both visiting locos will be available for Driver Experiences on select days before and after the gala - We will publish this on our website at mnr.org.uk/steamgala when it becomes available.
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