Late report! Mid Norfolk diesel gala 25th May 2024-Thanks to Guy Kendrick
After deciding on a last minute break away into Suffolk and Norfolk what better focal point than the Mid Norfolk diesel gala to get things underway. A very early start from south Leicestershire in fine weather saw us arrive in rain, which started just outside Dereham as we arrived and didn’t stop all day……until, of course, we left for our hotel when the sun came out again.
Aiming for the first run out behind a resplendent 37608 the train arrived in charge of 47596 looking great in two tone green and hauling ex Anglia MK3 set DVT 82112 plus 12129,12147,12110 and 12073. The stock was in excellent condition and the thrash from the 37
was quite audible from inside the coffins.
At Thuxton we bailed for 47580 (with 33202 on the rear) back down to Dereham as I wanted to sample a round trip behind the 03. A fine rake of repainted MK1’s 13225 16153 4702 9010was hauled in and initially we settled in the brake of 9010 but were informed that we could go into first class so we decamped to FK 13225…….where we remained pretty much for the rest of the day. Big shout out to whoever repainted this set as it was immaculate and correctly presented livery and font wise on the exteriors of the set. A small detail yes……..but important!
At Dereham the set was split for 03063 to take two coaches on a return trip to Thuxton. I was surprised how quiet the little shunter was…..just getting on with it without any fuss or drama.
Caught up with CR at Dereham and spent the remainder of the day in his excellent company. 37608 was sampled all the way back to Wymondham Abbey with 47596 on the rear. Very impressed with the line out of Thuxton going south. Only single line use, but in part double tracked with a great climb in both directions. I thought Norfolk was flat! Plenty of stock stored in the sidings at Kimberley Park. Wymondham Abbey was as far as we went. Unfortunately there isrestricted use (for the time being) on the remainder north of Derehamto North Elmham station. When that’s opened up it will make a decent length line even longer!
47596 was taken back to Thuxtonwhere we changed for 33202 back to WA again. Mrs. K’s limited mobility in the form of a foot in plaster cast made the connection tight but staff held the Crompton for her to hobble rouud. Last one on board! 202 made some fine noise on the run back to WA. From our seat in the rear compo the sounds in the climb to Kimberley Park were immense! Load four on a soaking rail with 47580 hanging off the back.
We stuck with the 33202 / 47580 combo for a further two round trips, 580 also putting in a fantastic Sulzersoundtrack on it’s runs. 33202 disgraced herself at Derehamwith flat batteries but a rather large jump pack ensured she completed the last round trip in fine style.
A superb railway. Great staff. Good attendance. Excellent facilities catering wise in and outside on the platform at Dereham. Our first……but by no means last …….visit!
Thanks again to Guy Kendrick
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