Mid-Norfolk Railway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mid-Norfolk Railway |
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| Locale | England |
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| Connections | Network Rail (at Wymondham South Junction) |
| Commercial operations | |
| Name | The Mid-Norfolk Railway |
| Built by | Samuel Morton Peto |
| Original gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Preserved operations | |
| Operated by | Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust |
| Stations | 5 |
| Length | 17 miles 40 chains (28.2 km) 15 mi (24 km) operational |
| Preserved gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Commercial history | |
| Opened | 1845 |
| Closed to passengers | 6 October 1969 |
| Closed | Between 1980 and 1989 |
| Preservation history | |
| 1974 | Wymondham, Dereham and Fakenham Rail Action Committee formed |
| 1978 | Fakenham & Dereham Society formed |
| 1995 | Dereham Rash's Green to Yaxham re-opens to passengers |
| 1997 | Dereham railway station re-opens to passengers |
| 1998 | Dereham to Wymondham section re-opens to goods |
| 1999 | Dereham to Wymondham section re-opens to passengers |
| 2013 | First passenger train to Hoe |
| 2018 | First passenger train to Worthing |
| Headquarters | Dereham |
The Mid-Norfolk Railway (MNR) is a special railway that keeps old trains running. It's about 17.5 miles (28.2 km) long, making it one of the longest heritage railways in Great Britain. People started working to save this railway in 1974. It finally reopened for passengers in the mid-1990s.
The MNR owns and runs most of the old Wymondham-Fakenham railway line. This line first opened in 1847. It closed to passengers in stages between 1964 and 1969. The line fully closed for goods trains in 1989.
Today, you can ride steam and diesel trains for about 11.5 miles (18.5 km) through the middle of Norfolk. The trains travel between the towns of Wymondham and Dereham. They stop at Yaxham, Thuxton, and Kimberley Park. Sometimes, special trains go further north of Dereham to Worthing. The railway is also used for moving goods and for training new railway staff.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust (MNRPT) owns and operates the railway. This trust is a charity, and most of the work is done by volunteers.
Contents
History of the Railway
How the Route Started
The railway line from Wymondham to Wells opened in different parts between 1847 and 1857. The whole line became part of the Great Eastern Railway in 1862. The section between Wymondham and Dereham got a double track in 1882. The line north of Dereham stayed as a single track.
During World War I and World War II, the line was very busy. Extra sidings (short tracks for parking trains) were added at Dereham in 1943. Dereham was used to receive materials for building local airfields during the war.
In 1948, the railway became part of British Railways. Some parts of the line started closing in the 1950s. The passenger service between Dereham and Wells ended in 1964. Dereham then became a stop for trains going from Norwich to King's Lynn.
In 1965, the Wymondham to Dereham section was changed to a single track. The last passenger trains between Wymondham and Dereham stopped running in October 1969.
Even after passenger services ended, goods trains continued to use the line. In 1974, people started asking for passenger services to return. This led to the creation of the Wymondham, Dereham and Fakenham Railway Action Committee. However, all train services on the line stopped in June 1989.
Saving the Railway
Early Efforts
The Fakenham & Dereham Railway Society (F&DRS) was formed in 1978. Their goal was to save the railway line between Wymondham and Fakenham. In 1983, the society leased Hardingham station and tried to create a small heritage center. This didn't work out, so they moved to Yaxham station.
In 1987, the council bought County School station and let the F&DRS use it. They planned to connect it to the main railway line. But this plan was dropped when the entire line was set to close in 1989.
Mid-Norfolk Railway Society and GER (1989) Ltd.
When the railway was about to close completely, a new company called Great Eastern Railway (1989) Limited was formed to save it. The F&DRS supported this and changed its name to the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society (MNRS) in 1990. They helped with money and people to develop the County School site. The first passenger train at County School ran on November 2, 1991.
However, the GER (1989) Ltd. later planned to remove the tracks between Dereham and Wymondham. Because of this, the MNRS stopped supporting them and made their own plan to save the line.
In 1994, the MNRS was allowed to look after the railway line between Wymondham and North Elmham. This was to stop vandalism. The first working party started at Dereham station on July 23, 1994. In December 1994, two Class 20 diesel trains were moved to Dereham and then traveled to Yaxham station.
In 1995, the GER (1989) Ltd. faced financial problems. There were also issues with who was allowed to operate trains at County School. By 1996, the council had to put security guards at County School to prevent things from being taken from the property. The station was boarded up, and the site became run-down.
Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust (MNRPT) was created in 1995. It brought together all the groups that had been trying to restore the railway since 1974. Their goal was to preserve and operate the railway for everyone to enjoy.
In July 1995, two Mk2 coaches were moved to Dereham and then to Yaxham. On December 23, 1995, passenger trains started running between Yaxham and a temporary stop at Rash's Green in Dereham.
In 1998, the MNRPT bought the railway line between Wymondham and Dereham for £100,000. They also bought the section between Dereham and North Elmham for £25,000. The original Dereham station reopened to passengers on July 26, 1997. The first train was pulled by a steam engine called 'Sir Berkeley'.
Passenger services between Dereham and Wymondham started in 1999. A new station, Wymondham Abbey railway station, opened. Thuxton station also opened as a request stop.
Steam trains returned to the Dereham to Wymondham Abbey section on April 30, 2006. This happened after the water tower at Dereham was fixed. The MNR also took ownership of the line from Dereham to North Elmham in 2001.
Other independent railways, like the Bure Valley Railway and the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway, use parts of the old line. There are also plans for a "Norfolk Orbital Railway" to connect the MNR to other railways.
The Railway Today
The 11.5 miles (18.5 km) section between Dereham and Wymondham is used regularly. Another 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to Worthing is ready for trains, but only used for special events. The railway also owns 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of disused line from Worthing to County School. This makes the Mid-Norfolk Railway one of the longest heritage railways in the United Kingdom.
The MNR has preserved stations at Yaxham, Thuxton, Hardingham, Kimberley Park, and Wymondham Abbey. Trains run most weekends from February to December, and on some weekdays in summer. There are also many special events throughout the year.
Visiting Steam Engines
The MNR mainly uses diesel trains, but it also has steam engines. The first train from Dereham after the railway was saved was pulled by a steam engine called "Sir Berkeley."
In 2000, a small steam engine called 'Little Barford' visited. It was the first steam engine in preservation to travel the whole route between Dereham and Wymondham. In 2006, steam trains started running regularly again after Dereham Station was restored.
The first steam engine to pull regular trains between Dereham and Wymondham since 1955 was GWR 9466. Other famous steam engines have also visited, like 'Tangmere'.
Main Line Connections
Moving Goods
The Mid-Norfolk Railway helps move goods trains by connecting to the main railway network at Wymondham. Dereham yard is used by Direct Rail Services for maintenance and by Network Rail to store equipment.
The railway also has a ramp at Dereham yard. This ramp is used to load damaged trains onto road vehicles for repairs. The line has also carried equipment for army units.
Storing Main Line Trains
The Mid-Norfolk Railway has a special storage area near Kimberley Park station. This £3 million facility was built to store new Class 745 and 755 trains for Abellio Greater Anglia before they start carrying passengers.
Training and Testing
Main line railway companies often use the Mid-Norfolk Railway for training their staff. They also test new railway equipment like ballast tampers (machines that pack stones under tracks). Since 2001, the line has been used every year for "skidpan training." This is where a special train makes the track slippery so crews can practice stopping.
The railway is also used for training exercises by emergency services, like the ambulance, police, and fire brigade.
Special Charter Trains
Before the railway was saved, many special trains ran to show that passenger services were still needed. Over 20 special trains carried more than 5,000 passengers.
Because the Mid-Norfolk Railway connects to the main line at Wymondham, it can still be used for special charter and excursion trains. These trains travel on the MNR as part of longer journeys across the country.
TV, Film, and Theatre
County School station was used as a set for the TV show Weavers Green. It also appeared as "Gare de Nouvion" in the comedy series ['Allo 'Allo!].
In 2004, County School was used for a documentary about American troops in World War II. Dereham station and the railway's coaches have also appeared in films and TV documentaries.
In 2010, Michael Portillo filmed an episode of Great British Railway Journeys on the railway. In 2012, Dereham station was used for productions of the musical The Railway Children. The line and Dereham station were also featured in the horror film Possum (2016) and the BBC drama Bodyguard (2018). In 2019, a Bollywood film called The Girl on the Train was filmed at Dereham station.
Community Railway
The Mid-Norfolk Railway wants to offer local train services for people, as well as tourist and freight services. They believe that a commuter service between Dereham and Norwich could work. One challenge is that there are five manual level crossings between Dereham and Wymondham.
In 2009, a report suggested restoring services on lines like the Dereham branch. This plan, costing £30 million, would bring regular trains back between Dereham and Norwich.
In 2020, the railway applied for funding to study reopening the line for regular commuter services. This plan has support from local councils and politicians. In June 2021, a bid to restore the Wymondham-Dereham line was submitted but was not successful. Another bid was submitted later.
The railway also hosts vintage rallies and other special events. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Dereham station was used for medical testing.
Awards
- County School station received a special certificate in 1990.
- Hardingham station won the Ian Allan Heritage Award in 2001.
- In 2012, the railway won an award for its excellent operation of 1970s diesel trains.
- In December 2013, the railway was named the Ian Allan Heritage Railway of the Year.
- In 2019, the Mid-Norfolk Railway's Polar Express Train Ride was a runner-up for Seasonal Event of the Year.
Accidents
- On March 20, 2011, a car crashed into the level crossing gates at Kimberley Park, breaking one of them.
- On September 7, 2011, a passenger train hit a lorry at an un-gated level crossing in Dereham. No one was hurt.
- On June 30, 2012, a steam engine collided with a parked diesel train, causing significant damage. No one was injured.
- On December 20, 2020, a rail vehicle being delivered by a truck broke through a level crossing gate.
Route Details
Starting north from Fakenham, the railway path crosses the River Wensum. This first part is owned by the Norfolk Orbital Railway and is a public footpath.
The path then goes past the Pensthorpe Natural Park. The old Ryburgh station platform was removed, and the path is blocked by buildings. Some parts of the line are public footpaths, but others are private.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust owns the trackbed (the ground where the tracks lie) starting north of Yarrow Lane. This area is in the Wensum valley, which is a special protected area for nature.
The line south of County School station is owned by the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Tracks have been partly relaid here. There is still a one-mile gap between the tracks at North Elmham and County School. The line goes through the Wensum Valley and crosses only private roads in this section.
After North Elmham, the line becomes operational. It passes the old RAF Swanton Morley and the village of Hoe before reaching Dereham. This section has six public road level crossings. It is not often used by passenger trains because there are no stations open here.
After Dereham station, the line goes through fields and over the River Tud to the village of Yaxham. This was the first part of the railway to be restored. The single track continues through Yaxham station, past the Yaxham Light Railway, and then through hills and valleys to Thuxton.
In 2010, a passing loop was completed at Thuxton. This allows trains to pass each other. A new signal box controls the trains here. The single track then continues to Hardingham.
Most trains pass through Hardingham without stopping. The station is restored but is private. Further south, near Kimberley, a large storage yard was built for main line trains.
The single track then goes through a deep cutting near Wicklewood. It passes the restored windmill at Wicklewood before reaching Wymondham. Most trains stop at Wymondham Abbey railway station, which is near the old Wymondham Abbey.
Wymondham Abbey has a loop for trains to turn around. The line continues for another 1 mile (1.6 km) to join the main line at Wymondham railway station. This final section is not usually used by passenger trains.
Here are some of the stations on the line:
| Location | Status | Opened | Closed | Notes | Photograph |
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| Fakenham East | Redeveloped | 1857 | 5 October 1964 | The station was taken down in 1980. The land is now used for housing. The Norfolk Orbital Railway owns part of the old railway path south of here. | |
| Ryburgh | Closed / Private | 1857 | 5 October 1964 | The buildings are privately owned. The original station was destroyed during a war. |
| Location | Status | Opened | Closed | Notes | Photograph |
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| County School | Visitor Centre | 1886 | 5 October 1964 | This station has a car park, picnic area, toilets, and a tea room. It's a starting point for walks in the Wensum Valley. It has also been used for filming. | |
| North Elmham | Closed / Private | 20 March 1849 | 5 October 1964 | The building and platform are privately owned. There are plans to put tracks back and build a new platform for passenger trains. |
| Location | Status | Opened | Closed | Notes | Photograph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dereham | Open | 15 February 1847 | 6 October 1969 | This is the main office of the railway. It has been restored to look like it did in the 1950s. It has a large car park and is near the town center. | |
| Yaxham | Open | 15 February 1847 | 6 October 1969 | This station still has many of its original buildings, including the signal box. There are no passenger facilities on the platform. The Yaxham Light Railway is also located here. | |
| Thuxton | Open | 15 February 1847 | 6 October 1969 | The waiting room has been restored as a holiday home. The station house is a private home. | |
| Hardingham | Closed / Private | 15 February 1847 | 6 October 1969 | Hardingham station is restored but is mostly private. Few regular trains stop here. There are no public paths from the road to the station. | |
| Kimberley Park | Open | 15 February 1847 | 6 October 1969 | The station building is a private home. The platform for trains going south has been restored and has a small shelter. | |
| Wymondham Abbey | Open | 2 May 1999 | - | This is a simple platform built near Wymondham Abbey. MNR trains do not go to the main Wymondham railway station. |
Engineering Projects
Many big projects have been completed with help from grants. This includes fixing up Dereham station and building facilities for steam trains. Most of the work is done by volunteers.
Future plans include adding signals at Dereham and Wymondham. The new signal box at Thuxton started working in 2015.
Dereham Station Restoration
Dereham station was badly damaged by a fire in 1988. In 2002, the railway received over £600,000 in grants. This money helped restore the station and other buildings, including two crossing cottages.
In 2013, plans were approved to build a footbridge at Dereham Station. This bridge would connect platforms 1 and 2. However, this footbridge was sold in 2018.
Dereham Train Shed
To fix and maintain trains, the railway decided to build a new shed in Dereham yard. In 2014, they bought a large building frame online. The site was prepared in 2015.
In 2018, a new shed for maintaining trains was built with a £100,000 grant. This grant covered 80% of the cost.
Dereham Turntable
In March 2015, the Mid-Norfolk Railway got the old turntable from Hitchin to install at Dereham. A turntable helps turn locomotives around.
Thuxton Loop and Signals
The railway planned to build a passing loop at Hardingham, but this changed to Thuxton. Construction of the passing loop at Thuxton station began in 2008. This loop allows trains to pass each other, so more trains can run.
The loop started working in September 2010. Work continued on the signaling, and the signal box became fully operational in summer 2015.
County School Station Restoration
In 1998, the MNRPT took over County School station. The tracks were gone, and the station was boarded up and damaged.
The MNR fixed up the station buildings to look like they did during wartime. They also cleaned the grounds. The station is now used as a visitor center. The railway also agreed to keep a public footpath along the line.
County School Signal Box
The original signal boxes at County School were taken down. The base of the main box was restored. The original signal cabin from Halesworth was moved to the site. However, it was in bad condition and was later moved to another museum in 2017.
Hardingham – Kimberley Park Storage
In 2018, the railway made a £3.25 million deal with Greater Anglia to store about 30 new Class 755 trains. These trains needed a place to be stored while they were being tested and before they started passenger service.
This project included improving the signals along the line. It also involved building five new sidings (storage tracks) north of Kimberley Park. A new running line was also laid over Danemoor Bank.
Dereham – Yaxham Road Level Crossing
In May 2020, the MNR replaced old parts of the Yaxham Road level crossing in Dereham. This work included replacing electronic equipment, the tracks under the road, and the road surface. The crossing's lights were also upgraded. People donated £150,000 for this work.
New modular crossing decks were installed. Officials from other railway companies visited to see this new system, as it might be used on other UK railways. Another new crossing deck was installed at Kimberley Park station in May 2021.
Route Extension
This project aims to reopen the line north of Dereham to County School in stages. The first stage was to Hoe. The railway decided to focus on restoring the track to North Elmham first, where it's easier for visitors to access.
A railway inspector approved the section between Dereham and Hoe for passenger trains. The first passenger train to use this section was a main line charter train from London on May 18, 2013. On May 19, 2018, the line between Hoe and Worthing officially opened to passenger trains. This made the operational length of the railway over 15 miles.
The section north of Dereham is used only on special event days. The railway has long-term goals to restore the line all the way to Fakenham. This would create a 23-mile (37 km)-long railway.
Norfolk Orbital Railway
The Norfolk Orbital Line is a big plan to create a railway line between Sheringham and Wymondham. This line would connect to the main railway system at both ends. In 2008, Network Rail considered allowing a new level crossing to connect the North Norfolk Railway to the main line.
In 2009, the Norfolk Orbital Railway tried to buy a section of the railway path in Fakenham but was outbid. However, in 2014, they successfully bought the land for £24,000. In 2016, the project received £60,000 to help fix bridges in Fakenham and create a walking path.
Rolling Stock
The Mid-Norfolk Railway has many different locomotives, passenger carriages, and wagons. Most of these are from the 1950s to the 1990s. Various steam locomotives operate on the MNR, including BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T 80078, which has been on loan since 2018.
Diesel locomotives also run on the MNR. These include Class 03, Class 04, Class 31, Class 33, Class 37, Class 47, and Class 50. They also have multiple units like Class 100, Class 101, Class 108, Class 117, Class 142, and Class 144. You can find more information on the Rolling stock of the Mid-Norfolk Railway page.
Funding and Support
The Mid-Norfolk Railway is run by the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust, which is a registered charity. Money for the railway comes from running trains and from special fundraising appeals. The railway also received loans and grants from local councils.
In 2001, the railway offered special bonds to raise money. These bonds helped fund projects like restoring Dereham station, building a loop at Hardingham, and buying more passenger trains.
In 2018, the railway received a £100,000 grant for a new train maintenance shed. That same year, Greater Anglia made a £3.25 million agreement with the MNR for train storage.
In 2020, the line received £190,500 from the Culture Recovery Fund, which is government-funded.
The MNR also has several groups that support it, mainly focusing on specific locomotives or rolling stock.
- The Class 37 Locomotive Group was formed in 1984. They maintain and operate train 37003.
- The Stratford 47 Group was formed in 2001 to save a Class 47 diesel train. They now own 47367 Kenny Cockbird.
- The Class 50 Locomotive Association bought train 50019 Ramillies in 1991. It moved to the Mid-Norfolk Railway in 1999.
- The North Norfolk Model Engineering Club is setting up a miniature railway at County School.
See also
Other railway preservation societies in Norfolk:
- Barton House Railway
- Bressingham Steam and Gardens
- Bure Valley Railway – built on part of the old County School to Wroxham line.
- North Norfolk Railway – might connect to the MNR through the Norfolk Orbital Railway.
- Wells Harbour Railway
- Wells and Walsingham Light Railway – built on the northern part of the Wymondham to Wells line.
- Whitwell & Reepham railway station
- Yaxham Light Railway – located at Yaxham station, next to the MNR.
