Norfolk Railway Society: News archive April 2003

News archive April 2003

National Network
Heritage, Narrow-Gauge and Miniature

National Network

First threatens action as three make Greater Anglia shortlist
Norfolk may have pink-and-purple buses - but it’s unlikely to have trains to match. FirstGroup, operators of the First Great Eastern network, has been left off the shortlist for the new Greater Anglia franchise. On April 1 the Strategic Rail Authority announced that three parties had qualified. They are the region’s other two incumbents: GB Railways and National Express Group (parents of Anglia Railways and WAGN respectively), and Arriva Trains.

Greater Anglia will combine the present Anglia, Great Eastern and West Anglia (part of WAGN) franchises, all of which expire on March 31 next year, and will reflect the SRA's policy of allowing just one train operator in each major London terminus.

FirstGroup, which bid using the name New Great Eastern Railway, said it was “extremely surprised and disappointed”, and is reported to be lobbying both the SRA and the government. A legal challenge to the SRA has not been ruled out. If successful, First would have introduced new coaches to replace the present “life expired and unreliable” stock on the London-Norwich route, and a fleet of dmus to extend some London-Ipswich trains to Bury St. Edmunds and Lowestoft.

The SRA will now invite the three qualifiers to submit detailed bids. A preferred bidder will be named in Spring 2004.

"....calling at Diss, Stowmarket and Snoasis"
A new station may be built midway between Ipswich and Needham Market to serve a proposed leisure complex sited in Blue Circle’s former quarry at Great Blakenham.

The ambitious £300 million "Snoasis" scheme has been described as "probably the most important development proposal to come forward in Suffolk since Felixstowe Container Port". It includes a massive indoor snowdome, an ice-rink, restaurants, hotel and conference centre. There would also be outside facilities such as a bobsleigh run and an 18-hole golf course.

Bittern line to get extra evening trains - after relaying closures
The summer timetable which starts on May 18 will see improvements to the Bittern Line’s Mon-Sat evening service. Extra trains will leave Norwich at 19.56 and 22.45, and return from Sheringham at 21.03 and 23.47. If the one-year trial is successful, the trains will become permanent.

17 Bittern Line trains will run in each direction on Mondays to Saturdays, and six on Sundays - the best level of service in the route's history, claims AR. Funding the extra trains, to the tune of around £110,000, are AR itself, the East of England Development Agency, Norfolk County Council and the Bittern Line Partnership.

But first come the disruptions. Buses are replacing all Bittern Line trains on April 12-14 as line is relaid from Whitlingham to Salhouse. The same will happen over Easter (April 25-27), and on May 12-16 buses will carry train passengers between Cromer and Sheringham.

AR 153s to get face-lift
Anglia Railways has begun upgrading its fleet of seven Class 153 single-carriage trains. The £250,000 refurbishment programme will be undertaken at Crown Point depot and will see the trains receive new seat covers, carpets, tables and wall panels, as well as improvements to mechanical equipment and doors. Vinyl flooring in the entrance areas will be replaced with heavy-duty coir matting, and clearer signs will direct passengers to toilets, cycle storage areas and access points for those with impaired mobility. The trains will also receive a new Anglia livery.

Central hit by RMT walkout
There were no Central Trains in or out of Norfolk on March 28 and 31 because of 24-hour stoppages by guards belonging to the RMT union. CT managed to run only some West Midlands services. Several other TOCs were hit by the dispute, which centres on the guard’s safety role but Anglia Railways and WAGN were unaffected: Anglia has reached agreement with the RMT and WAGN has driver-only operation.

A third 24-hour walkout is planned for April 17.

Anglia Plus now valid on WAGN
Anglia Railways' Anglia Plus passes, already valid on both Anglia and Central Trains services on the Norwich - Cambridge route, can now also be used on WAGN services between Cambridge and Ely.

AR transport guide relaunched
A revised edition of Anglia Railways' integrated transport booklet was launched at Norwich station on Friday April 11. Officiating alongside AR corporate affairs director Jonathan Denby was Rachel Lomax, permanent secretary at the Department of Transport, who was visiting the company.

The free 121-page Guide to Public Transport from Anglia Railways' Stations shows bus, taxi and community transport links for each station, and includes bus timetables and contact details for bus operators. Copies are available at stations, libraries and tourist information centres.

New council website for passengers
Making a journey in Norfolk by public transport? Unsure of the details? Then try a new website set up by Norfolk County Council's Passenger Transport Unit. www.passengertransport.norfolk.gov.uk is designed to be a useful 'one stop shop' for information about getting around Norfolk, with links to journey planning websites and up-to-the minute timetable information

Central holds on to wooden spoon
Consistently the worst operator in the ‘regional’ category, Central Trains has suffered another fall in its reliablity. The latest SRA figures reveal that in 2002-03 Q3 (Oct-Dec) only 61.5% of Central's trains arrived on time, whereas the regional operators’ average was almost 75%. But Central, whose network include cross-country trains between Norwich and the Midlands and north-west, maintains that its performance has improved substantially since the start of this year.

Among long-distance operators Anglia Railways (Inter-City) maintained its top slot with 71.8% punctuality, while Anglia's local services (classified, like Central's, as ‘regional’) achieved 79.1%. WAGN was roughly in line with the London & SE sector average, returning figures of 72.7% (all day) and 63.6% (peak hours).

Until April 13 Central has been running a two-for-one offer on certain off-peak return fares - but only for internet users. From Norwich a Cheap Day return for two people was available to local stations such as Attleborough (£3.70) or Thetford (£5.60). There were also two-for-one Saver fares to destinations such as Birmingham and Manchester.

Damaged o.h.l. and arson at Colchester bring Norwich - London disruption
More trouble on the Norwich-London main line - some accidental, some malicious. On February 28 a pantograph became detached from the loco propelling the 16.00 London - Norwich train, and brought down a section of the overhead line east of Colchester. Replacement buses were brought in and lengthy repairs were needed before services resumed.

In a "wanton act of vandalism" on the night of March 11/12, arsonists set ablaze First-GE e.m.u. no. 312707 stabled at Colchester. The fire wrecked two carriages as well as signalling cables, playing havoc with main line services. While repairs were carried out, First-GE trains trains from Liverpool Street terminated at Colchester, and passengers requiring Manningtree and Ipswich had to use Anglia Railways. A special bus service linked Colchester and Colchester Town, from where a 20-minute interval shuttle ran to and from Clacton.

On March 18 another class 312 stabled at Colchester was set on fire. This time it was no. 312722. A Colchester driver managed to put it out with a fire extinguisher, but as a safety precaution a length of o.h.l. was switched off for about 30 minutes.

Will we ever see Thameslink 2000?
Already several years behind schedule, Thameslink 2000 has suffered another setback. News that the Government has decided against the London Bridge and Blackfriars components of the proposed scheme means that plans to run through trains between King’s Lynn and southern England have been put on ice once again.

Anglia turns the tables - 15 years on
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Round Table, Anglia Class 86 loco no. 86215 was named Round Tabler in twin ceremonies at Norwich and Liverpool Street stations on March 12. At both places the nameplates were unveiled by Ken Donald, National President of the Round Tables of Great Britain and Ireland. At Norwich Mr Donald was accompanied by Peter Marchesi, son of the man who founded the Round Table in Norwich in 1927.

The name Round Tabler was previously carried by 86220. It was named in 1987 to coincide with the organisation's 60th Anniversary, but the loco has now been withdrawn.

Norwich Dreams shattered - but Wessex to the rescue
Steam Dreams has been forced to scrap its plan ( NRS Newsletter December 2002 ) to run four steam trips on Thursdays to Norwich this summer. The company claims that the Mid-Hants Railway, which provides motive power, is required to cease operations by midnight and Norwich trains cannot be scheduled to comply with this. However, the Saturday train on October 11 will still run.

Local fans of Southern steam will get some compensation, though, from the news that Wessex Trains (the recently-formed tour operator, not the similarly-named TOC) plans to use 34067 Tangmere to haul two trips from Liverpool Street to Norwich, on Sunday June 15 and Saturday July 26.

Cable blamed for Trowse hold-up
Trains in and out of Norwich were brought to a standstill on February 18 after Trowse swing bridge, opened to allow a boat to go through, damaged overhead cables upon closure. Emergency bus services were brought in: to Diss for London passengers, and to Wymondham to connect with Cambridge and Liverpool trains.

This was the third time in three months that a malfunction at the swing bridge had disrupted services. Only the previous morning, the bridge had stuck open delaying services to and from Norwich by up to an hour.

East Suffolk Line partnership set up

No doubt the new East Suffolk partnership will use the line's scenic attractions to promote leisure travel. With Martlesham Creek in the background, an Anglia class 153 railcar leaves Woodbridge on its way to Ipswich. July 14 1999.

Picture : Richard Adderson

The East Suffolk Line provides an important alternative to the A12, and links the market towns of Beccles, Halesworth, Saxmundham and Woodbridge with the county's two largest towns - Ipswich and Lowestoft. Now, spurred on by the success enjoyed by the Wherry and Bittern Line partnerships in boosting awareness and usage of local train services, the East Suffolk Line is to have a community partnership of its own. Besides Anglia Railways the group will include Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils, Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk ACRE. It is hoped the new scheme will lead to station improvements, colourful line guides and integrated transport schemes.

Protection for North Walsham bridge
Guard beams have been fixed to the bridge which carries the Bittern line over the A149 road in North Walsham. The road below the bridge was closed to cars in March, but trains continued to run. The 13’ 9”-high bridge has been hit several times by lorries misjudging its height. On December 19 trains were halted after a Mercedes lorry collided with it.

AR appeals: adopt your local station
To improve links with rail users and local communities, Anglia Railways is inviting people to ‘adopt’ a station. Volunteers, who should be regular users of the station, will be asked to fill in an occasional questionnaire, as well as paying minor attention to things like flower displays. In return they will receive a complimentary AR train pass.

Anyone interested in adopting their local station should contact AR's press office on 01473 693979 or email: pr@angliarailways.co.uk

Heritage, Narrow-Gauge and Miniature

J15 to return to Middy
For the second year running the Mid-Suffolk Railway is to enjoy ex-GER steam operation. North Norfolk Railway-based J15 0-6-0 no.65462, which visited the MSLR last summer for the line's series of anniversaries, will return during June. Starting on Sunday June 8 the loco will be in steam every Saturday (2pm - 5pm) and Sunday (10.30am - 5pm) until Sunday June 29. Admission on these days will be £5 (children £1.50), which includes a short ride behind the J15.

Double 47 treat at MNR Gala
Traction fans enjoyed the spectacle of four-engine trains in glorious weather during the Mid-Norfolk Railway’s Diesel Gala on March 22 and 23. The planned ‘guest’ loco, no. 47303, was not available, so Freightliner pulled out the stops to provide not just 47 309 European Rail Operator of the Year , last year’s guest, but also Cotswold Rail’s 47 200 The Fosse Way .

(left) Superpower at Wymondham Abbey: (l to r) 47200 The Fosse Way , 47 309 European Rail Operator of the Year and 31538 bask in the morning sunshine on March 22

Picture : Chris Mitchell

(right) to add variety the MNR ran an early-morning permanent-way train on March 22. 31538 approaches Dereham with the return working.

Picture: Alan Cooper

The 47s worked together at the Wymondham end of most trains, and, being air-braked only, needed an extra dual-fitted loco between them and the vacuum-braked coaching stock. A fourth loco was required at the Dereham end to haul down trains. MNR-based nos. 31538, D8069 and 50019 Ramillies shared these duties in various combinations.

Railcar fans were also catered for: making its first public trips since preservation was Metro-Cammell Class 101 dmu set. no. L836.

Royal Scot’s rebuild proceeding well
Bressingham steam centre reports good progress in its programme to restore ex-LMS 4-6-0 no. 46100 Royal Scot to working order. The flue tubes, smoke tubes, brick arch, firegrate and regulator have been removed. Boiler fittings and tubes are being dismantled and thoroughly descaled ready for inspection by a Network Rail representative, who will then provide a detailed programme of the work needed to bring the boiler up to the exacting 'national network' standard.

Hundreds of parts have already been removed, catalogued and photographed prior to producing individual works programmes. Further parts, including the cylinders and pistons, have now to be dismantled from the main frames. The work is being carried out by volunteers led by skilled locomotive engineers.

First-class travel on the Wells & Walsingham

The Wells & Walsingham showed off its new carriage at last September’s Steam Gala

Picture : WWLR Support Group

This summer passengers will be able to ride between Wells and Walsingham in first-class comfort. The WWLR will be using a newly-built covered carriage, modelled loosely on the four which once ran on the Leek & Manifold line in the Peak district. It will cost 50p extra to travel in the verandah-ended coach, which seats eight and is painted primrose yellow, the L&M’s original livery.

The WWLR’s first steam gala attracted fewer visitors than hoped for, but the railway plans to repeat the event this year on the weekend of September 13/14.

Off at last - NNR’s quad-arts leave for Carnforth
After a series of delays and setbacks the North Norfolk Railway-based Gresley 'quad-art' set of coaches (NRS Newsletter October 2002 ) finally left Norfolk in early March. They were taken by low-loader for restoration at Carnforth, where the teak bodies and steel frames will be separated and cleaned before the bodies are rebuilt. The set is due to return for the 2005 summer season.

The work was made possible by a £341,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, topped up by a public appeal.

Second Class 47 destined for Norfolk
Hard on the heels of 47367 which arrived at the North Norfolk Rly in February (NRS Newsletter February 2003 ) comes news that the Stratford 47 Group’s second engine, 47596, is destined for the Mid-Norfolk Railway’s Dereham base. 47596, which once carried the name Aldeburgh Festival, currently wears Res livery. Last month it was moved from Crewe to Tyseley Railway Museum, where the loco’s tyres will be trimmed and attention paid to the traction motors which have suffered from four years’ exposure to the elements.

“County School is now ours”, says MNR
Although the stretch north of Dereham is not yet open to trains, the Mid-Norfolk became a 171/2-mile railway on March 20 when it completed its latest purchase from Breckland Council. For just £1 the MNR Preservation Trust has bought the line between North Elmham headshunt and a point north of County School, as well as County School station itself and the lane which leads to it.

Met-Cam unit for Sheringham?
The North Norfolk Railway is reported to be trying to acquire a Class 101 2-car dmu for use on the railway. Introduced into BR service in 1956, the Metropolitan-Cammell-built units were for many years a familiar sight on Norfolk branch lines.

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