News Archive  September - October 2009                      Back to News Archive index

National Network

 

 

Stagecoach poised to become East Anglia's leading TOC?

Speculation is growing that Stagecoach could become East Anglia's major passenger train operator.

  National Express, saddled by debt and about to relinquish its East Coast franchise to the government, appears likely to accept a £765m takeover.  If  it goes ahead, it is thought that the company will be broken up, and its rail franchises, including NXEA, will be sold on to Stagecoach, which already operates the East Midlands Trains franchise, including Norwich – Liverpool trains.  According to Stagecoach, the DfT has agreed not to seize NXEA and c2c, National Express's other rail operation, if it buys the business. 

 

March to get rail recycling centre

Network Rail’s plans to build a national rail recycling centre at its Whitemoor Yard in March have been approved by Cambridgeshire County Council. The  centre will save over 50,000 tonnes of materials going to landfill every year, removing thousands of lorry journeys and providing a source of aggregate for Cambridgeshire’s construction industry.

Opened by the LNER in 1929, Whitemoor marshalling yard was once among the biggest and busiest in Europe.  However it closed in the early 1990s and the site lay derelict until the new NR yard opened in 2004.

 

‘The last 90’ arrives – but lets down City fans

Last of the 50-strong Class 90 fleet to be logged powering a GEML passenger train, no. 90026 made its much-awaited debut on Saturday August 15 on the 05:30 Norwich – Liverpool Street and the 08:00 return.

 

However three days later passengers travelling to Norwich on the last train of the day, the 23:30 from Liverpool Street, were far from pleased with no.90026.  At Ingatestone the loco’s pantograph lowered after detecting a fault, and no. 90002 was called to assist from the rear.  Then at Ardleigh, north of Colchester, the propelling loco lost contact with the DVT and the decision was made to return to Colchester, where no. 90002 ran round to head the train and set off again at 05:08.  The disgruntled passengers, who included many Norwich City supporters returning from a defeat at the hands of Brentford, finally arrived at Norwich at 06:34, almost five hours late.

 

Hitchin flyover to speed up King's Lynn trains

Fen Line trains between King's Lynn and London will see fewer delays if a £60m plan to build a new embankment and flyover near Hitchin receive Department of Transport approval.

 

The flyover, which could be in use by 2014, would lift the Hitchin – Cambridge line over the ECML and avoid conflicting movements. Network Rail claims it would cut delays by 18,000 minutes each year as well as increasing capacity. 

 

DRS locos and wagons arrive for leaf-fall duties

On September 23 DRS locos nos.37087 and 37501 appeared at Stowmarket with a supply of Railhead Treatment Train wagons from York, marking the arrival of the annual 'leaf-fall' season. The train ran over six hours late after no.37510 was stopped at Peterborough with high coolant temperature and had to be assisted by no.37087.

 

The wagons were joined on October 6 by a superpower convoy of locomotives which had travelled from Crewe: nos. 57003, 57007, 20304, 20305 and 37601.  Upon arrival staff began sorting the locos and pairing them up with wagons.  Two days later ten locos from classes 20, 37, 57 and 66 were noted at Stowmarket.  RHTT duties began on Monday October 12.

 

 

Time for tea at West Runton

West Runton station was the unlikely setting for tea and cakes on Saturday, August 29, when the station's adopters and the local branch of the Women’s Institute held their annual station tea party.  Visitors to the single-platform Bittern Line station enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea including buttered scones and homemade cakes.  There were also stalls selling local produce and second-hand goods.  Proceeds from the tea party will contribute to the planting and upkeep of the station garden. 

 

We need a guarantee on Beccles loop, says ESTA

The NRS Newsletter reported in the last issue that NXEA's plans to introduce extra capacity, and thus comply with the DfT’s High Level Output Specification, mean that current Lowestoft – London and Peterborough – London through trains would start and finish at Ipswich.

 

The East Suffolk Travellers' Association is most reluctant to see through London trains withdrawn.  It has written to Transport Secretary Lord Adonis and local politicians saying that NXEA should only be allowed to replace them with an hourly Ipswich - Lowestoft service on condition that a guarantee is given that the Beccles passing loop will be built by 2012, and that a passenger lift is built at Ipswich station.  ESTA also insists that two morning and two evening through trains must continue, even if this requires extra dmus.  

 

Commuter relief as ASLEF calls off September strike

On August 13, the ASLEF, RMT and TSSA unions suspended the series of crippling 48-hour strikes which had all but wiped out NXEA services, after the company offered an improved pay deal.  However ASLEF then rejected the deal, and called a six-day-long strike beginning on Monday September 21.  Further rounds of talks reached agreement and the strike was officially called off.

 

New station pencilled in at Chesterton

As part of a £500m bid to overhaul transport in Cambridge, a report to Cambridgeshire County Council's cabinet committee has proposed building a station at Chesterton, north-east of the city.  If the scheme receives full council backing, work on the £25m station could start within three years.

 

The station, at Chesterton Junction where the line to Ely and Kings Lynn was joined by the St Ives branch (now taken over by the busway), would form part of a Network Rail scheme to remodel Cambridge, which might become 'Cambridge Central'. 

 

Norwich station's perfect score

In a recent survey Norwich station chalked up a 100% score for customer service, cleanliness and information provision.  All stations are regularly assessed for customer service and quality standards by 'mystery shoppers' who visit them to experience the service like any member of the public.  The shoppers rate the provision of customer service and cleanliness throughout the station, including the car park, as well as assessing the waiting areas, platforms, public address announcements and information.

 

Anita Miles, National Express East Anglia’s station manager at Norwich commented:  “I am delighted that the commitment and dedication of the customer service team at Norwich station has been recognised by a perfect score in the latest mystery shopper survey.” 

 

Crossing more safely at Downham Market

Network Rail has submitted a planning application to build a footbridge at Downham Market station.  The lack of a physical barrier at the level crossing means that pedestrians frequently ignore the red light and cross the tracks when it is not safe to do so.  A new footbridge would enable NR to close the current barrow crossing, one of the highest risk crossings on the rail network, and provide safe access for rail users between up and down platforms.  If the planning application is passed, the footbridge will be in use by summer 2011. 

 

Buses from North Walsham

Track improvement work is to take place between North Walsham and Cromer from December 7 to 11 inclusive, and a bus replacement service will operate between North Walsham and Sheringham. 

 

Lowestoft and Oulton Broad South slated by MP

Waveney MP Bob Blizzard has written to Iain Coucher, CEO of Network Rail, asking him to improve the condition of the areas just outside station limits at Lowestoft and Oulton Broad South.  Mr Blizzard said: “Lowestoft station – the first experience many visitors have of the town – is a notorious eyesore, and large parts of Oulton Broad South station are overgrown with weeds and traps for wind-blown litter. Our efforts to make Lowestoft attractive to visitors are seriously undermined by Network Rail's neglect of its railway property”.

 

Felixstowe record for GBRf

First GBRf moved a record number of 2,140 containers at the Port of Felixstowe during the week August 21-28.  This is the largest number of containers to be moved in a seven-day period by GBRfsince it began operations at the Suffolk port in 2002.

 

Cheaper weekend trips to London

Following a trial during the summer, First Capital Connect is making its Super-Off Peak Day Return to London ticket permanent. The ticket offers savings of at least 20% on weekend day trips to the capital, and can be used with GroupSave and Railcards to obtain even bigger discounts.  From King's Lynn or Downham Market the Super-Off Peak Day Return to London costs £23, whereas the regular Off-peak fare is £29. 

 

A brighter future for March station

Just two of the platforms at March are today in regular use by passenger trains.  The newly-formed Friends of March Railway Station are working in partnership with Network Rail, NXEA and Fenland District Council to revive the whole station, including the centre platform's buildings.  The group, which has no subscription and is totally voluntary, plans to open the rooms for public use, maybe creating a small museum or gallery.

 

The group works at the station for about three hours on a Saturday every couple of months, tidying the platform areas and the old Spalding trackbed.  The work completed so far has received appreciative comments from the public and the railway industry.  More details from Jeanette Milner (tel. 01354 602134).

 

Two Norfolk rail deaths

On August 12 a woman standing on the up platform at Attleborough station died after she was struck by EMT unit no. 158854 forming the 09:57 Norwich to Liverpool train. Rail movements in both directions were suspended, and although they resumed around mid-day, passenger services did not call at Attleborough until later that afternoon. The EMT dmu proceeded light for repairs to Derby Etches Park.

 

A man’s body was discovered lying near the A1122 level crossing near Downham Market early in the morning of August 18.  The man appeared to have been struck by a down e.c.s. working.  Shuttle buses ran between King's Lynn and Ely until through train services resumed later that day.  

 

 

Heritage, Narrow-gauge and Miniature

 

Oliver Cromwell to celebrate reopened Sheringham crossing

The Board of the North Norfolk Railway has formally agreed to reinstate Station Road level crossing at Sheringham, subject to raising the outstanding money (see px). If the crossing is completed in time, the first steam loco to cross it since 1963 could be no. 70013 Oliver Cromwell.

 

The NRM-owned 'Britannia' 4-6-2 is the scheduled loco for The Broadsman, an excursion run by The Railway Touring Company, on March 11 2010.  The outward run from London Liverpool Street will pause at Norwich to take on water, and a diesel will then haul the train to Cromer with no. 70013 on the back.  One again on the front, Oliver Cromwell will take the train forward to Sheringham and form the centrepiece of the crossing's opening celebrations.  It will then continue to Weybourne and Holt.

 

Upon returning to Sheringham, passengers will change over.  Due to restrictions on the Bittern Line, each passenger can only make only one 'steam journey' between Norwich and Sheringham; a special diesel train will take passengers on the 'reverse' legs.

 

At Sheringham, EDF is expected to move electricity cables in October.  The remaining work should begin at the end of January, with Station Road closed for a few days in February to allow the rails to be laid. 

 

Setback for WWLR's new Garratt

Staff and funding changes at West Suffolk College mean that it will not now build the new Garratt loco for the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway (NRS Newsletter May/Jun 2008).  At the WWLR Supporters' AGM, it was reported that construction may be handed to the College of West Anglia in King's Lynn, but it looks unlikely that the planned completion date of mid-2010 will be met.

 

‘A wonderful project’ – judge’s verdict at Thuxton

The first brick of Thuxton signal box’s outer wall was laid by Judge Peter Jacobs on August 29.  The box forms part of a project to install a passing loop and rebuild the station’s up platform, enabling the Mid-Norfolk Railway to run hourly departures in each direction when required.  Leading the building team is Bill Collins, who bought the remnants of the ex-GER East Winch signal box on eBay.  Much of the dismantled box, including roof slates, chimney, ridge tiles and woodwork, is being re-used on the Thuxton project.

 

Judge Jacobs arrived at Thuxton on a MNR train. He said: ‘It is a wonderful project and I am very impressed by how hard the volunteers work. This is part of our heritage and it is vital we keep this alive.’

 

For the latest news about the project see www.thuxtonloop.org.uk

 

'Under new ownership' Royal Scot scuppers Bressingham's loco weekend

The Trustees of Bressingham Steam Museum have decided to separate its ex-LMS 4-6-0 no. 6100 Royal Scot from the museum and garden-related operations.  The Museum has transferred ownership of the loco to the Royal Scot and General Trust, which will operate it on the main line.  Continuing restoration work meant that the loco was not ready to attend Bressingham's locomotive weekend on September 5/6, and it was decided to cancel the event.  Once restoration is complete, Royal Scot will be based at Southall.

 

Falmouth no. 3 takes over at Brockford

A new saddle tank has arrived at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum, replacing Little Barford which has left for overhaul.  MSLR steam services are now operated by Falmouth Docks and Engineering Co 0-4-0ST no 3,built by Hawthorn Leslie in 1926.  No. 3 was previously on the Plym Valley and Statfold Barn Railways.

 

Poppadom diddly-dum

The North Norfolk Railway's Mixed Traction Weekend on October 3 and 4 saw vintage diesel locos sharing the spotlight with historic steam engines, including GWR 4-4-0 City of Truro.

 

One highlight of the event was the NNR's first-ever curry dining train on Saturday October 3, with Indian cuisine provided by Aylsham’s 'Gate of India' restaurant.

 

Pannier forges north to Hoe

The Mid Norfolk Railway's yet-to-open northern section has had a surprise visitor in the shape of BRW 0-6-0PT no. 9466.  On August 30, just before the end of its spell at the MNR, the pannier tank took a short demonstration freight working as far as Hoe, where it was greeted by over a dozen people.

 

MNR volunteer co-ordinator Matt Goodrum wonders when last a steam loco was at Hoe, and what it was.

 

MSLR pleased with rolling stock progress

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum reports that 2009 has seen progress both in track upgrading and rolling stock restoration.

 

Carriage No.13 with its first class saloon has been completed and is in service, while good progress is being made on GER No. 140.  The 'Loco Coal' wagon has been completed, restoration of a GER 5-plank open is under way and work is about to recommence on the the 1869 GER horse box. A second GER 10-ton steel-framed van has been delivered and is to be brought back to authentic GER condition. Leasing 'the Works' has allowed rolling stock restoration to continue in all weather conditions.

 

Ground frames and interlocking pointwork have been installed in the station area, while at the far end of the track the 'copse siding' has been completed in readiness for the Santa Specials. 

 

Could 92 Squadron have a new owner?

In May 2008, some three years after arriving at the North Norfolk Railway, ‘Battle of Britain’ pacific no. 34081 92 Squadron failed its boiler exam. Since then it has been out of traffic awaiting a full overhaul and a new boiler certificate.  Owning group The Battle of Britain Locomotive Society has applied for a Heritage Lottery Grant, putting the repair programme on hold until the application has been considered.

 

Although the BoBLS has received offers for the loco, it has so far declined to accept any, preferring to carry out the overhaul itself and retain ownership.  However, should the grant application fail, proposals regarding returning no.34081 to traffic might receive a readier welcome. For the moment, though, the BoBLS is continuing its fund raising with the aim of beginning the overhaul.

 

Away from the Tracks

 

Wroxham signalbox project launched

The project to restore Wroxham's ex-GER signalbox and transform it into a  museum has been launched.

 

On September 30 invited representatives of local organisations learnt about plans to refurbish the Grade II-listed box and reopen it so that people can appreciate its former role.  Redundant since 2000, the box contains its original 50-lever frame. In 2007 it was moved several feet away from the running line to improve drivers' view of a colour-light signal.

 

The Wroxham Signalbox Trust leases the box and surrounding land from Network Rail.  Chairman of the Trust, Peter Bower, told the gathering that restoration work is expected to cost £40,000.  He thanked the Railway Heritage Trust which has agreed to fund part of the project. 

 

Marriott's Way bridge closure

The old M&GN bridge at Hellesdon which carries the Marriott's Way walking and cycle route across the River Wensum  has been closed for up to 13 weeks so that it can undergo major maintenance work.

 

The bridge, often described as 'A-Frame',  is 4.3m wide and crosses the river in a single 23.8m span.  Norfolk County Council is spending £230,000 to improve it and extend its life. The metalwork will be repainted, a new non-slip concrete deck fitted, and a new parapet fence erected.  Three years ago a survey found that 345 cyclists used the traffic-free path into Norwich  on an average day.

 

Decision time for Vauxhall bridge

It was once busy with wagons trundling to and from the quayside, but for years the railway bridge over the River Bure at Yarmouth Vauxhall has been reduced to a pedestrian route from the station (and latterly, Asda) to North Quay and the town centre.

 

Now Norfolk County Council is to look at different options for the semi-derelict bridge's future.  Possible options include:  demolition and replacement with a new bridge; creating a new cycle bridge through the structure; and complete refurbishment, possibly to carry public transport.  Sustrans, the cycleways charity is to be consulted, as will urban regeneration company 1st East and borough council planning officers.  A decision is likely to be taken early next year.