Mid Norfolk Turntable

It looks like the Mid Norfolk has accquired the table from Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.
http://www.derehamtimes.co.uk/news/...c_turntable_for_its_dereham_station_1_3987271

 

where's the "similar" one in the photo?

 

That looks like Wansford quite a few years ago before the station buildings were built.

 

It's the former Hitchin turntable so good to see it's getting a working future. Last steam loco, or any loco for that matter, to be turned on it is thought to have been 7029 on 17th September 1967 prior to working a rail tour.

 

I remember helping to break this out of the pit at Hitchin. Had a vacuum engine to drive it.

 

1977.....38 years ago...... just saying

 

You feeling old RG? Have to say this is good news they just need somthing to turn on it. Like a B17 maybe!

 

Do you think they'll start debating what colour it'll be next? LNER black or BR Black?! =-O

 

Just the branding on triple grey or the whole hog with orange wrap round ends?!

 

what's with that odd track layout in 1977?

looks like a Channel 4 bit they put up before the programmes

 

Bit more of an update can be found here http://www.mnr.org.uk/category/news/ have to say that with Mr Howells in charge this one's a goer.

 

Track laying was still underway in 1977. What you see is the yard layout before it was completed.

 

bit of an obvious statement that.....why did they put in that odd bit of crossover would be more to the point.... surely they didn't build the turntable to line up with an existing piece of track?

 

My recollection is that the crossing in the picture was part of what became a trolley bed. The acquisition of a set of tandem turnouts from Rye House power station and a single slip enabled the yard to be remodelled later, so that access to the southern part of the sheds no longer needs to be via the turntable. This gives a more flexible layout and means that the turntable is subject to less wear and tear. Given the expansion of Wansford shed since 1977 this is very convenient: if I recall correctly, when the photograph was taken what is now the centre shed did not exist, to say nothing of the recent heavy overhaul shed.

 

Perhaps the MNR should construct a larger diameter pit to accommodate a turntable extension in the future.

To eschew turning pacific locos may be a mistake.

 

Just do what Barrow Hill do and use an outrigger though for the life of me I've no idea how they work...