North Norfolk Railway Steam Gala 7th - 9th March 2014

From the North Norfolk Railway website :

"The North Norfolk Railway is pleased to announce that LNER Class A4 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' has been booked to attend this event, subject to gauging clearance from Network Rail for it to arrive by rail over the Sheringham level crossing, unfortunately if clearance is not forthcoming it will put the visit in jeopardy. We hope that the A4 will be cleared to run through to Sheringham from Norwich in the same way that 'Tornado' and other iconic locomotives have for recent events."

 

Looking at The Latest Steam Railway Magazine The Locos Are...
Visitors : LNER A4 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley
GNR N2 1744
Home Based: LNER B12 8572
Black 5 44767 George Stevenson (First Gala Since Overhaul)
Ex GWR 56xx 5619
BR Standard 76084

 

Notice on the GCR Weekly newsletter it says:

Does that mean it will be staying on after the gala for peak season does anyone know for sure?

 

Could be the MNR, think their resident has been pulled in for overhaul.

 

Just noticed the new MNR website, much better!!

 

NickPreston I thought the same, just wondered if anyone was able to give any sort of definite answer, but guess it maybe too early as yet.

 

It's booked for the NNR March gala on the 7th to 9th so guess a short spell there maybe, then on to the MNR up the road.

 

Seems like a logical explanation as I would've thought that the NNR should be ok for Locomotives during peak season this year.

 

Notice on the GCR Weekly newsletter:

 

Was about to post the same thing, glad that the MNR has been able to get in a loco for the summer - fairly close to me too, so hopefully should get to see lots of 1744 this year!

 

According to the NNR's General Manager on Twitter, Network Rail have withdrawn permission for 60007 to visit the railway. They report that they are desperately searching for a replacement.

https://twitter.com/Teady_/status/439350771222851584

James

 

I'll swear NR do this sort of thing on purpose. Useless bunch of.............................

 

The General Manager of the North Norfolk Railway, Trevor Eady, has released this statement following the withdrawal of 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley from it's 2014 March Steam Gala.

"Network Rail have advised that the A4 Sir Nigel Gresley will not be permitted to use the Norwich to Sheringham Line due to weight restrictions. This information has been given to us at a very late stage when the formal route permissions had already been issued. The North Norfolk Railway is devastated at this news as it has strived to bring this Iconic locomotive to the Railway for sometime. The owners of the Locomotive are likewise extremely disappointed as will be all the visitors planning to see the Locomotive during its visit. All the paperwork had been provided to Network Rail as requested at the end of 2013 and all appeared to have been cleared for the operation this late decision is extremely disappointing and damaging to the Railways reputation. We hope that everyone still attends the Gala which will feature all our based loco’s including the newly returned to service George Stephenson Black five and the Standard 4 76084."

 

Well Gresley's weight has not changed for many years so this really does smack of either incompetence or negligence or worse from Nr, the not fit for any purpose network operator.

 

Disappointing news, just hope the NNR can find a replacement!

 

The news is also devastating for all of the SNGLPTL member's and no doubt for the trustees too, in addition to the team at the NNR. All of the folks involved have worked hard to make 60007's visit happen and now NR's about turn have made it go pear-shaped.
I hope NNR manage to secure another guest loco though at such short notice.
Anne

 

Gala 7th to 9th March 2014
Network Rail have advised that the A4 Sir Nigel Gresley will not be permitted to use the Norwich to Sheringham Line due to weight restrictions. This information has been given to us at a very late stage when the formal route permissions had already been issued. The North Norfolk Railway is devastated at this news as it has strived to bring this Iconic locomotive to the Railway for sometime. The owners of the Locomotive are likewise extremely disappointed as will be all the visitors planning to see the Locomotive during its visit. All the paperwork had been provided to Network Rail as requested at the end of 2013 and all appeared to have been cleared for the operation this late decision is extremely disappointing and damaging to the Railways reputation. We hope that everyone still attends the Gala which will feature all our based loco’s including the newly returned to service George Stephenson Black five and the Standard 4 76084.

General Manager

Trevor Eady

 

It's a real shame that SNG is not going to the gala but there are still 5 other steam engines there and a busy timetable so all is not lost. I for one am hoping, if they can't get another at short notice, they may put out the green 31 or 37 diesels to fill the gap. That happened last year after the Britannia incident and for me the 31 looked right at home. For anyone whose choice is not to have diesels then its a chance to have a cup of tea and a bite to eat without missing anything.

As for why Network Rail has refused permission for SNG, presumably the A4 hasn't suddenly gained weight (To many cakes at Mallards Celebrations?) so has the track work deteriorated between Norwich and Sherringham?

 

from a humble rail enthusiast, what is the weight of Sir Nigel Gresley compared to something like Tangmere, Tornado, Oliver Cromwell, a black five. And is there a weight difference between SNG, Bittern, Union of South Africa? I hope it will not limit what the NNR can have for future gala's coming over the level crossing.

 

I'm afraid I don't know the answer to the last point but having spent so much time and money on the level crossing you really hope it won't be too prohibitive for the NNR. This comment was posted on the M&GN Joint Railway Society facebook page - it doesn't mean much to me sadly but maybe a reader knows what this restriction means:

"The Sheringham branch has been downgraded from Route Availability (RA) 9 to RA6, forcing the cancellation. We'll share more news as and when the NNR knows more."

On a seperate point I gather the telephone staff at the NNR have had numerous phone calls about the A4 and many have been angry and abusive to them. I'm just a member of the public and equally frustrated at the absence of the A4 but it's not the fault of the NNR or it's staff and it's very unfair to abuse them for just trying to help, if you want to have a go at someone then maybe these people should be speaking to Network Rail......