West Coast Railways gala at the Mid Norfolk Railway 30th May to 1st June

WEST COAST RAILWAYS ARE COMING TO THE HERITAGE RAILWAY OF THE YEAR

The Mid Norfolk Railway is pleased, and honoured to announce an extra, one off event for 2014, the West Coast Railways gala, in partnership with West Coast Railways.

Running from Friday 30th May until Sunday 1st June, will be a one-off event featuring West Coast Railway Company Steam Locos. The Mid Norfolk railway will be operating a special timetable for this event.

It should not be underestimated just how truly unique this event is; apart from a single visit many years ago, the West Coast fleet of steam locos, has never featured at any Heritage railways until now.

The event will have at least 3 visitors with LMS Royal Scot 46115 ‘Scots Guardsman’ and LMS Jubilee 45699 ‘Galatea’, as well as either a Stanier 8F or a Black 5 to complete the line-up.This will be your one and only opportunity to get up close and personal with these giants of mainline steam on a heritage railway.

None of these steam locomotives are types that would have worked in Norfolk during the days of steam, being normally associated with the Midlands and Northern parts of Great Britain.

Along with our partners West Coast Railways we are pleased to announce that Morton Media are helping to sponsor the event, with their publications Railway Magazine and Heritage Railways.

Further details can be found by visiting our mini website at http://westcoast.mnr.org.uk

West Coast Railways are the country's leading operator of steam locomotives and charter trains on Network Rail, and runs many highly successful charter trains, including the 'Jacobite', and Scarborough Spa Express. West Coast Railways also operate charter trains on behalf of many other companies, including the Railway Touring Company, The Cathedrals express and The Statesman limited.

 

Looking forward to this!

 

48151 at GCR
5972 at NYMR(in it's green days) and GWR

Which was the single visit they refer to?

 

5972 visited the Gloucester & Warwickshire in 2009 - http://philmetcalfe.zenfolio.com/p52575960/h640f5eb#h640f5eb

 

I'd be surprised if black 5 or 8F didn't go to Norfolk in LMS or BR days since there were LMS lines in Norfolk, there were a lot of 8Fs and LMS 5MTs, and they survived to the end of steam.

 

I believe the MNR is in discussion with WCR about the possibility of WCR supplying some coaches for this event.

 

That could be the ECS of the year if they do !.. Sell tickets, I don't care if there's no buffet, it starts at 4am and I've got to board via the side steps in some yard , triple headed staniers up front could be a treat on the mainline.

As its an all WC gig, could it see through services from Wynmondham mainline station ?

 

I think they are getting at just 48151 on the GCR seeing as 5972 is not visiting the MNR.

 

Rare in recent years, but 48151 and 44932 used to be resident at Butterley and ran there often enough "before they were famous".

 

Planning on heading up for this Gala as a colleague at work told me to keep the date free but he couldn't say anymore until I read it on here about the event.

I've been advised that the discussion on mk1's coming along are true so I guess wait to see on how they arrive. If I hear anything and it's ok to post it, I'll let you all know. The other rake will be there own maroon vac braked stock.

 

What the best way to get to this event by train?

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

Looking at the attached, 20min walk from the nearest station,

http://www.mnr.org.uk/index.php/find-us/

TOC's network map also,

http://www.abelliogreateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/journey-planning/network-map

 

The MNR mini web site for the gala (http://westcoast.mnr.org.uk/index.html) has the following information, http://westcoast.mnr.org.uk/gethereW.html, and notes that there will be a vintage bus service connecting the two Wymondham stations. It is interesting to note that in addition to the regular Greater Anglia services, some additional East Midlands Trains services will be stopping.

If you fancy a walk (approx 15 mins) the following map may help - http://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/leisure/media/Tiffey_Valley_Map.pdf

 

We are very grateful to East Midlands trains for putting on extra services to Wymondham, support like this is lovely to see.

The walk is about 15 mins over quite flat ground, but the vintage bus makes it even easier! Looking forward to seeing you all at the event.

 

Maybe driving to this event on the Sunday. Which is the best station for parking ?

 

Just seen that the timetable has gone online.
http://westcoast.mnr.org.uk

 

Online booking has now gone live for the event - book early and benefit from standard gala prices. Link is at http://tickets.mnr.org.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=59_91

Other things to be announced nearer the time.

James, MNR.

 

James, do you know if the loco allocations will be posted on line or if there a charge for them?

I'll be visiting on all 3 days, and I think it's an understatement to say that I'm rather looking forward to it!

James