North Norfolk Railway 2003

5th October 40th Anniversary of the "Wandering 1500"

Full marks to the NNR, as 61572 really did look the part, with prototypical whitened buffers, train headcode and (the original) tour headboard. For those of you that don't now anything about the "Wandering 1500", a brief history. The "Wandering 1500" was the name of a rail tour featuring 61572 that took place in 1963. Organised by the M&GNJR Society to raise funds, the tour ran from London's Broad Street station to Stratford-Upon-Avon, and return. The "Wandering 1500" was in fact, only the second rail tour on British Railways that featured a privately owned steam loco. This was to be the last time the B12 was to steam until after restoration in East Germany (some 30 years later). Today's event featured not only 61572, but J15 65462 and WD 90775 (which incidentally is now staying at the railway until December).

20–21st September 40s Weekend

After a busy two days at the SVR it was off to the NNR on Sunday for a couple of hours of 40's nostalgia. I was told that there might be a possibility that the WD would be put into pseudo WD livery, an opportunity not to be missed. But I was a little disappointed to find out that this wasn't the case. But, I could live with this. However, was very disappointed at the NNR's attempt to put the J15 into war time black livery, I mean how can you do this without the simple task of removing the cast BR number and shed plates! So I have (with a little help from Photoshop) removed them and put the "little goods" it into "proper" NE black livery.

5–7th September Steam Gala

I must start off by saying how much I enjoyed this year's event. Not since 8F 48305 visited in 1996 have I came away with such a buzz! Ok so this years gala may not have had the quantity of locos (seen in previous years) but certainly made up for it in quality. If this is the first taste of the NNR's new Locomotive Policy, I'm all for it! What about the return of 61264 for next year's event? together with 69621? Now that would be something! This was the first gala in which the NNR has had three ex-BR tender locomotives in attendance (if you include 90775 as ex-BR!). All four locomotives featured can be seen below; B12 61572, J15 65462, WD Austerity 2-10-0 90775, and last (but by no means least) Hunslet 0-6-0ST 1982 Ring Haw.

22nd June Diesel Gala

This years gala saw (as usual) the operation of all of the NNR's resident traction, including Class 25 D5207, Class 27 27103, Class 31 5500, and Class 37 D6732. It was hoped that Class 47 47367 would make its debut at the event, but due to the extent of the overhaul will not run until the end of the year. One of this years highlights was the repainting of 27103 in Rail Blue. Also running on a special service was B12 61572.