Pannier in for ‘WD’ at North Norfolk gala

by

THE North Norfolk Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala on October 1-3 was the line’s most successful in four years, producing an upturn in passenger numbers not seen since the visit of ‘A1’ No. 60163 Tornado in 2013.

Visiting 0-6-0PT No. 7714 pilots S&D ‘7F’ 2-8-0 No. 53809 on the approach to Weybourne on September 2. The pannier was an 11th-hour replacement for ‘WD’ 2-8-0 No. 90733. BRIAN SHARPE

However, just one week before the event, the railway received the news the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway’s ‘WD’ 2-8-0 No. 90733 would not be able to attend owing to the unavailability of a police escort.

It had been hoped the ‘Dub-Dee’s’ visit would enable the railway to showcase the first preservation pairing of an ‘Austerity’ 2-8-0 and 2-10-0, but regrettably No. 90733’s absence meant this had to be postponed.

Article continues below…
Advert

Monthly Subscription: Enjoy more Railway Magazine reading each month with free delivery to you door, and access to over 100 years in the archive, all for just £5.35 per month.
Click here to subscribe & save

An 11th-hour replacement was found in the form of the SVR Pannier Tank Fund’s ‘57XX’ 0-6-0PT No. 7714, which proved to be quite a draw in its own right.

Also visiting for the gala was West Somerset Railway-based ‘7F’ 2-8-0 No. 53809, courtesy of its owner John Moorhouse.

Read more in October’s issue of The RM – on sale now!

Article continues below…
Advert


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


Article Tags:

About the Author