Volunteers’ outcry halts sixcoach sale

SIX Mk.2 carriages were listed for sale by the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust, including some from its awardwinning blue-grey set – but were swiftly withdrawn when members voiced their objections and concerns.

Four of the vehicles being offered were air-braked only and represent several of the variations of the Mk.2 design (types a, e and f). Two further vehicles were vacuum-braked only but required complete restoration.

The decision to dispose of these caused much upset among the line’s supporting volunteer workforce, with the blue-grey stock having been a key factor in the MNR’s winning of the 2012 Heritage Railway Association Modern Traction Award, recognising the line’s excellence in portraying the BR 1970s era with matching locomotives and stock for the period.

The sale of one of only two vacuum-braked vehicles – BSO No. 9409 – saw members raise concerns about having sufficient vehicles available for galas and events using locomotives only fitted with vacuum brakes, such as BR 2-6-4T 4MT No. 80078 that has recently returned from winter maintenance and a visit to Essex (see News, page 22).

Consulting membership

Days after the disposal list was published, the trust council withdrew all coaches from sale, along with the ex-Hitchin Ransome & Rapier 60ft turntable, acquired as part of the plans for Dereham station.

A statement said: “The coaches identified for sale was based on the operational needs of the railway and their likely future use in service, the need to free up siding space and reduce shunting operations.

“The cost of refurbishment and finally the time it will take to get some of the coaches back into service were the factors considered.

“It has however now become clear that the trust council had not fully appreciated the sentiment that some members have towards some of the coaches in particular, and as such, a consultation exercise that will allow members to express their views will be held.”