DEVELOPMENTS AT DEREHAM AS THREE TRACKS GO INTO SHED

Amid the hectic preparations for its Summer Steam Gala (see separate story, p24), the Mid-Norfolk Railway still managed to lay two tracks into its new shed at Dereham.

A single road had been constructed into the building, and the first locomotive (a Class 33 diesel) had entered on June 4

– but the other two roads were completed on Thursday June 27, the day before the gala.

The only previous covered accommodation on the MNR was the goods shed at Dereham, and a BR Mk 1 Tourist Second Open has already entered the new shed for restoration.

The track was re-used in the shed after being lifted from the Up platform in Dereham station, where it was originally laid as part of a contract to transport Ministry of Defence vehicles.

New track was laid in its place, which will allow passenger trains to use the platform for the first time. Before this can happen, however, signalling needs to be provided and the turnout renewed to the north of the level crossing, as well as constructing a disabled access path.

Subject to fundraising, it is later planned to restore the platform to its steam-era appearance by reinstating the canopy on the side of the goods shed, and constructing a new footbridge to the original design.

An original GER footbridge was acquired for the project – but was found to be in poor condition and has now been sold on. “It would have cost £150,000 to rebuild, but we reckon we can get a new one built for £100k,” said MNR General Manager George Saville.

TOBY JENNINGS/SR The Mid-Norfolk Railway’s new shed at Dereham, pictured during the line’s Summer Steam Gala on June 29, with two of the three roads having been laid two days before.

TOBY JENNINGS/SR Another major development in the Mid-Norfolk Railway’s infrastructure has been the construction of five sidings near Kimberley Park, to store new Stadtler Class 745 electric and Class 755 bi-mode multiple units before they enter service with Greater Anglia.