Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Hook Slip

Network Rail Wessex route director Mark Killick said:

“This is a huge landslip and will have a massive effect on customers. The main line to Basingstoke is the spine of our railway and there will be knock-on impacts across the route.

“I can only apologise for the scale of the disruption and please ask that customers check before they travel this week, not just on the affected section, but all the way up the line to London Waterloo, where many of the trains that would use this section of railway start and finish their journeys.

“We’re still assessing the damage and it’s difficult to put a detailed timescale in place, but we know it’s going to be at least a week.

“We will need to stabilise the embankment, essentially stopping it moving, and then rebuild the railway where it has slid away. We’ll keep everyone informed of our progress and I can only say thank you to everyone for their patience and apologise again for the disruption. Please look out for further updates from South Western Railway on the revised timetable, once this has been able to be confirmed.”
 
16th January 2023

Fox Group reopens sidings in Lancashire as new aggregates railhead​

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66509 on 6N42 19:02 Turnstead - Leyland​

The Fox Group has brought back into use some sidings at Leyland in Lancashire that were originally built in 1953 to support the manufacture of Centurion Tanks at the outbreak of the Korean War.

When originally built, the sidings were managed by the Ministry of Supply, but in 1956 were taken over by Leyland Motors, the forerunner of British Leyland, who used them until 1986, for the delivery of car and bus parts for its factories on the business park.

The sidings remained in use until about 1997.

In 2018 they were relaid and used by Network Rail for storage during the electrification of the line to Blackpool.
 
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Constructing Fox Group’s new railhead at Leyland​

Fox Group has been working for over two years to bring the railhead into operation for handling aggregates, and has worked closely with Lancashire County Council to return it to its intended purposes.

The new railhead allows the group to enhance its sustainability initiatives, as rail allows larger amounts of material to be delivered in a much more efficient and greener way.

The company made headlines in June of 2022 when they introduced the UK’s first electric tipper wagons, two Volvo FE Electric 6×2 tippers, which are based out of the group’s Leyland depot.

By combining the use of the electric wagons with its railhead operations, they will make a great impact on the group’s carbon emissions.
 
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Constructing Fox Group’s new railhead at Leyland​

In recent years, the group has made determined efforts to cut their carbon emissions through the use of multiple items of electric plant machinery, the electric wagons, and now by opening the railhead.

They have also ordered more electric wagons for delivery later this year.

The first train to use the newly opened railhead was 6N42 operated by Freightliner which departed from Tunstead at 19:02 on Monday, 9th January, and arrived at Leyland at 22:42 loaded with 1800 tonnes of aggregates, which is the equivalent of 95 eight-wheeler lorry loads.

The aggregates will be distributed to customers via Fox Group’s lorries.
 
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The new railhead at Leyland​

To get to the railhead, the train travelled via Chinley and New Mills on what was part of the old Manchester Midland Main Line between Manchester and London, it was then routed through Altrincham before joining the West Coast Main Line just south of Warrington and headed north through Warrington and Wigan to Leyland.
 
16th January 2023

Services resume on closed Metro line after substation rebuilt in Sunderland​

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Metro train at level crossing​

Services have resumed on the Tyne and Wear Metro between Park Lane and South Hylton after Network Rail engineers completely rebuilt a damaged electricity substation in Sunderland.

Until last Friday, 13th January, Nexus (which operates the Tyne and Wear Metro) had been unable to run services between Park Lane and South Hylton stations as that stretch of the line depends on the substation for its power.

During the line’s closure, services were provided by rail-replacement bus services.
 
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Damaged cables at Pallion substation​

The substation at Pallion in Sunderland suffered extensive damage when it was flooded by heavy rainfall in the middle of November 2022.

The combination of water and electricity caused a fire which meant that the substation, which takes energy from the National Grid and transforms it into lower voltage power for the Metro’s overhead electric wires, was no longer safe to use.
 
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Damaged cables at Pallion substation​

Since then, Network Rail engineers have been working to completely rebuild the substation.

They first remove the damaged equipment, then carried out a major rewiring of the equipment that critically monitors the overhead electric lines, and followed it up with a rigorous programme of testing.
 
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Damaged control panel at Pallion substation​

Martin Errington, Infrastructure Maintenance Engineer for Network Rail, who has been leading the repairs said:

“This hasn’t been an easy task – the water damage was so significant that the team needed to completely rebuild the facility before trains could run normally again. We’ve been working alongside industry specialists to restore power quickly and safely, and I’m really pleased that passengers can use this section of the Metro line again.

“We’re grateful to passengers, businesses, and the community for bearing with us over the last few months. The new substation will help to offer a more reliable Metro service for many years to come so that people can continue to enjoy the great connections it provides.”

Metro Operations Director, John Alexander, said:

“We are pleased to resume services on the line between Park Lane and South Hylton and are grateful to our customers for their patience while Network Rail have undertaken the repairs.

“There was significant water damage to the substation at Pallion, which has been completely rebuilt on schedule by Network Rail in what was a complex project.

“The restoration of the power supply at Pallion substation will also enable us to resume a 12-minute Metro service frequency on the entire Sunderland line.”

Overhead electric wires as used on Metro can carry up to 25,000 volts and are always on.

Anyone coming into contact with the lines can suffer life-changing or fatal injuries.

Information about how to stay safe around the railway can be found online at youvstrain.co.uk.
 
16th January 2023

Transport experts back plans for upgrades in Nottingham​

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Nottingham City Line​

Councillors and transport experts have met today (16th January) in Nottingham for a transport summit.

They have shared plans for improvements to the city’s transport network.

Midlands Connect worked in partnership with Nottingham City Council to organise the event which saw discussions of proposed improvements and a presentation of innovative transport developments.

Nottingham is already ahead when it comes to innovative transport, with the announcement of a £11m investment for electric buses announced last year.

Midlands Connect presented an update on their proposals for rail improvements in Nottingham.

Including work to the Nottingham to Lincoln Line. They are aiming to reduce journey times and improve safety.

Tawhida Yaacoub, Senior Rail Programme Manager at Midlands Connect commented:

“It’s great to be here in Nottingham today sharing our plans to improve connectivity to the city.

“Nottingham is such an important and key city in our patch so we want to showcase how we can help its residents keep moving.”

Cllr Audra Wynter, Portfolio holder for Transport at Nottingham City Council added:

“Both Nottingham City Council and Midlands Connect have such exciting plans for enhancing transport options in Nottingham. It is fantastic to come together and share these ideas with members of the community.”
 
16th January 2023

Boiler for steam locomotive NG15 No. 134 arrives in North Wales​

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134 and boiler at Dinas​

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway’s has announced that the boiler for NG No. 134 has arrived back in Dinas this month after being overhauled.

The Kalahari’s boiler has been away being overhauled at Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough.
 
17th January 2023

Heritage Southern Region DEMU purchased by The Bluebell Railway​

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Thumper 1305​

The Bluebell Railway has purchased former Southern Region DEMU No. 1305 and will become part of the heritage railway’s fleet.

The Unit was previously owned and looked after by the Coulsdon Old Vehicle & Engineering Society and saw a team focus on restoring No. 1305 to working condition ahead of its sale to the railway.

Introduced in 1962 following favourable results from the Hastings and Hampshire units, the Southern Region were specifically built for use on the Oxted Line to East Grinstead and Tunbridge Wells West.

No. 1305 was built and numbered in BR days and was based at St. Leonards and Eastleigh and finished its hard-working life at Selhurst ahead of being moved to preservation.

This class of DEMU saw many passenger duties including regular operation out of London Bridge or London Victoria to East Grinstead and may have even seen work on Imberhorne Viaduct.

Paul Russell, Locomotive Engineering Director, said:

“I am pleased that we have been able to acquire this DEMU which completes another part of the jigsaw that will allow us to depict the Southern Region scene in the sixties and seventies and these units were synonymous with commuter services to and from East Grinstead. It will form a useful and economic means of bringing passengers to our railway earlier than is currently possible and allowing them to spend a full day exploring the line and experiencing the sight and sound of steam and for some the nostalgia of the daily commute.”
 
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Former Southern Region DEMU No. 1305​

No. 1305 is the very first and only Bluebell-owned diesel unit which will be used for passenger services on the railway as other diesel locomotives at the railway are privately owned.

The DEMU will be restored further and maintained by the 1305 Thumper Group which operates a similar approach to that of the successful Bluebell Rail Goods Division and will save both time and the use of personnel from the Bluebell Railway Carriage & Wagon department.

The railway is still finalising No. 1305’s arrival with all parties involved.
 
17th January 2023

Class 37 and GWR steam locomotives feature in Vintage Trains’ programme for 2023​

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Vintage Trains have revealed a wonderful programme of tours for 2023 and will see a celebration for the centenary of Great Western Castle locomotives alongside the introduction of their latest addition – English Electric Class 37 for their Express Steam and Explorer day out experiences.

The programme also sees a number of new destinations alongside some old favourites including the well-loved Welsh Marches, Cardiff, Norwich, Llandudno, the stunning Settle and Carlisle line, York and the ongoing and ever popular – The Shakespeare Express

The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe is returning for the season, which is expected to steam at Tyseley Locomotive Works in February.

The locomotive’s new superheater header has been manufactured and machined, and the locomotive finally reassembled and partially repainted for service in 2023 for her booked trains.

The first of 5043’s tours is called Castles Up the Lickey and will take place in March, and is a very popular route with advice given to book now in order to welcome the Earl!
 
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Earl of Mount Edgecumbe preparing for this season’s tours​

The Shakespeare Express will also get underway on the 12th of February, departing Birmingham Moor Street or Stratford upon Avon.

The popular tour provides a regular steam experience and this year sees more dates than ever, providing an hour’s journey in each direction between Birmingham and Stratford upon Avon.

Saturday the 13th of May sees The Welsh Marches Express which departs Birmingham New Street station or Wolverhampton and returns to Birmingham Snow Hill.

Travelling along the Great Western Railway main lines, the Castle class locomotives will double head for a fabulous day which sees a journey through an array of charming views of the Welsh and English borders.

On Saturday the 3rd of June, The Cumbrian Coast Explorer to Ravenglass and Carlisle will take place, departing from Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Stafford and Crewe with English Electric Class 37.

The tour will travel the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth before branching off to journey the breathtaking Cumbrian Coast Line to Carlisle with its incredible views of sea coast and foothills of the Lake District mountains.
 
17th January 2023

West Midlands Railway services to see increased penalty fares from Monday the 23rd of January​

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West Midlands Railway services are seeing a significant raised to its Penalty Fares and from Monday the 23rd of January will be a minimum of £100, the penalty can be reduced to £50 by paying within 21 days alongside the full price of the full single fare applicable.

The Penalty Fare is currently £20 or double the full single fare to the next station, whichever is larger.

The new penalty fare has been introduced following a national consultation by the Department for Transport and will be in action right across the rail network.

Annamaria Izzard, head of revenue protection at WMR, said:

“Every year around £240million of revenue nationally is lost to the railway through fare evasion, taking money away from vital improvements to the network and ultimately costing the taxpayer.

“The vast majority of our passengers already do the right thing and buy their ticket before travelling but I hope these changes will encourage more people to think twice about ticketless travel.”
 
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West Midlands Railway Class 196​

West Midlands Railway is reminding passengers to purchase a valid ticket ahead of boarding a train.

Tickets can be purchased online, at a station ticket office or at vending machines, customers can also buy tickets using the West Midlands Railway app.

Penalty fares could be applied to customers via the national Penalty Fare scheme if they:
  • Travel without a valid ticket
  • Can’t show an appropriate Railcard for a discounted ticket
  • Travel in First Class with a Standard Class ticket
  • Are travelling on a child ticket, but are 16 or over
  • Travel beyond the destination on their ticket
 
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17th January 2023

Rail Strikes: ASLEF rejects new proposals and announces new strike dates​

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LNER​

Train drivers union, ASLEF, has announced that it has rejected a new proposal from train operators and has announced new strike dates in February.

Strikes will now take place on the 1st and 3rd February 2023.

The strikes will affect Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; CrossCountry; East Midlands Railway; Great Western Railway; Greater Anglia; GTR Great Northern Thameslink; London North Eastern Railway; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Southern/Gatwick Express; South Western Railway (depot drivers only); SWR Island Line; TransPennine Express; and West Midlands Trains.

The strikes are part of the ongoing dispute over pay and conditions, with 6 strike days already held.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, said:

‘The proposal is not and could not ever be acceptable but we are willing to engage in further discussions within the process that we previously agreed.’

‘It’s now clear to our members, and to the public, that this was never about reform or modernisation but an attempt to get hundreds of millions of pounds of productivity for a 20% pay cut while taking away any hope of the union having any say in the future. Irreparable harm has been done to the integrity of the negotiating process and the future ability to negotiate an appropriate way forward, but we make ourselves available anyway.

‘Not only is the offer a real-terms pay cut, with inflation running north of 10%, but it came with so many conditions attached that it was clearly unacceptable. They want to rip up our terms and conditions in return for a real-terms pay cut! It was clearly a rushed offer, made just before our meeting with the minister, and not one, it seems to me, that was designed to be accepted. Our members at these companies have not had an increase since 2019, despite soaring inflation, and it is time the companies – encouraged, perhaps, by the government – sat down with us and got serious.

‘That is the way – and the only way – to end this dispute.’

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, said:

“It’s disappointing our fair and affordable offer, which would take average driver base salaries from £60,000 to nearly £65,000 by the end of 2023 pay awards, wasn’t put to the Aslef members. With taxpayers still funding up to an extra £175 million a month to make up the shortfall in revenue post-covid, it provided a significant salary uplift while bringing in long overdue, common-sense reforms that would mean more reliable services for passengers. Rather than announcing further unnecessary strikes, we ask Aslef to recognise the very real financial challenge the industry is facing and work with us to deliver a better railway with a strong long-term future.”
 
17th January 2023

The EPB Preservation Group reveal fundraiser for 2EPB 5759 Bogie Swap​

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EPB Preservation Group's No. 5759​

The EPB Preservation Group are focused on the restoration and preservation of third-rail electrical multiple-unit trains or EMUs.

The group has recently announced a fundraiser in order to support the return of 2EPB 5759 to mainline operation.

Three overhaul bogies have now been secured for 5759 and will be swapped for the ones currently in use, whilst one current trailer bogie which is fitted to the Driving Trailer 77558 will be overhauled.
 
17th January 2023

RMT union announces February strike dates​

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The RMT Union has announced that 14 train operators will be affected by strike action during February.

Strike action will take place on the 1st and 3rd February 2023, which are the same dates as those announced by ASLEF earlier today.

The strike on the 1st February coincides with a TUC day of action where several other unions are also striking.

Chiltern Railways, Cross Country Trains, Greater Anglia, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, Great Western Railway, Northern, South Eastern, South Western Railway, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, GTR (including Gatwick Express) will all be affected by strike action.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said:

“Our negotiations will continue with the rail operators to create a package on jobs, conditions and pay that can be offered to our members.”
 
18th January 2023

Finland’s VR orders sleepers and car carriers from Škoda Transtech​

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New rolling stock for night train traffic from Škoda Transtech

Škoda Transtech Oy, Škoda’s Finnish rail equipment subsidiary, has won a €50 million contract from the Finnish train operator VR to supply nine sleeper coaches and eight car-carrier coaches.

The new rolling stock is to meet Finland’s growing demand for overnight train travel, as well as passenger expectations, and to make travelling by train at night even more popular.

They are due for delivery by the end of 2025 for use on routes with overnight services from Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere, to Oulu, Rovaniemi, Kemijärvi, and Kolari.
 
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New car carrier for night train traffic from Škoda Transtech ​

VR’s current night train fleet comprises 80 sleeper coaches and 33 car-carrier coaches, and these will be supplemented by the new rolling stock.

Within the contract, there is an option to purchase an extra 30 sleeper coaches and 30 car-carrier coaches, which would allow VR e to increase the number of its night train services or routes in the future.

They would also allow the replacement of its old blue sleeper coaches which are due for withdrawal in the early 2030s.
 
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Sleeper compartment in new night train from Škoda Transtech​

Škoda Transtech’s Finnish factory at Otanmäki in Kajaani will build the new sleeper coaches and car-carrier coaches.

VR has a contract with Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications to operate night traffic and funds the procurement of new rolling stock.

To pay for this procurement, some of the costs are refunded to VR by the Ministry of Transport and Communications as specified in the contractual arrangements.
 
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New night sleeper coach from Škoda Transtech

Elisa Markula, CEO of VR, said:

“We are pleased to note that the popularity of night train travel has grown by 17 per cent, compared to 2018. With these new coaches, we want to meet the wishes of our customers and further develop the travel experience. For instance, working and having meals in your own cabin will be even more comfortable in the future.”

Juha Vierros, CEO of Škoda Transtech, said:

“Our night train coaches are a good example of modern rolling stock design, helping to develop rail traffic as an attractive alternative. This deal will strengthen the order book of our Otanmäki factory and maintain the region’s vitality and competitiveness.”
 
18th January 2023

East Midlands Railway to increase fines for fare dodgers to £100​

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Class 180 train​

From next Monday, 23rd January, anyone travelling on East Midlands Railway (EMR) train services without a valid ticket will be issued with a £100 fine in addition to the cost of a single ticket.

The increase from the current level of £20 is the first increase in Penalty Fares in England since 2005, and is being brought in by the Department for Transport.

If paid within 21 days, the fine is reduced to £50, plus the price of the full applicable single fare.

Passengers may be charged a Penalty Fare if:
  • They travel without a valid ticket;
  • Are unable to produce the appropriate Railcard;
  • Travel in First Class accommodation with a Standard ticket;
  • Are 16 or over and are travelling on a Child Rate ticket;
  • Travel beyond the destination stated on the ticket.
Passengers should buy their ticket before they travel from a ticket office, ticket machine, or online.

If a ticket office is closed, customers can purchase a ticket before they board a train at a ticket machine or online.

Customers can appeal a Penalty Fare through a process that includes an independent panel to ensure fairness and appropriate use of the legislation.

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director at East Midlands Railway, said:

“The vast majority of our customers always buy a ticket, and they understand that for the railway to successfully operate, improve, and secure investment, fares need to be paid for.

“Sadly though, there are a minority of determined people who always look to evade paying or look for ways to work the system.

“Following direction from the Department for Transport and in line with other train operators, EMR will be increasing Penalty Fares. By doing so, we hope to provide a proper deterrent to those intent on travelling without a ticket.’’
 
18th January 2023

The world’s first locomotive works celebrates its bi-centenary this year!​

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The Robert Stephenson Trust is celebrating the bi-centenary of Stephenson’s Works as the world’s first locomotive works during 2023 and will include an exhibition including a series of lectures alongside a book which has been published.

The 23rd of June 1823 saw Robert Stephenson & Co, founded by the ‘father of railways’ George Stephenson, his son Robert, Edward Pease and Michael Longridge who were both local industrialists.

The company soon became the pride of Newcastle with Robert Stephenson as managing partner of the ‘locomotive factory’ located on South Street on the North Bank of the River Tyne.

The celebratory exhibit will take place in and will see:
  • Displays and videos about Robert Stephenson’s life
  • The formation of Robert Stephenson & Co.
  • Illustrations of the Newcastle factory
  • The firm’s products
The Robert Stephenson Trust is focused on building awareness of this important and impressive part of Newcastle upon Tyne and the North East’s history.

The exhibit will be held at The Map Room at The Common Room, Neville Hall, Newcastle and will be officially opened at 10.30am on Saturday the 28th of January by Donald Heath OBE, Robert Stephenson Trust Chairman.

The opening will see a presentation entitled ‘Robert Stephenson and Co., Locomotive Builders, Newcastle, 1823 to 1902’ given by Trust Vice-chairman, Hugh Fenwick and will take place in The Common Room Lecture Theatre.

The public will be able to visit the free exhibition from 2pm on the 28th of January until the 25th of March 2023.

Opening times will be 10am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturdays.

Donald Heath said:

“ Robert Stephenson was arguably the greatest of Britain’s many nineteenth-century engineers, excelling as both a mechanical and a civil engineer. The creation of Robert Stephenson & Co, and the opening of the ‘locomotive factory’ in 1823 was a milestone, not just in Robert’s career, but also in the development of railways worldwide. The works built the best early steam locomotives, including ‘Locomotion No 1’ and ‘Rocket’, and went on to supply locomotives across the world. We are delighted to be able to celebrate these achievements which started two centuries ago here in the North East.”
 
18th January 2023

Nottingham based Class 50 locomotive up for sale​

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D400 Fearless, the first Class 50 to be built in 1967, seen here on the Settle & Carlisle Railway, 2022​

Boden Rail Engineering has announced that its Class 50 locomotive, 50050, is up for sale.

50050 is being sold to help fund the growth of the depot at Nottingham Eastcroft.

Neil Boden says that 50050 is to be sold for mainline use only, but says that it is dual braked and has been a very reliable runner.

The Class 50 has all the safety systems fitted and has no restrictions for mainline running.

Last year, 50050 hauled a number of railtours with Vintage Trains, including trips to Carlisle and Plymouth.
 
18th January 2023

Transport for Wales Advance Ticket Sale​

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Class 175 at Manchester Piccadilly station​

Transport for Wales is offering customers cheaper advance rail tickets for journeys over fifty miles as another way to encourage more sustainable travel in 2023.

Launching on 16 January, customers can get 40% off advance train tickets for journeys between 30 January and 5 March 2023.

This is the second offer from Transport for Wales in 2023, the first Multiflex offer (launched last week) of 12 tickets for the price of 6 was aimed at regular commuters and this additional offer for those planning a longer trip away.

To help with the cost-of-living crisis TfW is also offering customers the opportunity to spread payments for tickets over three separate instalments.

Alexia Course, Transport for Wales Chief Commercial Officer said: 

“We are very aware that the cost of living crisis is affecting everyone at present and we’d like to play our part in helping our customers where we can.  We want to encourage more people to choose public transport and travel sustainably and this is another one of our ways to encourage that.

“We launched our Multiflex deal last week and this additional offer is aimed at those who want to travel a little further, maybe for a break away or to visit friends or relatives.”

This offer is valid for 2 weeks, for journeys over 50 miles with Advance tickets.

Tickets purchased must be used for travel from 30 January 2023 and 5 March 2023.

Offer ends 29 January

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18th January 2023

More Rolling Stock Ordered Today for ETHNON RAIL :)

ManufacturerProduct codeTitleScaleQty
Dapol4F-016-04912 ton Banana Van in GWR grey - 95446 - Pre-owned - Very good boxOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)1

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19th January 2023

Steam locomotive 46115 Scots Guardsman to haul Manchester – Carlisle tour this Saturday​

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Royal Scot Class 4-6-0 No. 46115 Scots Guardsman at York with the return leg of the Scarborough Spa Express from Scarborough to Carnforth on 7th July 2022.

46115 Scots Guardsman will be visiting Manchester and Carlisle this Saturday, 21st January, as it hauls The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express.

Departing Manchester Victoria at 07:34, the tour will pass through Salford Central (07:38), Bolton (08:00), Chorley (08:25), Blackburn (08:56), Clitheroe (09:23), Hellifield (09:53), Ribblehead (11:04), Langwathby (12:02), and Carlisle at 12:52.

After time in Carlisle, the train will depart at 15:06 and will pass through Oxenholme Lake District (16:03) before arriving at Carnforth South Jn at 16:21.

Here, a diesel loco takes over from steam and will continue its journey back to Manchester Victoria via Preston (17:25), Bolton (18:00) and Manchester Victoria at 18:23.
 
19th January 2023

Mid Norfolk Railway to restructure its management for 2023​

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Ramillies in the shed at Dereham​

After enjoying its biggest and most successful Polar Express season ever, the Mid Norfolk Railway has announced a significant development behind the scenes by restructuring the railway’s management for 2023.

Behind this restructuring is the realisation by the Railway’s Trust Council that as the railway has grown and expanded into a multi-million-pound business, with several hundred staff, some paid, but mainly volunteers, it has outgrown its existing management structure.

A new management structure is therefore being created which the railway hopes will be better positioned to take it forward, building on the past 25 years and looking forward to the next 25.

A significant change is the abolition of the General Manager position, which has been replaced by a new range of posts, some paid and some volunteer, to carry out all of the previous General Manager’s roles.

Speaking about the changes, Charlie Robinson, the Chairman of the Mid Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust, said:

“I would like to take this opportunity to announce that I will be stepping down as Chairman at the next AGM. I will remain a Trust Council member and will now focus on the organisation of future Polar Expresses and the railway’s ‘Wedding Specials’, both of which will be more than enough to keep me extremely busy”.
 
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On board the Polar Express​

This year, over 40,000 passengers enjoyed the full Polar Express experience on a ten-coach train of former Greater Anglia Mk.3 carriages.

A pre-journey stage show preceded the journey to the North Pole, during which the Conductor and Chefs entertained the passengers, who enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies before receiving their first gift of Christmas from Santa Claus himself.
 
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The Polar Express ready for its next journey​

Charlie Robinson commented:

“The Polar Express is the culmination of our running season and I would like to thank all the team who have worked so hard to put on the show. To see the enjoyment and smiles on the faces of everyone makes it all worthwhile.”

Paul Andrew Goldsmith, the Mid Norfolk Railway’s Theatrical director, said:

“This was the biggest year of the production yet, and we are delighted by the fantastic cast team, the volunteers and staff of the MNR, for the incredible efforts made by all to make it such a magical and memorable experience for our audience”.

Although the primary attention recently has been on the Polar Express, work has been going on behind the scenes at both ends of the line.

At County School, improvements are continuing to prepare the ground for when trains eventually return to the station.

Also at County School, the now-resident North Norfolk Model Engineering Society is continuing to expand its own running line, which means that although they aren’t full size, trains have now returned to the station.
 
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