12th December: Northern Section Purchase Completed

We are pleased to announce that on the 12th of December, the MNR completed the purchase of the Northern Section. We now own the line up to a point about 500 yards north of the level crossing in North Elmham. This gives us a total length of 16 miles, making us the longest preserved railway in East Anglia, and work to restore the line north of Dereham to operational condition has already begun. We would like to thank Breckland District Council for their support: without their assistance, none of this would have been possible.

Permanent Way Reports

By Paul Mobbs and Barney Stratford.

Saturday 1st December: Jacking and Packing

The P-way gang returned by works train to the Tiffey bridge to do the final bit of lifting and packing in order to remove the speed restriction there. We actually had to lift and pack a couple of sites at the river bridge and the footpath crossing to get the top and line right. Hopefully the 10mph speed boards should be down in time for the Santa Specials next Sunday. Then it was back to Kimberley to check out a report of rough riding just south of the level crossing: it turned out to need only a quick bit of packing to correct that.

Saturday 8th December: Vegetation Clearance

It was back to Watering Farm bridge again to continue with the embankment clearance. Good progress has been made so far, and it looks like it will take only another couple of days to complete this work. There was also a working party clearing the vegetation between Neatherd Road and Swanton Road crossings.

Sunday 9th December: Planning new drainage system at Wymondham

A small working party headed off to Wymondham by train to plan out the requirements for lineside drainage where it is intended to install the run round loop. On the way they were able to pick up the 10mph speed boards which removed after the recent lift and pack works.

Saturday 15th December: Replacing Broken Chairs

The P-Way gang were able to venture north now that the vegetation has been cleared from the rails between Neatherd and Swanton Road crossings. The 50 bullhead chairs that we had previously delivered were installed, to replace the cracked chairs through this section. Now that we can see the track better, we will have to replace a few more which also require attention.

Sunday 16th December: Track Inspection

Now that we have had some hauled trains running (Santa specials) it is time to inspect the track south of Yaxham to the Trout Farm to check its condition. The track in this area has been subject to spot resleepering and it's important to see how it's settling in. Loose bolts were tightened up and worn track components replaced.

Saturday 22nd December: Vegetation Clearance near Yaxham

The p-way gang spent the day clearing thorny scrub and brambles near Yaxham, and we had a large bonfire to ward off the chilly north winds.

Sunday 23rd December: Preparations for installing a point

As part of the preparations for installing a point to give access to the yard in Dereham, we broke up some track panels which were in the way. The rails and sleepers will be moved to another location when the digger arrives to help lay the new point.