Steam locomotive No.9466 hauls first train to Worthing Crossing on the Mid-Norfolk Railway

On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th, the Mid-Norfolk Railway (MNR) hauled the first public trains to Worthing Crossing since 1964.

Returning to North Elmham and County School

The guard gives the right-away to the driver, having stopped at Neatherd Road level crossing. // Credit: Greg Kiteos

Mid Norfolk Railway run first public trains on extension — The guard gives the right-away to the driver, having stopped at Neatherd Road level crossing. // Credit: Greg Kiteos

Running public trains to Worthing Crossing is the first major step in returning trains to North Elmham Station north of Dereham, the headquarters for the MNR.

The greater plan is to eventually return trains to Fakenham, but a lot of work will need to be done before trains can return here.

The trains were ‘top and tailed' due to there being no run around loop at the other end. Trains were hauled by steam locomotive No.9466 and D2334.

How can you help?

BR Class 04 0-6-0DM no. D2334 waits for the right-away. The train had to be top-and-tailed as there is no run-round loop at that end of the line. // Credit: Greg Kiteos

Like all preserved railways, volunteers play a crucial role in helping to maintain and operate heritage lines. More volunteers would allow the line to dedicate more people to carry out the rebuilding work on the line to North Elmham. Sponsoring sleepers is another way you can support the MNR returning trains to North Elmham sooner.

Special thanks to Greg Kiteos for allowing us to use his superb pictures from the “Return to Worthing Weekend”.

Here a few more of his images 🙂