The Mid Norfolk Railway has announced they have come to an agreement with Porterbrook and have purchased 18 Ex-Greater Anglia Mark 3 coaches.
Charlie Robinson, the Chairman of the MNR Trust, said: “This is an important day for the railway, as the revenue we receive from our Polar Express experience, forms a vital part of the railway's income that ultimately pays for the railway. The acquisition of the coaches has come at a difficult time, but it was an opportunity we could not miss for the long-term future of the railway.”
The new coaches have come to the MNR immediately following the withdrawal from service with Greater Anglia.
Charlie added: “The refurbished coaches, with the return to the original seating arrangement, will make the coaches significantly more family friendly and will, we hope enhance the Polar Express experience for our passengers”.
The withdrawal of the Mark 3s has come after the introduction of new Stadler trains.
The Mid Norfolk Railway has begun work returning the coaches to their original configuration by removing the high-density airline seating and replacing them with seats of four seats around a table on either side with a central aisle.
The confirmation that this years Polar Express will run is an important step in the process of reopening the line this year after Coronavirus.
The Polar Express will depart from Dereham station where passengers will be transported to the world of the Polar Express before being invited onto the train by the conductor.
Polar Express tickets are now on sale from the Mid Norfolk Railway at www.midnorfolkthepolarexpressride.com
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how much did these cost , and can they be used with open plan seating for special events .Social distancing means reducing capacity by 60 % even at one metre distancing . Old mark I’s with corridor are better for families in one compartment so those who have these are lucky Good publication with up to date news . john M.
Well done MNR…I would think these coaches would also have a significant hire-out potential during summer seasons, providing they can be maintained to main-line standards. Polar Expresses will need an ETH supply: An on-board generator in the DVT?
Congratulations Mid Norfolk Railway for purchasing the Ex-Greater Anglia Mk3 coaches and DVTs for the Polar Express that happens during the Christmas holiday every year.
Well done to the MNR on an excellent acquisition.
I seen several examples being taken for scrap, which I find sad. Well done to the railway for saving a batch!
Well done Mid Norfolk Railway for inheriting the former Greater Anglia Mk3 coaches for The Polar Express duties at Christmas.
Well This is Most Definitely… One of the Latest Highlights & Milestones with UK Preservation.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway must be so Grateful to take on An Excellent Row of 18 Mark-3 Passenger Coaches… With Potential of forming The Polar Express Every Christmas Period.
Also, I Do Believe these Newly Withdrawn Modern Mark-3 Carriages may even carry more Passengers/Enthusiasts alogn the Well-Restored route of the MNR (Even Within Preservation).
Jolly Well Done to the Mid-Norfolk Railway on obtaining/taking on these Carriages.