It must be nearly a decade since I last visited the Bure Valley Railway, this would only be my second visit and I was keen to see how the railway had developed. Through the kindness of BVR Chairman David Barnes I was able to sample a cab ride along this nine mile railway, which is built on the formation of the former standard gauge line between Wroxham and Aylsham.
We started our journey at Wroxham on the 29th July and there was only a short wait before the arrival of no. 8 'Thunder', built in the railway's workshop using parts supplied by Winson Engineering. This loco was in traffic for the first time following a major overhaul and conversion to coal firing from oil, plus a repaint in black lined in red and white.
We travelled to Aylsham in one of the lines' newer coaches, designed as convertable 20 seaters/wheelchair saloons. As with all BVR stock, this proved to be comfortable and spacious. At the third loop from Wroxham, at Brampton, we passed what I count as my favourite BVR loco, no. 1 'Wroxham Broad', rebuilt from Guest steam outline diesel 'Tracey-Jo'.
On arrival at Aylsham there was able time to look at the other equipment the railway uses, including coaching stock undergoing refurbishment, diesel/internal combustion locos and the other Winson Engineering locos, ZB tender locos 6 and 7 and the magnificent no. 10 'Mark Timothy' styled after a Leek & Manifold Railway loco - which I really would have loved to have seen in service. It wad actually in light steam as a reserve loco in case of problems with no. 8.
Just before the 13.25 departure time I boarded the footplate of no. 8 for a trip to Wroxham with driver Bob. Bob had been involved with the rebuild of the loco and explained some of the subtle changes made to improve the design. The Bure Valley is a different railway from the footplate, the changes in grade are a lot more noticeable and I started to appreciate the work being done by the locomotive.
We were due to pass 'Wroxham Broad' at Hautbois loop, halfway along the line. The news from control over the radio wasn't good, a late departure for no. 1 from Wroxham was going to delay us slightly. The Guard was concerned as two passengers with a disability had to make a main line connection at Wroxham, could we make it in time?
'Wroxham Broad' eventually appeared on the horizon and we were soon on the move again, making up for lost time, arriving at Wroxham in time to make the connection. One of the volunteers on board with the Guard assisted the passengers to the main line station.
Sadly I'm told no. 8 failed on the return trip to Aylsham, having to be rescued by 'Wroxham Broad' - in a way I'm sad I didn't get to see that!
My thanks to all the staff and volunteers at the Bure Valley Railway for making this wonderful day out. |
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No. 8 'Thunder' awaits departure from Wroxham. 640x480 |
Passing 'Wroxham Broad' in Brampton loop. 640x480 |
'Thunder' on arrival at Aylsham. 640x480 |
Coaching stock freshly painted during refurbishment. 640x480 |
A view inside the running shed at Aylsham. 640x480 |
A glimpse of no. 10 'Mark Timothy' through the shed doors. 640x480 |
A further view of no. 10 outside the shed. 640x480 |
Side-on the size of the loco becomes apparent. 640x480 |
A look along the station throat at Aylsham. 640x480 |
'Thunder' takes on water having been turned for the return trip to Wroxham. 640x480 |
No. 4, a rebuilt Hudson-Hunslet used as station pilot. 640x480 |
One of the more recently built coaches, designed to also carry wheelchair bound passengers. 640x480 |
The line's main line diesel No. 3 '2nd Air Division USAAF' at Aylsham. 640x480 |
An elderley Lister disguised as a Great Eastern tram loco. 640x480 |
For 'Thomas' events these former Fairbourne 16-seater coaches act as Annie & Clarabel. 640x480 |
Thunder returns to Aylsham from Wroxham. 640x480 |
Ready to depart from Aylsham with the 15.25. 640x480 |
A view of the footplate of no. 8. 640x853 |
The author sits aboard no. 8 for the trip to Wroxham. 640x480 |
Approaching a level crossing, seen through the spectacle plate. 640x480 |
A view from the footplate of 'Thunder' as we head towards Wroxham. 640x480 |
Passing a late running no. 1 'Wroxham Broad' at Coltishall loop. 640x480 |
Taking on water at Wroxham for the trip back to Aylsham. 640x480 |
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