Join in the Renowned steam locomotive 70000 “Britannia” is set to visit the North Norfolk Railway this autumn, helping us to celebrate the close of our Golden Anniversary year!
After entry into traffic in January 1951, some of the locomotive’s most regular journey’s during its early life were to haul “The Norfolkman” and “The East Anglian” express services between London and Norwich, making the visit even more special.
“Britannia” is due to arrive by rail via the level crossing at Sheringham – the reinstatement of which is one of the major milestones in the railway’s 50-year history. The crossing was officially opened in 2010 by fellow Britannia-class locomotive “Oliver Cromwell” so it is very appropriate that 70000 should play a key role in this year’s celebrations.
The Britannia-class of locomotives were the brainchild of R A Riddles and aimed principally to improve the performance of express locomotives. Main focuses were on weight-saving measures, but also on the standardisation of steam locomotive design which was hoped to reduce labour requirements and also maintenance costs. A total of 55 Britannia-class locomotives were built at Crewe Works, of which 70000 “Britannia” was the first.
Throughout the final weekend of our main season, visitors will be able to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with unlimited travel behind special visitor “Britannia” alongside another historic steam engine and aboard two heritage diesels!