Rails and Ales is an on track celebration of both steam and diesel power coupled with a showcase of Norfolk’s brewing traditions that will give visitors the opportunity to see and ride behind steam engines, diesel locomotives, diesel railcars and choose from local ales and ciders to enjoy!
Class 40, D213 “Andania”, will appear courtesy of Locomotive Services Limited. The locomotive was built in 1959 at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton Le Willows, Lancashire. The class were used extensively on services on the West Coast Mainline and across the North of England before being cascaded to secondary and freight duties meaning they made occasional appearances across much of the national network. “Andania” is one of just seven survivors from a class that was once 200 strong.
DRB Railbus E79960 which worked NNR off-peak services for much of the 1970s and 80s will be returning for this event as part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations. The vehicle is currently on loan to the Ribble Steam Railway but will return to recall the early years of preservation when it was a regular performer on the NNR. The Railbus worked shuttles from Weybourne to Kelling Heath Halt before the full section from Weybourne to Holt was relaid. The type is one of several tested by British Rail in the late 1950s. They cost about £12,500 when new (around £300,000 today) and although proving very economical they were all withdrawn in the mid-1960s as they were non-standard.
More locomotive announcements coming soon – keep an eye on our website for details!