Unique Steam Locomotive to Visit Poppy Line

Visitors to the North Norfolk Railway this summer will have the chance to travel behind a type of steam locomotive not seen for almost 60 years as the line plays host to 6880 ‘Betton Grange’ for a three month visit from August. The engine has been created by a dedicated team over the past 30 years after all 80 original members of the class were scrapped in the 1960s.

The completion of No. 6880 ‘Betton Grange’ is the culmination of 30 years’ work by a small and dedicated team to create what is the Great Western ‘Grange’ Class locomotive, after all 80 of the original class members were scrapped, the last active Grange being withdrawn from service in 1965.

The GWR Granges were first introduced in 1936 to work heavy passenger and goods trains replacing less powerful designs with some of the new engines built using wheels, valve motion and tenders from withdrawn engines.

The GWR’s standardisation policy has also enabled the Betton Grange Society to recreate a member of the Class, using standard parts, including a boiler, wheels and bogie from other locomotives, while the frames, cylinders, cab and fittings are all completely new.

The locomotive is now in the final stages of construction at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham and steamed for the first time in March this year. 6880 will undergo testing, running in and appear at a handful of special events before heading to Norfolk.

NNR Interim General Manager, Graham Hukins said, “We are looking forward to welcoming ‘Betton Grange’ in the summer and giving our visitors the chance to ride behind this truly unique locomotive. The project to build a new Grange locomotive has taken three decades so we are privileged to host her first extended visit to a heritage railway.

Speaking for the locomotive owners, Paul Appleton, Director commented “The Betton Grange Society are looking forward to taking their new locomotive to the North Norfolk Railway for an extended stay this summer and hope it will bring pleasure to thousands of passengers during its ‘holiday’ there. Although not a native of Norfolk, the powerful tender engine should make be perfect for tackling the climb from Weybourne past Kelling Heath to Holt.”

Keith Ashford, NNR Chief Mechanical Engineer added, “We are looking forward to 6880 joining our fleet for the high season. Recreating a lost type of locomotive is a monumental achievement so we are honoured the Society has entrusted us with being a big part of her first season.”

‘Betton Grange’ will be one of eight steam locomotives likely to run on the North Norfolk Railway during 2024. The line’s main season commences on 29 March and then trains operate on most days until 2 November. Trains run through 5½ miles of wonderful scenery between the Victorian resort of Sheringham and the Georgian town of Holt. Full details and timetables can be found at www.nnrailway.co.uk/opening-dates/ and passengers booking online in advance receive a generous discount.

ENDS

Photos Show:

A Michael Root painting commissioned by The Betton Grange Society shows the locomotive working hard at the head of an express passenger train © 6880 Betton Grange Society