Poppy Line Set to Steam Back to the Forties with Five Locomotives and Intensive Timetable

The North Norfolk Railway’s popular Steam Back to The Forties weekend is set to return on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September with the line’s steam trains at the heart of a wide range of activities that conjure up the atmosphere of the momentous decade. The weekend will see the line’s three stations taken over by live music, stunning classic vehicles, vintage trade stands, historical displays and wartime fashions while, on the tracks, five steam locomotives will provide a timetable featuring trains every thirty minutes. 

It is hoped that the locomotive roster will be comprised of engines of types that would have been a regular sight in the 1940s. Those likely to feature include recently-overhauled N2 No. 1744 paired with the line’s unique set of LNER teak-bodied Quad-Art coaches, Hunslet Austerity No. 22 and WD 2-10-0 No 90775 – representing two contrasting wartime designs, 16” Hunslet “Newstead” and ex-GWR 42XX, No 4277 “Hercules”. In addition to the frequent passenger trains, a demonstration goods train will run around Weybourne Station recalling the heightened importance of freight traffic at the time.

Passengers will also be able to soak up the period ambience at Sheringham, Weybourne and Holt stations which will host a range of activities, demonstrations and displays including 1940s live music ranging from a big band to vocal trios; cooking on rations presentations; a working, vintage threshing machine; historic cars, military vehicles and old-time fire engines; and a full-size replica Spitfire. The line-up will be completed by a range of trade stalls selling vintage clothing, jewellery, accessories, ephemera, and homewares as well as a selection of food & drink stands. The event is also due to feature a flypast courtesy of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Club.

Fully inclusive tickets, valid for unlimited travel on the trains, entry to all three stations and the main exhibition field at Holt are on sale with advance tickets purchased by 13 September offering a 15% discount – see www.nnrailway.co.uk/steam-back-to-the-forties/. The event website will also include details of event parking which will be signposted from the A148 near Sheringham and Holt.

Full details of the events and activities arranged by the Railway, including train times, can be found at www.nnrailway.co.uk. Passengers booking in advance via the website enjoy a generous discount on train fares and event admission.

ENDS