Diesel Locomotive “Cromer Lifeboat” set to visit Poppy Line 

The North Norfolk Railway has today announced an exciting addition to the locomotive line up for the popular Rails & Ales event, taking place this year on June 13 – 15. The new visitor is set to be 66714 “Cromer Lifeboat” and rarely hauls passenger trains so the addition of the smart blue and yellow livery to the heritage line will be something rather different. Owned by GB Railfreight, the organisation regularly gives their support to the North Norfolk line’s events and the line’s Golden Anniversary is no exception.

The locomotive was initially built in Canada before being shipped to the UK and entering service in 2003 to regularly haul heavy good trains across the national network. Upon introduction to UK services the locomotive was named “Cromer Lifeboat” in honour of the lifeboat station and the close association between the RNLI and GBRF. The North Norfolk Railway have also confirmed that local RNLI volunteers will be invited to attend the event and enjoy a trip behind “Cromer Lifeboat” to celebrate the occasion.

Visitor Experience and Marketing Manager Hannah Drury commented “We were delighted to hear that GBRF were able to support this year’s Rails & Ales event, and are very thankful to be welcoming a locomotive that has not only hauled relatively few passenger trains but one with such a local link that is close to many people’s hearts.”

66714 will join Class 40, D213 “Andania”, appearing at the event courtesy of Locomotive Services Limited, and DRB Railbus E79960. The Railbus worked off-peak services at the NNR throughout the 1970s and 80s, shuttling passengers from Weybourne to Kelling Heath Halt before the full section from Weybourne to Holt was re-laid. The vehicle is currently on loan to the Ribble Steam Railway but will return to the line for this event as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

A variety of the line’s home fleet steam and diesel locomotives will also be out each day providing visitors with a wide variety of rail power to ride behind. Each station will showcase a range of local bees and ciders, with the real ale bar and live music at Weybourne station. The railway’s popular Breakfast Train also sees a return for this year’s event with visitors able to climb aboard and enjoy the first round trip of the day with a full English served to the table! For full details and to book please see www.nnrailway.co.uk/rails-ales/