GB Railfreight Class 69 Locomotive to be named “North Norfolk Railway” as heritage line celebrates 50th Anniversary

The North Norfolk Railway is set to welcome a further locomotive to its annual Rails & Ales event on 13, 14, 15 June with Class 69 set to join the impressive line-up of diesel and steam locomotives. What is more, owners GB Railfreight, have agreed to name the state-of-the-art engine “North Norfolk Railway” in honour of the popular heritage line’s 50th Anniversary with the special ceremony set for 13 June.

Whilst the exact identity of the locomotive has not yet been confirmed, it will be one that has entered service within the last 12 months meaning that this will be the engine’s first ever visit to a heritage line and the first time it has hauled timetabled public passenger trains. The first of the 16-strong Class launched in July 2021 and they are mainly deployed hauling heavy freight trains and special engineers trains across the national network.

General Manager, Graham Hukins said “We are very grateful to GBRF for supporting Rails & Ales with two of their modern locomotives – a Class 66 and a Class 69 – and thrilled that they have chosen to name a Class 69 after the Railway. It is an absolute honour in our 50th Anniversary Year.

“We’re also delighted that both GBRf locomotives will haul some of our services across the three-day event, both types are an extremely rare sight on passenger trains so this is a real opportunity to ride behind modern freight engines” he added.

The Class 69 is the fourth visitor announced for the event, joining GBRf stablemate 66714 “Cromer Lifeboat”, Class 40, D213 “Andania”, appearing at the event courtesy of Locomotive Services Limited, and DRB Railbus E79960. The Railbus worked off-peak services when the Poppy Line reopened in 1975 and is returning for this special event. Newly-arrived steam engine 80080 will make her first NNR gala appearance while a second steam locomotive, four home-based diesels and three heritage railcars (working in a rare six-car formation) will also feature.

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/

One of the highlights away from the tracks will be the launch of “Golden Poppy Ale” – a beer brewed specially by Norfolk’s Wolf Brewery to celebrate the line’s five decades of progress. The tipple will be one of a range of local beers and ciders available from the real ale bar at Weybourne Station where live music will add to the festive atmosphere. Further local brews will be showcased at each station and aboard selected trains.

The North Norfolk Railway is open most days until 2 November; more details can be found on the line’s website www.nnrailway.co.uk. Advance booking is strongly recommended and passengers doing so receive a generous 15% discount on their fares.