Railway welcomes visiting steam locomotive “Hercules”

 

The North Norfolk Railway has welcomed visiting engine No. 4277 “Hercules” in readiness for the re-opening of the line for its half term running from 17 – 25 February. The engine made the long trip from her usual home at the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway in South Devon and arrived at Sheringham Station on February 6.

 

Built for the Great Western Railway at the famous Swindon Works in 1920, 4277 was originally designed to haul heavy coal trains in the Welsh valleys and based at Aberbeeg for most of its working life, being withdrawn from there in 1964 and sent to Barry scrapyard. After languishing for 22 years she was rescued in June 1986 and restored to full working order and saw service on a number of heritage railways before being purchased by the Paignton & Dartmouth in 2008.

 

The engine is scheduled to run during February half term alongside the Railway’s award winning heritage railcar M56182; the excellent nine-year restoration means the vehicle has picked up a silver award from the Railcar Association and is a finalist in the prestigious Heritage Railway Association Awards. M56182 dates from 1957 and was returned to service in September last year, 36 years after she last carried passengers, and its front facing windows allow passengers to enjoy a unique driver’s-eye view of the line. Young visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the line at their leisure with a range of free activity sheets including I-Spy, Draw your own Comic Strip and more.

 

Commercial Manager Graham Hukins said, “We are delighted to have ‘Hercules’ with us this springtime and are sure the powerful, 104-year-old engine will look the part hauling our steam era carriages. We’re also looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Railway for half-term with activity booklets for children including I-spy challenges, puzzles and draw your own comic strip, while for adults our travel guides highlight what to see at each station.”

 

Full details of the line’s services, including timetables, special events and dining train information can be found at   www.nnrailway.co.uk.

 

ENDS