Norfolk Holiday Extended For New Locomotive “Betton Grange”

 

Having proved very popular with passengers this summer, visiting new-build steam locomotive 6880 “Betton Grange” is to remain at the North Norfolk Railway until late November and is set to haul a series of special trains, to give visitors a further chance to travel behind her before she leaves the line.

 

6880 is set to work Poppy Line services on 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 October and then daily for half-term week 26 October to 3 November, including the HallowS.T.E.A.M. event (30 October – 2 November) that will allow young visitors to get hands on with Science and Technology demonstrations from Mad Science at Weybourne Station. The line’s smallest engine “Wissington” paired with a set of 100-year old carriages will work alongside “Betton Grange” allowing passengers to hop-on and off all day, ride on both trains and take part in the interactive experiments at Weybourne.

 

“Betton Grange” is the only locomotive of its type and is the culmination of 30 years’ work by a small and dedicated team to create what is the 81st great Western Railway ‘Grange’ Class locomotive, after all 80 of the original class members were scrapped, the last active Grange being withdrawn from service in 1965.

 

6880 Is also scheduled to work two lunch specials on Sundays 3 and 17 November allowing passengers to relax and enjoy a three-course meal as they have two leisurely trips from Sheringham to Holt and return hauled by the GWR thoroughbred.

 

The culmination of the extended visit will see 6880 hauling the line’s famous Norfolk Lights Express services on the evenings of 15, 16 and 17 November – the opening weekend of the train’s 2024 run. The illuminated trains are a true spectacle with the carriages covered in thousands of tiny lights and spotlights from underneath the train lighting the lineside and steam from the enegine in an ever-changing series of colours. This is augmented by a series of around 10 light installations along the journey and brought to life by an on-board soundtrack.

 

NNR General Manager, Graham Hukins said, “We are delighted that ‘Betton Grange’ will be staying in Norfolk for a few more weeks giving more visitors the chance to ride behind this truly unique locomotive. She has proved extremely popular on our summer and autumn services and her presence will be an added bonus for passengers on these special trains.”

 

Full details of October and Festive season trains can be found at www.nnrailway.co.uk/opening-dates/ – advance booking is recommended for all trains and is essential for lunches and Norfolk Lights Express trips.

 

ENDS