The Norfolkman
The Norfolkman was an express passenger train between London Liverpool Street station and Norwich. In the Summer, the service was extended to the Norfolk coast, first at Sheringham and later at Cromer.[1]
The train, usually hauled by a LNER Thompson Class B1 or a BR Standard Class 7 ran along the Great Eastern main line to Norwich; the heyday of the train was in the 1950s. Famous engines that would have hauled this train include 70013 Oliver Cromwell and 70000 Britannia as they were allocated to Norwich depot (32A). Once at Norwich the train left to go on today's Bittern line to Sheringham, terminating at today's North Norfolk Railway station.
On 9 and 20 September 2008 the train re-ran using steam celebrity 70013, it even carried an original "the Norfolkman" tour plate. The train however terminated at Norwich unlike the original, this is likely to change in 2009 when the North Norfolk Railway are financing the restoration (not in full use though) of the original level crossing at Sheringham; then it will be possible to once again travel the true route of the Norfolkman. Also several engines that run the route in the 1950s survive with two on the mainline. These include 70000,70013 and two B1s. Plans are already floating around for 70013 to be the first tour over the new crossing.
References
External links
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