IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Norwich Road, DEREHAM, NR20 3ES

The Mid-Norfolk line north of Dereham is under restoration. The elegant footbridge that used to stand here has now gone. http://www.commanet.org/reflect.aspx?action=navigate&rec=5009999900243758&dir=N&arcid=5029999900000064&view=large

This pair of locomotives are coming off the single-line section north of the level crossing and are about to head south over the level crossing to pass through Dereham Station. On the left can be seen a water crane for replenishing the water tanks of steam locomotives, while on the right is Dereham North signal box.

The Lynn & Dereham Railway and the Norfolk Railway both obtained Parliament’s permission to build lines to Dereham in 1845. The Norfolk Railway, building its line from Wymondham, reached Dereham first, and opened its railway to passengers on the 15th February 1847. As a result of modernisation, the line witnessed its last scheduled steam-hauled passenger train on the 17th September 1955. Diesel units took over the next day, But steam-hauled freight continued into the early 1960s. By 1960 there was an hourly passenger service to Norwich. The increased use of road transport, led to a decline in passenger numbers, and it became one of the many railways to be threatened by the “Beeching Report” in 1963. In June 1965, the Wymondham to Dereham section was reduced to single track with a passing loop at Hardingham, and the service between Wymondham and Dereham ceased in October 1969. Dereham station opened with the line on 15th February 1847. It was re-opened to passengers on Saturday 26th July 1997. Although the Mid Norfolk Railway is physically connected to the Norwich to Cambridge line at Wymondham, it actually starts from Wymondham Abbey station for its 11+ mile run to Dereham. It is hoped to extend the line beyond here to North Elmham and eventually to Fakenham. See http://www.mnr.org.uk/history-of-the-line/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Norfolk_Railway for much fuller histories. At the north end of the platform seen here the engine has to go over the level crossing across Norwich Road beyond the engine before returning on the passing loop to reach the front of the train. See also http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4624028 Steam engine Cumbria was visiting from north-west England - see http://www.furnessrailwaytrust.org.uk/othercumbria.htm

The locomotive visible beyond the level crossing has previously crossed using the track nearest the camera and is waiting to return over the crossing using the track on the right. With the traffic stopped the crossing keeper is opening the gates for the locomotive to cross and re-enter Dereham Station. The traffic light head that can be seen to the right of the level crossing helps control the road junction beyond the crossing, ensuring that traffic does not queue over the crossing itself.

The annual visitor on summer steam services. It is very unauthentic for the line but well suited to the line. It is water and fuel efficient (for a steam locomotive).

This class 37 locomotive is passing over Norwich Road and re-entering the Dereham Station area. In the distance can be seen the gates of Neatherd Road level crossing.

The signal box is nearing completion of its restoration. It is on the site of the original box which is now in a garden somewhere. This one is a Norfolk and Suffolk Joint box (M&GN and GER ownership) and came from Lowestoft Laundry lane. It is the third signal box on the Mid Norfolk (Wymondham is national network and isn't counted) and is soon to be joined by Thuxton/ex East Winch to make 4.

The level crossing across Norwich Road carries the Mid-Norfolk Railway's northern extension towards North Elmham and County School.

This crossing is not presently in regular use, but is used occasionally to move rolling stock. The Mid Norfolk heritage railway plans to extend their service northwards soon, so it will become used more often.