8th May 1999

Hertfordshire Rail Tours
The Wymondham Willows

Route :

Notes:
(1) 47772 on rear.
(2) 47747 on rear.

A tour ticket, courtesy of Brian Halford.

Source : Nick Ross (on the train throughout)

Brief Review

On leaving the Cross our first suprise was that ECS engine 47772 was still attached and we were to remain in top and tail mode all day thus scotching any rumours of an exotic kick out on route. With the green Mk 1 rake strengthened to load 13 and a dead 47, the thrash in Copenhagen tunnels and on the ECML was loud even from our third coach back position. For us it made a nostalgic change to be hauled along the old 1B66 Cambridge Buffet haunts of Royston and Baldock rather than some plastic cart.

We reversd at Wymondham with tail power taking over for the 11 mile preserved line whose track condition was sound. A desperate grip Wydondham-Dereham perhaps meant somebody needed 47772! A high normal consist on this "forgotten tracks" tour was prevalent, one nearby group tucking into a 3 course meal with wine and napkins. For our table chips at Dereham was more normal railtour fodder. At Dereham many DMU's including old Bletchley Beast in bubble 55009 and ex Eridge loco, 50017 was viewed under restoration.

An hour plus break at Dereham allowed chips, beer and restricted long range phot's of our power. Our discussion here was that it was a shame the lines 20 or 50 had not powered us along the branch but at £25 "you can't expect ought special." A totter back down the branch and then onwards to Norwich for a 3 hour break. Some opted for can bashing moves to Stowmarket, others the pub, whilst we opted for a short station bashing trip which took in 150's to Brundall and Brundall Gardens.

With 47772 now as power we retraced much of our outward journey back to the Cross. The atmosphere despite the beer breaks remained subdued to plain boring but at least we got back to the Cross 10 early.

Nick Ross

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