A steam engine which is the last surviving locomotive of its type is to be the jewel in the crown of a railway extravaganza in Dereham later this month.
A steam engine which is the last surviving locomotive of its type is to be the jewel in the crown of a railway extravaganza in Dereham later this month.
The Mid Norfolk Railway preservation line, running from Dereham to Wymondham, is holding five days of steam passenger services over two weekends.
A real treat for enthusiasts will be the arrival of the last surviving N7 locomotive on the line, No 7999 (BR no 69621).
Although 112 of its type were built by the London and North Eastern Railway between 1925 and 1928, the rest have been scrapped.
What makes this N7 extra special is that it was also the last engine to be built at the Stratford Works and it was named A J Hill in honour of its designer.
The N7 was a reliable and successful engine. It had small wheels and was able to accelerate quickly, making it ideal for suburban services between closely positioned stations.
They survived on their original suburban London services until displaced by the introduction of DMUs and electrification in the 1950s. They were finally withdrawn by 1962.
The surviving N7 to feature on the MNR is owned by the East Anglia Railway Museum and has recently been overhauled.
Steam Days will be running on Saturday and Sunday and then for three consecutive days on May 2 to 4.
For more information about the Steam Days telephone 01362 851723 or email sales@mnr.org.uk
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