Class 31 and M&GN Bar Gala Success

The M&GN Joint Railway Society's original Norwich basedClass 31 D5631made her first gala appearance since outshopping in BR Green with white stripes. The increasingly popularMuddle and Go Nowherebar, hosted aboard our 1937 Gresley Buffet (RB) also made a return to the rails, with real ale in plenty.

D5631 was booked out and worked on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June, being substituted byB12 8572on the Sunday. The 31 was joined by the home fleet, including Class 37 D6732 which was signed back into traffic at 2030 on Thursday 13th - talk about timing! Complimenting the residents were three visitors. Class 56 56311 from Washwood Heath near Birmingham, Class 45 45133 from the Midland Railway Butterley and Class 33 33108 from the Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield arrived via Sheringham Level Crossing on Thursday 13th. They were brought to the NNR by Class 56 56311 and Class 31 D5613 (31190), but neither locomotive was booked to work passenger trains.

The event, which was organised by theWeybourne Traction Group, was the group's first big gala. The event was a success with trains well loaded, especially on the Saturday. TheMuddle and Go Nowherebar hosted two evening 'Beerex' specials on the Friday (hauled by D6732) and Saturday (hauled by 33108) nights, such was their popularity only empty bottles and casks could be found on the NNR by Sunday afternoon!

All visiting locomotives departed the NNR on Monday 17th June via Sheringham Level Crossing.