Shed Tours 5 & 6 October

I am sure that most of you have the dates of Members Day already pencilled in your diaries – Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October – Yes, it is this coming weekend!

As usual we will be conducting tours of the Weybourne Sheds including the Carriage and Wagon section. Regrettably access to the boiler shop will not be possible due to safety concerns. Tours will be available to NNR shareholders and M&GN members alike throughout the Saturday and Sunday. They are planned to take place every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour commencing at 10.30 am, taking about 45 minutes, with the final tour taking place at 3.00 pm.

There will ne no tours between 1.00 and 2.00 to give the Guides a well-deserved break.

Recognising the special interests of Loco Club Members I plan to hold a Loco Club Members only tour at 11.00 am on both the Saturday and Sunday. The NNR Running Shop Foreman, Alan Harper-Bourne has kindly agreed to take us on a conducted and in-depth tour of the engine repair and overhaul shed on the Saturday. Alan is also ‘duty fitter’ that day so his availability depends on any emergency repairs that might be needed to any of the steam locos running.

I am also hopeful that NNR Chairman, Steve Allen will be free from his other commitments at that time and be able to join us. Steve has extensive knowledge of the restoration and repair work in the carriage and wagon section, and you will be able to see the extent and complexity of work involved in both the gold and silver restoration of our carriages. (The significance of gold and silver overhauls will be explained on the tour).

Although the boiler shop will be ‘out of bounds’ those that visit Weybourne regularly will know that the boiler from the BR Standard 4 – 76084 is out in the front yard and will give an opportunity to see and discuss the challenges of a 10-year boiler overhaul.

And for those who looking for a special photo opportunity GER Y14 564 will be outside in the (rear) Yard.

As before there is no charge for shed tours but we will be inviting bucket contributions towards our engine overhauls, and I know from experience how generous Club Members are with their donations. I understand donations will go towards the overhaul of the B12. As one of supermarkets tell us regularly ‘every little bit helps’!

Those intending to go on a tour should meet on (Weybourne) Platform 2 at the Holt end between the entrance gate and the toilets. There should be signs in place.