Whitwell & Reepham Station 10th Anniversary Rally

[The Idle Fellow]

Whitwell & Reepham Station is in deepest Norfolk, nothing to do with anywhere with a similar name in Hertfordshire. It was on the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway but not particularly near either Whitwell or Reepham. Over the past 10 years it has developed from an overgrown and derelict site into a flourishing, working railway museum - with a small and friendly steam rally. Here is my usual random and non-comprehensive collection of photos.

One of the most handsome local engines (in my opinion) is 'Monarch', Foden no. 3534 of 1913, here getting a last minute polish.


Two not so local engines, a 3 ton Wallis and a Garrett tractor from Bedfordshire.


The 3 ton (Please NOT tonne) tractor was Wallis' response to the repeal of the Red Flag Act, which was the result of pressure from the embryonic motor car lobby and initially only applied to vehicles under 3 tons.


The Sentinel DG4 Bus, no. 8714 of 1932 and the Foden Wagon no. 13708 of 1930, 'Boudica' - which spent all its working life as a tar sprayer in Norfolk - get ready for the day.


Burrell no. 748 of 1877. It's scary to realise how long it is since 'Century' earned its name.


Clayton & Shuttleworth no. 48224 'Valiant' actually celebrated its 100th birthday at the rally. A helpful visitor held the anniversary balloon steady for a photo.


Earlier on 'Valiant' made a handy platform for photography.


Marshall no. 75077 of 1922, 'Bessie', carries a lovely patina of age.


The Garrett tractor again, but notice A&P GND Tractor no. 7898 of 1913, 'Margaret' in the background.


The Saga of Margaret's spring. Following a breakage earlier this year, a new front spring was fitted. Margaret roads everywhere and had covered nearly 100 miles by the time she arrived at Whitwell - where the new spring was found to have broken!


So it was removed while the old one was fetched from home.


Old and new were found to have rather different curvatures.


Never the less a temporary repair was being made from the best parts of both when I left. Can the crew add anything and confirm they got home all right?


Miniatures were represented by - amongst others - this very smooth running 4 ins Burrell Scenic.


And 'Mary Rose', an extremely smart 4 ins Burrell Road Loco, well known locally.


Full size and miniature crews watched the dancing girls.


Despite limited space in the station yard, room was found for RS&J no. 30004, 'Major', also celebrating 100 years, to drive a portable rack saw.


Oiling up whilst winding the log back.


This 10 ton Crafton crane was in steam and, presumably, lifting logs from the adjacent railway wagon onto the saw bench - unfortunately not when I was watching.


Finally the view from the bank behind the sidings.


Another great day. Thanks to all involved.
Bill.

[elijahbell]

Great selection of photos Bill, can confirm the temporary solution performed well enough to see us safely back to base - and all being well will serve us well enough for the short trundle to Little Ellingham next weekend. The list of jobs for the winter has been suitable extended!

[steamfly3535]

Hello Bill I shall let the wife know she is famous! Notice she has a drink in her hands......

Cheers Chris H