Steam is back!

The Mid Norfolk Railway is delighted to announce that steam services will return to the railway from Friday 21 August. This follows a detailed review of the risks associated with operating steam locomotives during the current dry conditions.

The decision follows a comprehensive review of the railway’s existing controls. Additional mitigation measures and operational controls have been introduced to further reduce the risk of fire. The railway has also consulted with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service as part of its approach to managing the additional risks presented by the current conditions.

The safety of our passengers, volunteers, staff and the surrounding environment remains our highest priority. Steam operations will therefore continue to be subject to ongoing monitoring. If the weather, ground or fire-risk conditions change our controls will be reviewed as necessary.

The decision to return to steam has been made following careful consideration of the ongoing weather conditions, the fire severity index, ground loading conditions, and the effectiveness of the additional controls now in place. If conditions change and the risk become unacceptable, the railway will not hesitate to amend or suspend steam operations.

Sam Taylor, General Manager of the Mid Norfolk Railway, said: “We know how much our passengers love seeing and travelling behind a steam locomotive, so we are delighted to be able to say – steam is back!

“However, this decision has not been taken lightly. We have carried out a detailed review of the risks associated with steam operation in the current conditions, introduced additional controls and mitigations, and consulted with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

“Our approach is very clear: we want people to enjoy the experience of steam on the Mid Norfolk Railway, but we will only operate when we are satisfied that the risks can be appropriately controlled. We will continue to monitor conditions closely throughout our steam operating period.”

The return of steam will provide passengers with the opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a traditional steam railway once again.

Steam is back – and we look forward to welcoming you aboard!