So today we made for Bure railway. Tickets had been purchased last night and not, I might add, online this time! We called in on the way to last nights layby because after the fiasco of the last attempt to scan an online ticket, felt this was the safer bet. The loco had the name of Spitfire, although it certainly wasn't as fast or had the manoeuvrability of a Spitfire. The only time it showed that it could 'turn on a sixpence' was on the Turn Table.
Most of the carriages had a reserved notice attached due to numerous coaches turning up for the 10am trip. We ended up right at the front which, in itself, wasn't a bad thing till the driver blew the whistle and almost deafened us!
Arrived at Wroxham station and there was an added bonus. The signal box was open for viewing. Fascinating place and we got to play with the levers.
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| View from the signal box |
A short walk past the station, under a bridge and we came to Miniature Worlds. If you're into Scaletrix, model trains and lego this is the place to visit. They even had the old penny arcade machines and for a pound you got 12 pre-decimal pennies to play with.
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We caught the 12.40pm 'Blickling Hall' loco back. Hardly a soul took this locomotive so we had the pick of carriages. Choosing second from the back and managed to photograph those 'going round a curve' pictures that I so love to take.
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| Bickling Hall |
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| Met Spitfire at the halfway point. |
One of the reasons for getting back early afternoon was that we were expecting a visitor. Dave Ward had contacted me about trying to meet. He has dipped into my blog on and off and noticed we were in Norfolk. Waiting at the station on our arrival was the man himself. Back at the Beast, we spent a very pleasant two hours chatting away. Loads in common to talk about especially the 70's pirate radio. In fact, he was wearing a radio Caroline T-shirt, a ship we know on sight as it is anchored on the Blackwater near to where Ian's sister lives. If you read this thank you, Dave, for a very enjoyable and informative afternoon.
We were going to head for a CC site near Cromer airfield but having found out the attraction of the Radar Museum was shut until Tuesday, we are now going to take a boat trip on the Broads. So a lovely CC site was found at Skeyton. Apart from the Doves cooing not a car sound to be heard. Loverrrly.
And only one wildlife photo. Tilly, the honorary station masters one-eyed Cockatiel
6 comments:
If you're parked where I think you are, let's hope they don't ring the church bells at 5am tomorrow morning! Thanks for the tea & biscuits and showing me round the "Beast" - it was very informative. Enjoy the rest of your time in Norfolk.
Oooo naughty, touching the signal box levers with your bare hands, always been told to use a cloth to prevent the shiny bits going rusty though it looks as if they are already rusty so presumably not in general use !
Hi Dave, Didn't hear any bells but we are not in the village itself but on a CC site called model Farm. Fabulous place and have decided to stay for another night as we are off for a trip on the Broads. Once again thanks for your company and hopefully we will get to meet again.
Hello Alf. Your right the signal box is no longer in use. It now has volunteers to show people around and all they ask is for a donation.
Ah - I was looking at the place nearer the village centre, which has a church next to the entrance! Keep a look (and listen) out for birds of prey - I've often spotted Buzzards over those woods behind you, and last year I saw a Red Kite nearby. If you hear Rooks or Gulls making a right commotion it usually means they are in the process of chasing a Raptor away.
Back at the same site tonight Dave and have moved to another area. Much better viewing for Raptors and the owner also said Muntjac deers had been seen. I will keep my camera at the ready. (:
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