18th January 2011

Yesterday Stuart and I were in Norfolk to see the final steam test, and first test runs, of the Y7. This LNER built NER design will be joining us for at least three years, to be the regular locomotive at Rowley Station. Being so small, it has long struggled to find a meaningful role in preservation, having had a number of bases in its heritage life. It has been a superb attraction however, and the Boston Docks photo charter is one particularly memorable event in this part of its life. Hopefully it will now demonstrate its value at Beamish, being light, economical and pretty (in an engine type of way!).

Below: Here is a selection of views taken during the test around Weybourne station on the North Norfolk Railway, from whom we are hiring the engine. It will shortly be finished in LNER livery (with NE on the tanks and carrying the number 8088) and is expected at Beamish in February…