A sub class that built up a following all of their own. Ironic that they fly the EWS/DB fleet flag these days. Really useful loco just a shame the ETS Index was so low.

As alluded to elsewhere in 1992 along with 5 industry colleagues we decided that it may be a good time to buy a 37, after all they had been our lives for years. 37032 was available at Doncaster and a bid was sent, after securing it we were able to negotiate a home at the North Norfolk Railway in Sheringham. After a number of years of successful running the loco has been taken out of service for a major exam, bordering on overhaul. It is hoped to complete this by spring 2011 at the latest.

40145 performed faultlessly once more in East Anglia when it worked "The East Anglian" on 12th April. Some excellent "regulating" ensured a successful and thrashtastic day out.

On the 19th February DRS/NR kindly operated a trap around the Norfolk and Suffolk branches for some dyed in the wool railwaymen, we visited Colchester Town/Walton/Sizewell/Lowestoft/Yarmouth and Sheringham. Sincere thanks to all who came and also crewed and arranged this event, this is a photographic record of the day. Traction was provided by a very tidy (and Loud) 37423 - my lords first time I have been behind it since January 1989!

A trip out on the GE with the OLE test train MENTOR....oh and by association 37610 and 611!!!

Rather than setting up lots of different class sections, I have decided to create an East Anglia section for the variety of traction which has graced the area over the years.

Having decided I live in a very picturesque part of the world, and the fact there is far less interest in trains to photograph then in the 80's and 90's, I have turned my attention to the UK and some of its sight.

Another classic class, the unique "Choppers" are a true reflection of the build quality of English Electric and their longevity is a testament in itself. Often found in pairs they were equally at home on coal traffic or summer dated passenger trains.

Still in use with DRS and an HNRC pair, they are ideally suited to preservation where there are a number of examples...

Long may then continue

A loco which has been on the scene throughout my early spotting years onto bashing where they were to be avoided or at best used to get into position for other traction.

I must admit a soft spot for the Stratford locos, often sparkling and turned out as a credit to the depot. Good to see 580 and 596 in Anglia and painted up as I remember them best.

A solid and reliable workhorse, who would have thought they would still be going in 2008 on some front line passenger work, albeit charters and rescues.

Of recent times the "Blue Team" have become a major player in East Anglia... With a depot of highly flexible drivers at Stowmarket and a growing reputation wihtin the industry they have provided much needed variety to the area....especially in the form of classic BR traction.

There is a variety of traction and route knowledge available and the company and its men have regularly supported the Mid Norfolk Diesel gala. I look forward to their continuing and growing presence in my area.

What a fantastic country with fantastic people and LOUD GM's. A bit like going back in time!

The Mid-Norfolk Railway currently runs between Wymondham and Dereham with a view to heading North towards Fakenham. It has gained a reputation as a diesel railway, although we all know that you need steam for "Joe Public" and this is entertained where possible.

Over the past few years the railway has been lucky enough to have the support of DRS for its twice yearly diesel galas and there have been visits of various DRS traction being crewed by volunteer men from Stowmarket depot. Along with the home fleet these are the focus of this particular gallery. Roll on the next gala!!

2008 gala now added. 20307/20315 joined the home fleet for the weekend.

September was always going to be a far smaller scale gala than March. DRS were kindly able to provide a Class 37 as the guest along with the chance for Stowmarket and London based drivers to have a play too. The home fleet was in use much more than in previous galas but with much more in the pipeline for 2010 it was good for the 20/31/73 and 50 to have a fair run out.

The spring Diesel Gala on the Mid Norfolk Railway was held over the 3 days 27-29 March and was supported by DBS locomotives and volunteer crews. This saw a record number of locomotives in action, the most intensive service yet and by far the highest patronage since the MNR came into being...

Finally, after a number of years a visiting diesel loco was sanctioned to visit and the excellent choice of 24081 was made. The combination of it in traffic, and the annual Beer Festival led myself, "The Boy" and FCWG to a day out.

Those people who keep the railway running, as best they can in the brave new world! Also various cranks because that is where I, and many of my industry colleagues started out.

Various phots of scenery, public houses and other miscellaneous things - most reached by rail or taken from a train, but others are from non-rail orientated things.

So good I spent my youth doing daft things to have them and then as I got older and richer, and they did less and less we bought one!!

Dedicated section for the cranks among us, a huge proportion of whom are proper railwaymen who value their heritage and try and run a railway.

A few pictures of the very successful and enjoyable pre-xmas trip around Anglia including a superb performance on the GEML with D1015 Western Champion. The wreath of the loco was in memory of the late Chris Broadhurst, one the DTG's stalwarts and a great friend and colleague to many of us. A fitting tribute indeed.