Bure Valley Railway, the first 10 years

The early years of the Bure Valley Railway were marred by operating problems due to the provision of inadequate locomotives, together with commercial problems following a number of changes of management.  Today the line is a credit to everyone involved with it and provides a pleasant ride behind purpose-built narrow gauge style locomotives.

For the opening season, locomotives were hired from the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, 4-8-2 'Samson' being decked out in a fetching shade of Great Eastern blue for the occasion.  The RHDR locomotives found the going tough on the undulating former GER branch line and did not return for later seasons.


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1990 - Opening Year, Romney Locos In Charge

‘The Bug’, visiting from the Romney line stands under the roof at Aylsham station   (05/08/1990)
‘The Bug’, visiting from the Romney line stands under the roof at Aylsham station
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Romney's ‘Samson’ stands in strong sunshine at Aylsham station with a departure for Wroxham   (05/08/1990)
Romney's ‘Samson’ stands in strong sunshine at Aylsham station with a departure for Wroxham
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The cab and worksplate of ‘Samson’ at Aylsham station, almost back home (well East Anglia if not Essex!)   (05/08/1990)
The cab and worksplate of ‘Samson’ at Aylsham station, almost back home (well East Anglia if not Essex!)
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‘Samson’ is turned at Wroxham in front of the British Rail signalbox   (05/08/1990)
‘Samson’ is turned at Wroxham in front of the British Rail signalbox
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‘Samson’ runs off the turntable at Wroxham, readay for another taxing run over the line   (05/08/1990)
‘Samson’ runs off the turntable at Wroxham, readay for another taxing run over the line
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How about that for a coupling!  Caravan type couplings as still used on the Bure Valley Railway   (05/08/1990)
How about that for a coupling! Caravan type couplings as still used on the Bure Valley Railway
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