Class 25 D7659 is to remain at the North Norfolk Railway until late July following its appearance at the railway’s Mixed Traction Gala earlier this month.

That event attracted almost 1,400 passengers and featured nine steam and diesel locomotives, shunters, and heritage railcars.

The locomotive has been recently restored, and will operate trains during the NNR’s Beer & Cider Festival this weekend. On Friday, 24th and Sunday, 26th June D7659 will haul a mid-morning service from Holt to Sheringham followed by three return trips between Sheringham and Holt. On Saturday, 25th June diesel services will be handled by NNR’s resident Class 37 No.D6732.

During the line’s Vintage Weekend on Saturday, 2nd and Sunday, 3rd July, D7659 will also haul services with the railway’s four-car rake of BR suburban carriages. The engine will be in action again on Sunday, 17th and Friday, 22nd July, hauling two return trips.

D7659’s final NNR appearance will be at the line’s Sixties Weekend on Saturday, 23rd and Sunday, 24th July, which will recall the decade’s transition from steam to diesel power. This will see D7659 working alongside Class 37 D6732 and the railway’s two BR Standards, 9F No.92203 Black Prince and 4MT No.76084.

The Class 25 was the final locomotive built by Beyer Peacock at the historic Gorton Works in Manchester in 1966. During a 20-year working life with British Railways, it worked mainly in the Midlands and North West, but also saw service in Wales and Scotland. In the 1970s It worked some summer holiday specials to Norwich.

Now owned by the Waterman Railway Heritage Trust, D7659 returned to service late last year after an absence of over 23 years. The locomotive’s visit to the NNR is its first visit trip away from her Peak Rail base following a restoration which effectively was a complete rebuild.

D7659’s duties are part of the NNR’s daily programme of steam and heritage diesel services which runs until 30 October, full details can be found at www.nnrailway.co.uk.