The Branch Line Society will run a ‘Merry Wherry’ charter train from Derby to Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth and back on Saturday 15 July.

Class 50 locomotives 50008 and 50007 will operate the train top ‘n tail throughout, hauling Mark 3 coaches, which benefit from air conditioning.

The charter will explore the scenic and unusual ‘Wherry Lines’, branch lines in East Anglia which link Norwich to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

The train will stop several times to allow passengers to take photographs and there will be a 46-minute break at Lowestoft and a nineteen-minute break at Great Yarmouth.

Passengers will have the option of taking an extended break in Norwich, and an opportunity to travel through Berney Arms station.

Track highlights on the journey will include:

• Ely West Curve
• Wensum Curve
• Peterborough Two Way Goods
• the crossover at Reedham.

A charity raffle, will take place, with all proceeds donated to Martin House Hospice.

The train will include a buffet car selling drinks, snacks and light refreshments.

Indicative routing and timings are:

Derby P5 (PU 06.48) – Leicester P1 (PU 07.37 / RM) – East Midlands Parkway P3 (PU 08.11) – Nottingham P3 (PU 08.55) – Grantham P4 (PU 09.53) – Peterborough March Independent – March Up Goods – Ely West Curve – Brandon Down Goods – Norwich P4 (SD 12.50 / RM) – Brundal – Lowestoft P2 (break 13.46 – 14.32 / RM) – Brundal Gardens – Norwich P5 (PU 15.26 / RM) – Acle – Great Yarmouth P2 (break 15.53 – 16.12) – Reedham P1 (photo stop / RM) – Lowestoft P3 (break 16.54 – 17.25 / RM) – Cantley – Wensum Curve – Ely Up Goods (RM) – March Down Goods – Peterborough Two Way Goods – Marholm Jn – Leicester P3 (SD 21.17 / RM) – East Midlands Parkway P1 (SD 21.45) – Nottingham P6 (SD 22.03 / RM) – Derby P4 (SD 22.41)

Fares:

• First class, non-dining, at a guaranteed table for two: £199
• First class, non-dining: £174
• Standard Ccass £119
• Branch Line Society members will not receive a discount.
• Accompanied under 18s: £59.50 reduction in all fares.