Easter this year at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, popularly known as “The Middy” will be rather special as its Easter Steam Up weekend will include a display by the United States Air Force (USAAF) 34th Bomb Group.

The railway will be hosting the 34th Bomb Group’s display throughout 2024, with it opening to the public for the first time on Easter Sunday, 31 March.

During the Second World War, the 34th Bomb Group were based at nearby RAF Mendlesham, where they served with honour and distinction. Many of the Group made the ultimate sacrifice in their struggle for freedom.

On duty and hauling trains during the Easter Steam Up weekend on Sunday, 31 March and Monday, 1 April will be guest locomotive 0-4-0 Saddle Tank No. 1219 Caledonia Works, which was built by Andrew Barclay in 1910.

From the home fleet will be the Cockerill steam tram built in 1906, and the Fowler diesel mechanical Shreddie, which used to be a shunter at the Shredded Wheat Factory and has won a Restoration Award from the Heritage Railway Association.

The railway will have all its usual attractions open during the weekend including steam train rides in genuine Victorian four-wheel coaches, the Mid Suffolk Light Railway museum and the Restoration Shed will be open for visits, as well as a souvenir shop, café and the Middy real ale bar. To keep younger visitors occupied, they can take part in hunting for the Easter Bunny.

In the Restoration Shed, which was funded by the National Lottery, visitors can view progress on the restoration of Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 Saddle Tank No. 1604 and LNER 0-4-0 tank engine Y7 Class No. 985.

Visitors will also be able to see the progress being made by volunteers in extending the line to a new station, to be called Aspall Halt. That will be a new destination for trains, and will also extend the line to just over twice its current length.

As well as providing rides in vintage carriages behind steam locomotives, the railway and its museum provide an insight into what life was like on and around a rural railway in Suffolk during the early part of the last century as well as its contribution to both world wars.

In 2015, the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway was voted as Suffolk Museum of the Year. It is located at Brockford station near Wetheringsett, not far from Stowmarket in Suffolk. Tickets are normal price with adults £12, children under 16 £6, concessions over 65 £10, and families of two adults and two children £30

Further information about the weekend can be obtained from the railway’s website at www.mslr.org.uk