Star steam engine Britannia in incident on North Norfolk Railway. Did you see it?

Britannia at the North Norfolk Railway steam gala on Friday before the "incident". Photo: Steve Adams

Monday, March 11, 2013
12:37 PM

One of the star locos in a weekend steam gala on the North Norfolk Railway was involved in an “incident” on the heritage line.

The Britannia engine, which was billed as one of the guest stars of the event, was due to leave the line this week for check ups, confirmed attraction general manager Trevor Eady.

He said he could not comment further on the nature of the “incident” or where or when it happened, but said the loco needed to be checked before resuming its main line duties. Investigations were ongoing, and a replacement loco sought for the gala which continues this weekend.

Numbers attending the past weekend were hit by the bad weather said Mr Eady. Friday was the busiest day, mainly through enthusiasts who were not put off by the fog, but the cold kept families away over the main weekend.

Did you see the Britannia ‘incident?’ Contact the Cromer newsline on 01263 512732 or email richard.batson@archant.co.uk

9 comments

The clue is in the photo....the driver thought he'd put it in reverse but engaged first gear instead. The resulting panic made his hair fall out which then became stuck to his face.

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jeffy

Thursday, March 14, 2013
it would appear upon close inspection that the driver seems to have put his head on upside down.

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timmy_two_sheds

Monday, March 11, 2013
Was there any damage to the other locomotive?

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Dave01

Monday, March 11, 2013
I saw what happened. One of the train spotters dropped his notepad near the engine and as he bent down to pick it up, the train whistled loudly, causing him to spill his glass of 'Badgers old peculiar' ale. Frantically he tried to salvage as much of the gplden nectar as possible, but only succeeded in getting engine oil all over the sleeve of his anorak(with leather patches on the elbows). He was led away in a distraught state by some anoraked and bobble-hatted friends, pausing every few steps to look mournfully back at the scene of the 'incident'.

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backwoodsman

Monday, March 11, 2013
The "incident" that the railway seem so coy about was that Britannia collided with another of the visiting locomotives whilst a train formation was being put together at Weybourne station. Some damage occurred to both locos and they were withdrawn from service. Britannia was taken away this morning (a week ahead of schedule) and was turned around at Norwich so it could be towed for the rest of the journey by the undamaged tender end. The damage to Britannia's front buffer beam will need assessment and attention before it can return to service.

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Chris Booty

Monday, March 11, 2013
What a silly attempt to create a story.The EDP seems to think all it's readers are railway enthusiasts and were at the North Norfolk Railway this weekend. Britannia steamed away from Cromer heading for Norwich this morning, pulling two carriages,another steam locomotive and a diesel locomotive.The EDP reporters need to get out more and should have been on Cromer station to see train there!

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Port Watcher

Monday, March 11, 2013
As we don't know what the incident was,when or where it took place , how would we know if we witnessed it or not?

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ggj666

Monday, March 11, 2013
Was it that Brian Blessed was mistaken for the driver?

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Gary Dickenson

Monday, March 11, 2013
Did the incident involve the gentleman's beard (pictured ) getting caught in something mechanical?

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Gary Dickenson

Monday, March 11, 2013

Star steam engine Britannia in incident on North Norfolk Railway. Did you see it?

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