The North Norfolk Railways’ stalwart, the J15 has returned to the railway in its new (or should that be old guise of a Y14). The restoration, which commenced in July 2013 has finally been completed, with one of the most thorough overhauls the loco has ever had.Teases had been seen on the M&GN’s Facebook page throughout the entire restoration and she returned home on the 20th March…

Yesterday, I decided to visit the railway to see it on its first day, and what a striking transformation. The new blue paintwork is absolutely stunning, and even though it was a dull and wet day, was still able to shine with the brief spells of sunshine.

However, while the locomotive was certainly a sight to behold, a steam leak, and tight mechanisms meant that the locomotive was struggling to full the members and benefactors train for the three trips, with the class 37 having to be put on the back of the last train. In the video above, you can see the locomotive struggling to enter Weybourne station and this caused the timetable to soon dissolve, a running theme every time I visit!

It should not be long before the Y14 returns to active service, and the sight of the society’s B12 and Y14 operating together will be a common sight. Next in the overhaul queue is the WD 90775, which is currently undergoing boiler work, and news will soon appear about how to help with the project. This is the final society locomotive to operate at the railway in recent years, with the others being the B12, Y14, and Wissington, currently on loan to the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway. The other steam locomotives that are resident on the line all currently operate, with Ring Haw at the Nene Valley Railway, Y7 985, visiting the Epping and Ongar Railway soon 9F 92203 Black Prince, which is seen in my video, 4MT 76084 and Black 5 George Stevenson, which is currently undergoing repairs at the Midland Railway – Butterly to get up to mainline specifications. Of course, B1 61306 Mayflower, is currently doing mainline specials but will return by the September Gala.

At the top of this page is my video from the day and below are some more pictures.

Thanks for reading.