Friends of Black Prince

29/04/2024

Over the weekend we hosted two events at the North Norfolk Railway PLC for our supporters to have the chance to see 'Black Prince' before it moved to Bressingham Steam & Gardens for temporary display. On Saturday we used the M and GN Society's 'Wissington' to haul a short train for our younger 'apprentice' supporters, many of whom are also part of the North Norfolk Railway Youth Development Club. We were also joined by David Shepherd's daughter Mandy who was delighted to have the chance to see the engine again, as well as hear about the plans for No. 92203's storage at Bressingham until the overhaul can commence.

On Sunday the NNR hosted us on a special dining train for some of our Driver and Fireman supporters, hauled by Somerset and Dorset Railway 7F No. 53809. We were able to thank our Friends for their support over the last few years as well as reveal the plans for storage at Bressingham.

Thank you to all who attended and to everyone who has supported 'Black Prince' in the last few years. We are now working with the NNR team to develop a fundraising strategy for the engine's overhaul which will begin once there is space in the railway's engineering workshops.

29/04/2024

The spaceship has landed! 🚀 If you missed yesterday's exciting announcement that 'Black Prince' will be on public display at Bressingham Steam & Gardens for the next two years… she's arrived!

28/04/2024

We’re excited to see ‘Black Prince’ visit Bressingham Steam & Gardens for the next couple of years while we wait for space in the North Norfolk Railway PLC’s overhaul queue. This means the engine will be stored dry, warm and viewable by the public in their exhibition shed. It’s great to be a part of this collaboration between two Norfolk steam preservation groups.

13/03/2024

We unfortunately have to announce that ‘Black Prince’ is being withdrawn from service on the North Norfolk Railway PLC pending overhaul.

During its last period of running over the winter season, crews identified a leak which was allowing steam into the cylinders when the regulator was closed. Further investigations have taken place with a view to making a repair which would allow the engine to work until its boiler certificate expires in May, but the inaccessible location of the leak means this isn’t feasible. As such, No. 92203 has been taken out of traffic and will be prepared for storage until an overhaul can take place.

We thank everyone who has supported the engine during its years in service on the NNR and hope you will keep an eye out for future announcements about returning ‘Black Prince’ to traffic once a full assessment of its condition has taken place.

📸 James Kindred

04/11/2023

Read about our 2023 takeover weekend at the North Norfolk Railway!

Last weekend we hosted our annual Friends of Black Prince takeover weekend at the North Norfolk Railway. It gives us a great opportunity to spread the word about Black Prince and the work we do to support it, as well as reward our supporters. We set up the usual format of one day (Saturday) of drive...

28/10/2023

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FoBP MEMBERS

Regrettably, we have to let you know that due to a fault, 92203 ‘Black Prince’ has been withdrawn from service and will not be running tomorrow for our private members’ train.

We understand some of you may choose not to travel tomorrow now ‘Black Prince’ is unavailable; however, if you still wish to visit us the Friends of Black Prince day will go ahead with an additional private coach on the ‘A’ service train, hauled by the S&D Class 7F no. 53809. Lunch will be provided as planned. This will include departures from Sheringham at 10:15, 11:55, 13.40 and 15:20.

Unfortunately, the morning brake van rides will not be able to go ahead.

Friends of Black Prince offer their apologies for the disappointment and any inconvenience caused, and hope to re-schedule a full friends’ day with the engine early in the 2024 season.

27/10/2023

Don’t forget that this weekend is our Friends of Black Prince Takeover at the North Norfolk Railway PLC!

Saturday 28th is our driver taster day - just turn up and get the chance to drive ‘Black Prince’ a short distance around Sheringham station. You don’t have to have joined us to take part, it’s open to anyone over the age of 18. All we ask is for a donation to Friends of Black Prince so we can help keep the engine running.

On Sunday 29th you’ll see the engine work some special trains for those who have joined our friends group, but the last trip of the day will see ‘Black Prince’ double head one of the normal service trains - anyone with an ordinary travel ticket can ride on this service.

We hope to see you there!

21/10/2023

Don’t forget next Saturday you can have a chance to drive ‘Black Prince’ at Sheringham Station! All we ask is for a donation to Friends of Black Prince.

Then at the end of the day on Sunday enjoy a double-headed run on the normal service train.