Norman Hugill - Celebrating Railway 200

Celebrating Railway 200: The People Powering the Future of Rail

Norman Hugill – Heritage Rail Consultant

As part of our Railway 200 celebrations, we’re sharing the stories of the people at the heart of Mercury3 Consult – the individuals shaping the future of the industry.

This week, we’re proud to feature Norman Hugill, our Heritage Rail Consultant. Born at a station on the historic Stockton & Darlington line, Norman has spent his entire life steeped in rail, from traditional signal boxes to working on the Royal Train and playing a leading role in heritage railway operations today.

Below, Norman shares his story, memorable moments from his career, and his hopes for its future.

👉 How it All Started

I was born in 1950 at the old station at Fighting Cocks on the Stockton & Darlington line. My father was a railwayman, which is why we lived there, in what was deemed a railway company house. I lived there until 1964, enjoying a front-row view of trains passing just feet from my door. My interest in the railway was fostered by my surroundings, so it felt only natural for me to pursue a career in the industry after leaving school in 1965.

Throughout my career, I have held many key roles and have met many interesting people along the way. As a relief book lad in my early years, I listened to fascinating stories from signalmen who were born in the early 1900s. I qualified as a signalman at the age of 18, and within two years, I returned to work as a special class relief signalman, covering signal boxes where I had previously worked as a book lad.

Black and white photo of an old train station and railway tracks. — The old station at Fighting Cocks on the Stockton & Darlington line, photographed by Robin Coulthard.

Over the years, I worked in all the signal boxes along the Stockton & Darlington route and eventually served as Chief Signalling Inspector for the entire Eastern Region. I have been unfortunate in having to attend three major railway accidents: Hatfield, Potters Bar, and Great Heck, among others.

I have continuously learned from my experiences and shared my knowledge, recognising that traditional railway operations are increasingly becoming a thing of the past.

I retired from Network Rail in 2006 and subsequently became the Operations Manager for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), a position I held until 2016. Five years ago, I joined Mercury3 Consult as their Heritage Rail Consultant.

Collage showing an old black and white photo of two boys standing looking at a steam train, and a modern recreation taken 60 years later at the same spot, now woodland where the tracks once were. — Norman and his brother on the Stockton & Darlington line, with the images taken 60 years apart. First photo: photographed by Robin Coulthard.

I was born in 1950 at the old station at Fighting Cocks on the Stockton & Darlington line … I lived there until 1964, enjoying a front-row view of trains passing just feet from my door … so it felt only natural for me to pursue a career in the industry after leaving school in 1965.

Norman Hugill

Heritage Rail Consultant

💬 A Memorable Railway Moment

A significant memory for me is being part of the team that worked on the Royal Train for 14 years. During our time with the Royal Train, we were invited to supper with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh following the 2002 celebrations commemorating her 50 years as Queen.

🚅 Looking Ahead: The Future of Rail

Railway 200 is a hugely important initiative to mark the 200^th anniversary of the modern railway, in order to celebrate the remarkable history of rail, but also preserve it for years to come.

As an operating consultant for the Weardale Railway, I am fortunate to currently be involved in the testing for the ‘Locomotion Project’. Which, in September this year, aims to recreate the historic journey from Shildon to Stockton that took place 200 years ago in 1825.

I will be attending the Greatest Gathering event in Derby this July. I will also attend other events as my schedule allows, and I serve as a Trustee for the Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which Mercury3 Consult are also a corporate partner of.

I am extremely passionate about the railway and actively participate in the broader discussion regarding lines that could be reopened following the Beeching closures. This effort is gaining traction, with many lines across the UK being considered for reopening to support communities and promote economic growth.

Team member wearing PPE standing in front of a locomotive. — Norman on-site on the Weardale Railway, testing the locomotive in preparation for recreating the historic journey from Shildon to Stockton that took place 200 years ago in 1825.

Thank you to Norman Hugill for sharing his reflections as part of our Railway 200 series.

These stories are a testament to the passion, diversity, and forward-thinking spirit that define Mercury3 Consult and the rail community. Follow along as we continue to feature more voices from across our team.