Thursday Gala Prep

Lighting up 29.

29 pausing before Wallsend Road curve on a light engine proving run down to Percy Main.

Earlier on in the day, 08915 had taken a short freight train down to Percy Main to transport volunteers from T&W Metro who had been tidying up the station ready for the weekend. 29 collected the train on its proving run and is seen here after arrival into the north headshunt at Middle Engine Lane.

Later on, it is No.60's turn to undergo a proving run. 

Driver Michael on 60 in Percy Main loop.

60 departing Percy Main loop...

...and setting back into the platform. The use of the freight train on the proving runs also allowed freight guard reassessments to be carried out.

Back at the museum, Michael, Steve, Cameron and John have been setting up the Lambton Colliery banner which was collected from Beamish Museum earlier in the day.

Lambton Colliery was sunk in 1831 and the miners paraded their first banner at the Durham Miners Gala (big meeting) in 1872. Each colliery has a lodge at the Durham Miners Union. These large silk banners are a sign of pride to the miners being paraded at events, displaying biblical scenes, labour, union and mining icons. Whilst the first Lambton banner was sadly lost, the 1890's banner is kindly on loan from Beamish Museum.

'Kepier Colliery' model railway has also been set up in the museum. This layout represents a typical County Durham colliery and railway system in the early 1960's and the buildings are from various Lambton, Hetton and Joicey Collieries, making it a fitting addition to our Lambton steam gala. 

Aaran and Cameron putting up a banner from Maxim Beer Company, who are supplying the beer for the on-board bar during the gala. The choice of beer is also in keeping with the Lambton theme. Supplying 888 pubs at its peak, Vaux brewery was the largest in Sunderland and was situated on the cliffs overlooking the Lambton Staithes. The brewery sadly closed in 1999 despite widespread protests, making 460 staff and 30 dray horses redundant. Three former staff of the brewery purchased the famous recipes and brands and set up the Maxim Beer Company, which now brews the famous Double Maxim Ale and Samson once again, both of which will be on sale in the guard's van bar during the gala. 

After a successful proving run, 60 gleams in the evening sun after receiving even more polishing from Aadil. 

The line-up ready for the weekend; 60, 1208 and 29 ready to be lit-up on Friday morning with stand-by/pilot 08915 to the left.

Kitsons on shed.