Easter Weekend Workshop Operations

Over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, volunteers in the workshop have been continuing with ongoing project works.

Tom has been cleaning up engine components of 03078.

Steve and Michael have been discussing the fabrication of a new overflow pipe for 401's blowdown valve.

And in between welding the new bunker for Sentinel 9559, Robert and Bob talk over the remaining boiler work needed to the outer boiler sleeve.

ACC5 and 401 in Steam Today

A rare sight at our railway in recent years - two home-based locomotives raising steam together!

401 heads off shed to haul today's passenger trains whilst ACC5 raises steam for further testing in Middle Engine Lane yard.

Robert tending to his fire.

ACC5 brought over the pit to oil up between the frames.

On test in the yard.

401 arrives with the 1205 from Percy Main.

ACC5 and 401 in steam together for the first time since 1996!

Robert driving ACC5.

ACC5 from the footplate of 401.

401 running round at Percy Main...

...and climbing away from the Metro bridge.

Dylan on the regulator.

ACC5 in the yard, ready to head down the line for the first time since December 2018.

Passing 401 on its way through Middle Engine Lane loop.

Aaran on the regulator.

Pausing at the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate pedestrian crossing to check for any bearings that might be running hot.

Model Railway Weekend Sunday

08915 getting the demonstration coal train ready for departure.

Today we have been joined by an impressive display of classic cars in the back car park...

Visitors enjoying the layouts in the museum.

The miniature railway has been busy throughout the day.

401 arrives into Middle Engine Lane north headshunt...

...with a rake of coal hoppers.

It's been a very busy day in the tea room, with all food sold out by 2PM!

More photos of the layouts in this year's exhibition...

We were joined by visiting locomotive 'Hope' on the miniature railway today.

'Hope' and 'Loki' side by side.

The last train of the day was a double header of 401 and 08915.

Dylan enjoying himself on 401.

Fire lighting Ashington No.5

 For the first time in 7 years since being removed from traffic for its overhaul.

Smoke rises from the chimney courtesy of Robert.

With the fire burning, Robert completes the balance pipe valve in order to fill up the saddle tank.

Along with the Peckett, 401 was lit with a warming fire in preparation for our Father's Day Special running event.

A vary rare occasion in recent years with two home locomotives raising steam!

401 and T.I.C. Talk

401 leads the 1230 into Percy Main...

...with Aaran at the helm.

Running round the train at Percy Main.

Our NS800 celebrations continued today with a talk on the railways of the Tyne Improvement Commission - 'Rails to Tyne Commission Quay' - by N.E.R.A.'s Ed Orwin.

Visitors to the talk could get up close to ex-North Shields T.I.C. locomotive No.35 in our 'North Shields by Rail' exhibition in the museum. 

Our NS800 Celebrations Begin

Guard Tristan shows 08915's driver a green flag to dispatch the 1130 train.

08915 deputised for 401 on the first train due to some steaming issues.

401 waiting in the south headshunt for 08915 to return.

Chad getting his train ready for departure.

03078 on the move in the yard at Middle Engine Lane.

401 ready to depart Percy Main.

In addition to the exhibition in the museum, we are celebrating NS800 by hosting a series of talks in the John Storey room on Sundays in June. Today's talk was delivered by long-serving volunteer Bob Stapley, the secretary of the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association. Bob's talk, on the history of passenger trains in North Shields, provided an insightful survey of the development of passenger railways and stations in the area, from the embryonic Newcastle and North Shields Railway right up to the roll-out of the Tyne and Wear Metro.

The upcoming NS800 talks in the John Storey room are taking place as follows:

Sunday 8th June at 1400

Ed Orwin: 'Rails to Tyne Commission Quay'

Sunday 22nd June at 1400

David Fraser: 'N.E.R. Tyneside Electrics - A Pictorial Survey'