Completion of needle gunning on NCB No.69's tank

 Robert, Aadil and Aaran have completed the extensive needle gunning task of removing the existing paint from NCB No.69's tank. Over a number of weeks, they have completely removed the old paint and applied a coating of red oxide.

Robert needle guns the underside of the tank.

Joined by Aadil.

And Aaran.

An interrupted Aadil painting on a layer of red oxide primer.

The tank will now sit in Middle Engine Lane yard until internal inspection and painting is required.

Conflat Work

The conflat has had a new end section fabricated, seen here being fitted by Aaran.

Aaran welding it in place.

Next up will be the installation of the decking.

Woodland Walk from Above

    Some aerial photos, taken by volunteer Dan, showcasing recent progress down phase two of the woodland walk project. The education lodge is coming together and the area behind it will form a viewing area to allow visitors to get up close to items of rolling stock previously inaccessible to the public.

Peckett Progress

Michael reassembling the reverser quadrant for a trial fitting.

Whilst refitting the RH coupling rods, it became apparent that the retaining cap securing bolt on the RH leading wheel was life expired and George fabricated a replacement. To fit this, the RH side leading spring had to be removed and the locomotive intricately pinched forward to provide clearance for the bolt between the hornstay and brake rigging.

Joe has been cleaning up and removing paint from various items of valve gear ready for reassembly...

...assisted by Tom.

The RH side valve gear laid out on the floor...

...and being reassembled between the frames by Joe. For now, just a trial fitting as the valve gear will be re-pinned before final fitting.

Inside frame painting on NCB No.69

 Cameron has been continuing with the painting of the inside of the frames on NCB No.69 - moving from the rear to the front.

Before painting the inside red....

After painting.

Woodland Walk Work

Some views from down the Woodland Walk today showing the recent progress made by NTSRA and NTAS (North Tyneside Art Studio) volunteers. 

Today, James has been moving earth to make space for a bench to be installed opposite the pond. Meanwhile, Joe has been using the roller to level a layer of dolomite over a recently laid stretch of path.

James picking through the clay.

Looking down the Woodland Walk towards the butterfly mounds and education lodge. The object on the right is a whale's skull that has sat in storage at the museum for over a decade until being used recently by woodland walk volunteers to form this impressive sculpture.

Miniature Point Re-Sleepering

Some of the track purchased for the miniature railway project is in need of re-sleepering, so this week Tom and Adam have turned their attention to one of two sets of points in dire need of timber replacement.

Using timber and screws kindly donated by another NTSRA volunteer, they have brought the point back into good condition. It's now ready to take its place as part of the run round loop at the north terminus of the line.