Today at the Railway

401 on test after repairs to the regulator valve.

Aadil polishing the tank...

...whilst Callum (L) and Chad (R) clean below the running board.

The Waggonway Tearoom open for sandwiches, cream teas and baked goods.

Paul R has been out with his drone again today, capturing these fantastic shots of 401 over lunch.

401 was found to be on top form after proving around the yard, so took over from 08915 on the passenger service after the first train.

Daffodils in full bloom outside the museum gates.

Michael W washing up after a busy lunchtime in the tearoom. 

401 arrives into Middle Engine Lane with the last train of the day...

...and heads back to the yard to be disposed.

Trainee diesel driver Dan getting to grips with 08915 during the evening shunt.

This Week's Work on No.69

Volunteers have been busy continuing the painting of No.69's wheels and frames. Aaran and Cameron have completed the application of grey phosphate primer to the leading driver's side wheel... 

Aaran brush applying the grey phosphate primer to the interior face of the wheel spokes.

After Cameron finishes off the exterior, the wheel is complete and now awaits to be painted black in the future.

Cameron has also been busy applying primer to the frames in readiness for their first coat of red paint on the interior.

Cameron priming the interior of the frames on the driver's side...

...and behind the rear buffer beam...

...and finally the running board brackets.

Thursday Trains with 08915

Jack and Aaran opening the yard gates during the morning line inspection.

08915 ready with the 1030 departure.

401 in the museum undergoing remedial work to its passing regulator valve.

Aaran driving 08915 back to Middle Engine Lane.

Waiting at the stop board for the Second Man to set the points...

Aaran setting them back to allow 08915 to rejoin the train.

The first stage of the woodland walk open for the public to enjoy.

08915 after arriving at Middle Engine Lane with another train.

The new carriage posters looking fantastic, thanks to volunteers Rob and Katie.

Trainee Guard Joss giving 08915's driver a green flag on the last departure of the day.

More Needlegunning

Norman has been grafting again today, carrying out more needle gunning of the Conflat's chassis...

...and the tool van's underbody.

No.69 Update

Whilst work is beginning to commence outside on the boiler, tasks are still being completed inside the workshop on 69.

 

Cameron and Michael have been successful in disassembling the brake cylinder. The use of a ratchet strap and some taps with a copper hammer eventually released the piston from the cylinder.

The removed piston hanging from the ratchet strap.

Inside the cylinder requires cleaning after many years of rust build up.

Priming work on the leading wheel set has not stopped with all coats of red oxide primer having been applied and the start of the grey phosphate primer starting to be brush applied.

Cameron applying the first coat of grey phosphate primer to the leading driver's side wheel. 

Completion of the first coat.

New Carriage Posters

Volunteers Rob and Katie have been busy over the past few weeks developing a new range of posters to be displayed in the carriages. The posters provide information on the history and geography of the railway, our upcoming events, as well as the Waggonway Tearoom and volunteering opportunities. Recently, they completed fitting them and we're sure you'll agree that they look fantastic.

Removing the previous posters revealed this one from the late 80's, advertising the "proposed steam railway" to Percy Main! This will be looked after in the association's archive for future displays.

This Weekend at the Railway

 

Norman needle gunning the Conflat chassis yesterday.

Barbara cleaning up one of 401's gauge glass drains.

Callum painting the Conflat.

08915 from a different angle! Paul R was out with his drone yesterday, capturing some excellent shots of 08915 on 'Fairytale Express' duties...

Davey painting a new floor for one of the P-Way trollies today.

Aaran painting one of the Conflat's draw hooks.

Cameron applying grey phosphate primer to the exterior of 69's leading driver's side wheel...

...and assisting Davey in completing the P-Way trolley.