Wednesday, 8 April 2026

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.

Monday, 6 April 2026

Easter Sunday Passenger Trains

08915 was the rostered locomotive for this year's Easter Sunday passenger trains.

08915 running round at Percy Main on the first train of the day.



During this, passengers are able to alight from the carriages to watch the locomotive couple up prior to departure back to Middle Engine Lane.


Ben second manning.


With Paul driving.

Sunday, 5 April 2026

New Railway Signage

Michael and Steve have been continuing with the installation of new signage at Middle Engine Lane and at the Coast Road Bridge.

A warning sign to passengers before crossing over the railway to get to Middle Engine Lane platform.

And a new 15mph speed sign South of the Coast Road Bridge heading down to Percy Main.

Saturday, 7 March 2026

Vegetation Clearing at Wallsend Road Bridge

Michael, Richard, Ben, James and Omar have been down the line to complete some clearance of encroaching vegetation South of the Wallsend Road Bridge.

James and Richard using the brush cutter and chainsaw make light work of the bushes and tree branches.

Omar stands in anticipation to collect the cut branches to store on the conflat to take them back to Middle Engine Lane.


All clear!

Thursday, 5 March 2026

Fishplate Greasing at Middle Engine Lane

Last week David led a party of Youth Group volunteers greasing fishplates within the yard at Middle Engine Lane.





Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Lambton Van Plank Removal

John has been in the carriage shop this past weekend to begin removing waste timber boards from the South end of the Lambton Van.



Sunday, 1 March 2026

Head Gasket Maintenance on 03078

This week Steve, Alan, Gordon and Tom have done the task of taking apart the head gasket of the engine of 03078 as part of some winter maintenance.

The engine bay doors have been removed for access to the engine in order to remove individual components to be assessed or stored.