Further developments with the Miniature Railway

More sections of 7 1/4" track have been laid within the last week between Engine House Halt and the level crossing - marking the completion of track laying of this section of the Miniature Railway.

The final track panels down on the initial ballast layer ready for joining together.

Looking back towards the level crossing, things have now been levelled and packed.

Looking back towards Engine House Halt. The cleared area behind the sleeper wall of the coal pile was the disposal area for ash, it has been decided to make this space into a small garden area.

LNER Wagon Plates donation

Last year at The North Tyneside Railway Association's Model Railway Weekend a member of the public donated a handful of wagon plates for the NTSRA to sell to raise funds for their numerous projects which are currently ongoing.

With a few already being sold in the Guard's Van Shop during the 2024 and 2025 running seasons, the final pair of LNER wagon plates have recently been restored. The pair joins current stock of Great Western Railway (GWR) and LMS wagon plates in both unrestored and restored condition.

Brake hanger fitting to NCB No.69

George has completed the arduous task of rebushing the brake hanger for NCB No.69.

Here he is seen testing the 'swing' of the right leading 'RL' brake hanger to identify any areas that require precise filing to eliminate rocking.

George then sets up the brake hanger in the Bridgeport milling machine to bore out the out bush that holds the brake block pin.

Completing this, he machines a new bush with an interference fit of 0.001" and a 3/16" lead in that is 0.004" undersize to aid in alignment. (old bush shown for severe oval of pin hole)

New shelving in the Guard's Van Shop

With the 2025 running season now in full swing, and with Christmas behind us, the Guard's Van Shop has received a new addition. To give extra storage space, a shelving unit has been constructed to advertise our expanding stock of NTSRA, 401 (Vulcan) and NCB No.69 branded merchandise.

Previously being freestanding, Cameron has fixed the unit to the walls of the Guard's compartment to prevent the likelihood of the unit falling over whilst the train is in transit.

Repair work begins to Consett No.10's starter motor

A few weeks back, Nev and Paul removed the starter motor from the engine compartment of Consett No.10.

Placed on the work bench, Bob is seen beginning to strip the main housing to enable his inspection of the internal components and give them a deep clean.

ACC5's Valve Gear

This week Joe has been busy completing the assembly of ACC5's valve gear. The valve gear has been re-pinned with pins fabricated by stalwart machinist, George.

Once finished, attention will turn to re-fitting the cylinder drain linkage.

Miniature Railway Arrivals

Tom and Adam have been representing the miniature railway and N.C.B. No.69 at Narrow Gauge North in Pudsey today. Following the show, they travelled to Barnsley to collect the two carriages to be used on our miniature railway.

On Sunday, they visited Foxfield Miniature Railway in Staffordshire to collect a petrol electric locomotive for use on our miniature railway. The locomotive, inspired by a Hibberd Planet and named "Kibworth Castle", was then tested along with the coaches on their line.

A taste of what is to come!

The current miniature fleet of steam, battery and petrol electric.