'Lion' Running Weekend Gala Day One

The first day of our 'Lion' Running Weekend Gala has went down a treat!

With the morning Sun shining, Peckett & Sons locomotives 'Lion' and 'Ashington No.5' are stabled for steam raising.

Aadil then commences cleaning of 'Ashington No.5', finishing with buffing the smokebox door.

After running round at Percy Main, 'Lion' waits for the green flag from the freight guard with the first train of the day hauling coal wagons back up to Middle Engine Lane.

With a break in the timetable down at Percy Main, the crews of both 'Lion' and 'Ashington No.5' couldn't pass up on the opportunity of a photo on their respective locomotives.

With passenger and freight demonstration trains concluded for the day, Robert guides 'Lion' in marshalling the coal wagons for the photo evening event.

'Lion's' crew are pictured before heading down to Percy Main with photographers awaiting their arrival for staged run-bys as part of the photo evening schedule.

Arrival of Peckett No.1351 'Lion'

Peckett No.1351 'Lion' arrived at Middle Engine Lane yesterday afternoon ready for our 'Lion' Running Weekend Gala which starts on Friday 5th June. 

The locomotive worked at Wallsend Slipway & Engineering Company from 1950 until preservation in 1974 and returns to the North East for one weekend only!

The weekend gala event is planned to be a busy one with a jam-packed running timetable of passenger and demonstration freight trains as well as...

... a photographic evening on Friday 5th between 6 and 10PM, Sausage Supper Specials on Saturday 6th departing at 5 and 6PM from Middle Engine Lane (pre-booking essential)along with more than 30 classic cars displayed onsite both Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th, with displays and presentation of historical exhibitions, slideshows and our model railway through out the entire weekend gala event.

Tickets can be bought HERE!

'Lion' visits us courtesy of its owner and the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway.

Flat Wagon Buffer Painting

With the swift application of the top coat of Charcoal Grey across the entire soleplate of the Flat Wagon, Davey proceeds to paint the buffers and draw hooks at both ends.

Next job is to complete the painting of primer and top coat on the remaining side of the wagon. Then onto the wheels.

Flat Wagon Frame Painting

 With on side of the flat wagon having been completely primed, Davey has begun applying the first coat of Charcoal Grey top coat.

A thorough stir and mix of the paint is required before...

... applying to the frames.

And after two days work, one side (minus the wheels) is complete!

"ACME" Kersosene Wagon Reveal

 After months of work by Norman, the "ACME" Kerosene tank wagon was pulled out of the workshop into Middle Engine Lane for the first time.

Some minor cosmetic work remains still outstanding, including the fixture of a new makers plate and some paint touch up along the sole plate.

Middle Engine Lane in Bloom

With the first of the glorious Summer weather upon us, volunteers have been adding some colour to Middle Engine Lane.

The first supplies of top soil and compost were brought in by Davey for Michael and Rob to seed and plant flowers along Middle Engine Lane platform.

And Cameron to plant flowers in the new planter in the visitors entrance to Middle Engine Lane.

Flat Wagon Restoration Begins

This week Davey has made a start to the cosmetic restoration of one of our flat wagons in Middle Engine Lane Yard. First needle-gunning the outside of the wagon's frames before applying red oxide primer.

And then masking taping wagon components such as the buffers and draw hooks.

Before applying the first coats of undercoat.