Thursday, 19 February 2026

Percy Main Anniversary Headboard Exhibit

This past week, Cameron has fabricated a headboard bracket to be installed on the wall in the museum to accommodate the anniversary headboard of Percy Main shed.

He cut a section of scrap angle iron, before welding to the shape of a headboard bracket.

    Once all welded, the bracket is painted and fixed on the wall.


It was only fitting that it was placed above the enamel BR(NE) Percy Main station sign.

Wednesday, 18 February 2026

Capstan Lathe Coolant Pump Re-build

This past weekend, Steve and Tom removed and dismantled the coolant pump for the Capstan Lathe.

With re-wiring works being taken care of by Alan and Gordon, Steve and Tom have their eyes on other components which they want to make sure work as good once the coolant pump is re-assembled and working.

Sunday, 15 February 2026

P-Way Trolley Maintenance

Davy has been completing some maintenance work on one of the P-Way trolleys.

This has included sanding, painting and re-fitting the plywood top.

And fitting a new turn buckle to the brake mechanism.



Thursday, 12 February 2026

Waggonway Tearoom Signage

With the new chalkboard signage installed by John last week, this week Fiona has filled out the board with popular Waggonway Tearoom food items and prices.



Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Re-Wiring work on Ward Capstan Lathe

Alan, Steve and Gordon have began to re-wire the electrics within the Ward No.2 Capstan Lathe.

An acquisition by one of the Workshop Volunteers, the lathe will be used (once up and running) to reproduce large numbers of bolts, nuts, etc. in a quicker time than using either of the Colchester lathes already in the workshop. 

Monday, 9 February 2026

Charles Roberts Tank Wagon Progress

Norman hasn't stopped since the last update regarding the cosmetic overhaul of the Charles Roberts Tank Wagon.

Having applied a secondary layer of primer to the tank, he has begun painting the top coat red.

Sunday, 8 February 2026

Re-Sleepering Works at Wallsend Road Curve

Today Michael lead a P-Way gang down to Wallsend Road Curve where 6 sleepers where change out over the course of a day.


The section of track in question requiring re-sleepering and checking of gauge.


The first task is to dig out the ballast around the sleepers to be changed.



Then unscrewing the chair screws to free the sleeper from the track.



With the sleeper replaced, new plugs are put into the chair before screwed by hand, or impact wrench.


Ben tightens down the chair screws under the watchful eye of Michael.