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.

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.

Installation of Waggonway Tearoom Signage

This week John has been in the Waggonway Tearoom install new menu signage in preparation for the Tearooms first opening in February.

 

Painting to Joiner's Shop floor

Alongside completing joinery jobs since New Year, John has completed a full tidy and clear out of the Joiner's Shop and completed a rejuvenation of the floor by painting new walkways and working areas.

Guards Van Shop set-up for 2026 season

Numerous members of the Youth Group took the time to set-up the 'Guards Van Shop' in the guards compartment in readiness for the start of the 2026 running season.

Visit the Guards Van Shop during operational days to purchase North Tyneside Steam Railway Association merchandise, soft drinks and confectionary to enjoy on your journey.

Volunteer Fire Marshal and Fire Extinguisher Training

This past weekend 8 volunteers undertook training to become Fire Marshals and competent in the use of various fire extinguishers.

A mixture pf practical and classroom learning, the course covered the types of fires, how to safely raise the alarm, extinguish different fires and which type of fire extinguishers to use.

Part of the training included demonstration and tests on fire extinguisher, with all volunteers on the course passing!

Upgrades to Middle Engine Lane Lineside Signage

This week, John and Steve have been completing tasks to upgrade the lineside signage in Middle Engine Lane yard. This has included digging holes for new signage posts and upgrading the current state of existing signage from temporary to more permanent fixtures.

Next to No.6 points, Steve digs a post hole to its final depths.

Whilst John, up near the water tower and No. 5 points, concretes a new fence post in place.

Elsewhere in the yard, the 'Stop whistle and proceed' and 'Mike 4' stop boards have been upgraded from plywood to di-bond.