Throwback Thursday #1

Welcome to the first Throwback Thursday on the blog. Every Thursday we will be uploading an image of the railway from the past, enjoy! 

A5 & 401 double heading up the 1in48 bank on their way up to Middle Engine Lane. 

More night time training

Another night time training session took place on the evening of 25/11/15 with another group of volunteers, led by Michael Darling (Steam/Diesel/Electric driver & Guard) and Mark Beresford (Operations Controller, Second-Man & Guard), both whom work on the railway for a living. 

Michael carrying out a line inspection on D2078 before the training session

08915 stabled outside the shed ready and waiting for the training session to begin

Volunteers being briefed before practising shunting manoeuvres with the use of bardic lamps

Robin coupling 08915 to the couches at Percy Main

The train sitting at Percy Main platform with the new mobile lighting gear in place on the platform

Wednesday Jobs

The spacer for Ashington No.5s new drawbar being cut down. This was due to the new drawbar not being the same length as the original. Material had to be taken off to allow the spring and locking nuts to be fitted. 

John machining the new locking nut for Ashington No.5's drawbar

Ashington No.5's new front drawbar, made by Riley & Son's

Saturday Jobs

The MK1 SLO coaches voltage regulator

Darren checking the refurbished lighting system in the coaches

Alan & George attend to a leaking steam heating pipe

Michael oiling up D2078

20t Brake Van receiving attention to the roof in the carriage & wagon shop

Steve cleaning Ashington No.5's frames

Robin, Davy & Steve collect used sleepers from Percy Main Curve

The works train standing at Percy Main station

Welcome to the new, NTSR Blog!

Welcome all to the new Blog of the North Tyneside Steam Railway!

On this blog, we will post news & behind the scenes photos of the 'goings on' of the railway. To kick it off, shown is a picture of volunteers during a night time training session. Due to our new timetable for the Santa Specials this year, it is essential for all railway operations based volunteers/staff to familiarise themselves with how different working a heritage railway in the dark truly is. This session was attended by many different volunteers, from guards to footplate crew to controllers. 

During the session we practised some shunting manoeuvres in the yard using specific hand signals with the use of bardic lamps. Afterwards a train was then taken down to Percy Main and back so footplate crews could familiarise themselves with the route in the dark, some of it in the pitch black!