Carriage jacking

Today phase 2 of our MK1 Brake Coach's overhaul was properly started which saw the carriage jacked and packed to allow the bogies to be removed. This is for the bogie pivot pins to be inspected and so the wheelsets can be sent away for tyre turning

 

NER Parcel Van

A photo which has recently been sent to us, showing the North Eastern Railway North Tyneside electric parcels van, built in 1904 and in use as a de-icing van (for the electric 3rd rail) until 1966. In an earlier view a van is seen in use hauling a shipyard workers train.

The last survivor of the NER Tyneside electrics is now pride of place in the museum.

 

401 shunting

After a day in passenger service, 401 is seen shunting the coaching stock in order to swap the SLO and CL carriages ready for the Fairytale Express event next weekend

View from the groundframe at Middle Engine Lane

 

Harton E4

One of our more unusual exhibits is Harton E4, a BO-BO electric loco, built by Siemens-Shuckert in 1909, using four 35 KiloWatt electric motors, taking power from the overhead lines. 

She remained in use until 1982 before moving into preservation. In 2000 it acquired a set of batteries in a connected wagon allowing it to give demonstrations. She now awaits new batteries in the museum.

In 2015 she was captured on a photo charter by Joseph Stuart.

 

New chocks

John has made up 9 new wheel chocks this morning, now on the paint bench awaiting painting

And to save them from getting sprawled out across the workshop when not in use he has also made a new rack to house them

 

J27s at West Allotment

Today we bring you a brilliant selection of photos by Alan Brooks.

These show West Allotment with J27s in action on the Blyth and Tyne. 65811 is seen heading to Percy Main in Feb 1966 and 65842 is seen in Jan 1963 after a visit to the paintshop!

Note also the interesting use of a wagon sheet.

 

Large visitor to Middle Engine Lane, 1994

A blast from the past. Newsletter 11 with a rather large visitor arriving at the railway in 1994.

 

401 in service

Photos of 401 out in passenger service today

 

Hornstay removal

Matthew (L) and Jonathan (R) working on the removal of E43172's hornstays

 

Cramlington Coal Company No.7

For a throwback today we bring you Cramlington Coal Co number 7, built by Robert Stephenson in 1862, scrapped in 1930. Seen here leading its rake of black waggons away from the staiths.

This is now the route of our railway! Where the CCCo line paralleled both the Blyth & Tyne and Backworth railways.

 

Colliery Dandys

These two unusual vehicles are the colliery Dandy, these unusual and often ornate coaches are from Cramlington Coal co and the Backworth Dandy. They're use is unknown, but possibly as directors saloons, inspection vehicles or pay coaches. The last survivor was at Seaton Delaval as recently as 1955!

Photos courtesy of

B Embleton

TWAM

 

Another look at the Norseman Boat Trains

As promised here is a further look at the Norseman boat trains, which operated between London King's Cross & Newcastle Commissioners Quay.

In this sequence we see the train leaving the Newcastle and North Shields line, taking the Percy Main curve, running around at both Percy Main & the Quay. Delivering its passengers direct to the boat!

Photos courtesy of:

Jim Skipsey

Armstrong Railway Photographic Trust

 

New Drivers

Congratulations to volunteers Rob Kitching (L) and Antony Walker (R) who have successfully passed their steam drivers practical exam today!

 

401 in service

401 being coaled up

Rob oiling up whilst Jonathan and Cameron start cleaning in the background

Undergoing the morning blowdown

Ready to depart Percy Main

Antony driving (R) whilst Rob (L) watches the road ahead

 

NCB 41

Thanks to Gordon Edgar, we can bring you these two brilliant photos of NCB 41 or Consett A5 out of use at Derwenthaugh and awaiting preservation.

She is now awaiting substantial boiler work and carrying her Consett Iron Co livery, but would you like to see her in this livery again?

 

Norseman Boat Trains

Today we look at the final days of the Norseman boat trains. Which ran from London to Commissioners Quay to meet the Norse ferries. It ran til 1970 as a direct service and 1971 only a DMU from Newcastle to the Quay. The service ceased in 1972.