First day of Elf Express

A nice cold and snowy day today for our first day of Elf Express trains

John firing

Rob driving

 

Aftermath of Storm Arwen

Unfortunately, trains were cancelled today following the aftermath of Storm Arwen, the photos below show some of the debris that was obstructing our running line and a fallen tree at Percy Main

After the weather had calmed down, 401 took the coaching stock into Middle Engine Lane platform for staff rehearsals and final steam heating tests

 

401 at work with Austin Motor Company

Two brilliant views of our own 401 during its days with the Austin Motor Company, by then bearing the name Vulcan.

 

More festoon lighting

Volunteers installing festoon lighting on Middle Engine Lane platform

 

Litter pick

03078 has been out and about this afternoon following its servicing with volunteers carrying out a litter pick down the line

 

03078 A-Exam

John (L) and Cameron (R) assisting Michael with 03078s A-Exam (servicing)

 

Day in the office

Steve sorting out timetables, diagrams and last minute roster changes for the start of the Elf Express next weekend

 

South Gosforth

The changing face of South Gosforth.

A Steam railcar is seen likely heading for Ponteland in LNER days. Whilst in British Rail days a Tyneside electric set arrives from Newcastle.

 

Festoon lighting

Michael and David have been busy this morning installing the festoon lighting on the pathway from the Museum to Middle Engine Lane platform

 

Unusual colliery locomotive

Today courtesy of Billy Embleton, we bring you a most unusual colliery locomotive!
Beyer Peacock No. 3679 of 1895 for M&SWJR then sold to the Ministry of Munitions, Rosyth Dockyard, Fife (rebuilt by North British Railway, Cowlairs Works with new boiler, cab and tender, after a cracked frame was discovered in 1914).

It was heavily rebuilt again by dealer John F. Wake in 1918-19. Who sold it to the Cramlington Coal Co in 1919. Before moving to Hartley Main Collieries on 16/5/1929 and renumbered No.16. Its long career ended when scrapped in August 1943 at Delaval Yard.

 

401 at Percy Main

401 down at Percy Main on a line inspection before running a schools train today

 

Shunting in the dark training

Doesn't make for great photos shunting in the dark - this evening several volunteer trainees took part in lamp signals/shunting in the dark training

 

Latest work on E43172

Latest work on the brake coach, No.43172: following tyre turning the axles arrived back at the railway and the bogies were lifted on. Later in the week saw the carriage being carefully lowered back onto its bogies

Shortly after, Michael took to the lathe to turn new brake hanger pins

New and old

David fitting brake blocks

John installing cells in the new battery box

Lighting working successfully