Sunday, 31 March 2024

Easter Sunday Trains


Matt buffering 401 up to 03078...


...so it can be hauled out of the shed...


...and stabled outside ready for the first 'Cab It' event of the year.


Aaran lighting his fire.


Steve oiling up.


Chad and Callum cleaning 03078 whilst Cameron continues painting the Conflat.


08915 propelling wagons out of Middle Engine Lane loop.


Josh ready to welcome passengers for the 10:30 departure.


The first train of the day after arriving at Percy Main.


A big crowd gathers to watch the locomotive run round.


Steve driving back to Middle Engine Lane, with Aaran also keeping an eye on the road ahead.


Back at Middle Engine Lane.


Another fully loaded train at Percy Main.


Guard Dan and Driver Steve watching the last few passengers rejoin the train.


Steve Driving.


Aaran firing.


Taking water over lunch.


Lisa, Patrick and Katie have had a busy day in the Tea Room today!


Jack ready to welcome visitors to 03078's cab.


Callum painting the Conflat wagon.


Volunteers (L-R) Nev, Tristan, Matt and Kev having a catch up over lunch.


Steve couples 401 up to the carriages ready for the 14:15 train.


A busy scene at Middle Engine Lane as passengers head back to the Museum.


The latest progress on Stage 2 of the Woodland Walk project, as seen from a passing train.


Running round at Percy Main.


401 gleaming in the afternoon sun...


..ready to depart Percy Main with the last train of the day.


Approaching Wallsend Road bridges.

    
A nice way to end the day! Congratulations to Aaran Denny, who has passed his fireman's practical exam today and is now a fully qualified fireman!

Friday, 29 March 2024

Good Friday Trains


Tom lighting the fire as 401 is dragged out of the running shed...


...and onto the pit road...


...to steam up.


Cameron continues painting the Conflat chassis.


Josh polishing door handles on the carriages.


401 shunting the brake vans around the yard...



Ready to go with the first train of 2024!


Today's guard, Matt, shows 401's crew a green flag.


Passengers alighting at Percy Main.


Tom on the regulator.


Meanwhile, Callum and Chad apply a protective coat of oil to 69's boiler...


...and help Cameron in painting the Conflat.



401 running round the train at Percy Main.


Trainee Guard Rob waves 401 back onto the stock.


Paul L has restocked the NTSRA's fundraising stall in the museum.

Wednesday, 27 March 2024

Getting Ready for Good Friday

NTSRA volunteers have been busy today cleaning and tidying the museum ready for re-opening to the public on Good Friday... 

Peter deep cleaning the tea room.


Joe, Cameron and Jack deep cleaning NTSRA's brake van, which will be in use for brake van rides next month. 


Much better!


Michael D, Cameron and Michael W cleaning the museum.


Michael D laying out picnic benches.


Having a wash and brush up in front of the museum entrance.


Chad has refitted 401's dome cover.