Souvenir Mugs

Now available in the Waggonway Tea Room! 

Volunteer Katie has designed a brand new souvenir mug to be sold in the Waggonway Tea Room...

Pick up yours for just £7.99 - includes a free tea or coffee!

Inspection Pit Clean-Up

Today's shed volunteers have tackled a deep clean of the running shed's inspection pit, producing a much more pleasant working environment for fitters and loco crews.

Hard graft being done by Aaran, Tristan, Callum, Aadil and Chad...

Chad (L) and Tristan (R) jet washing years of build up of oil and grease.

Back to Backworth

From 5th May - 1st June, we revisit the Backworth Colliery Railway with a display showing the long and varied history of his line through photographs, interviews and artefacts.

Our Backworth display will be open on all open days throughout the month!

Work to No.69's Sandboxes

The cylinder feed pipes for the sand boxes on NCB No.69 have been the attention of the volunteers for many weeks. A cylinder from one of the rear sandboxes was removed with areas of significant pitting welded back up, with the idea to turn the cylinder in the lathe to achieve a smooth finish. This week this was achieved by volunteer machinist Tom, teaching some of the basics of lathe turning in the workshop.

The cylinder having been freshly welded back in February.

Side view with instructions for volunteer welders.

Head scratch moment in trying to get the cylinder to run true and round in the lathe. Three jaw chuck swapped out for the four jaw chuck.

Tom using instruments to get the correct read out at the base of the cylinder which was easier said than done.

Having been turned in the lathe to an agreed diameter, some areas require more weld, this work is planned to happen in the coming weeks.

Miniature Locomotive Delivery

We have today taken delivery of a 7 1/4 inch gauge steam locomotive which is privately owned by NTSRA members. The locomotive has undergone an overhaul and repaint with our friends at Lakeshore Railroad in South Shields and will operate on a recently proposed miniature railway at the museum.

Stay tuned for more news about our miniature railway project!

New Signage Installation

This afternoon Steve has installed new limited clearance signage on the parapets of the rising sun overline bridge...

Limited clearance signs denote that there is no position of safety (a distance of greater than four feet from the nearest rail edge) along the length of the structure they are attached to, prompting workers on the lineside not to cross the structure when a train is approaching. 

08915 in Service Today

08915 has been hauling trains today, seen here approaching Middle Engine Lane yard gates...

The third train of the day arrives at Percy Main.

Matt coupling up the loco to the train.

Trainee Guard Josh shows a green flag to Driver Nev on 08915.

FTR Course

401 has been in steam today for a course on carrying out 'fitness to run' (FTR) exams - daily inspections carried out on our operational locomotives and rolling stock to ensure they are safe and fit for use.

Here, David is seen under assessment by Martin...

Today at the Railway

401 on test after repairs to the regulator valve.

Aadil polishing the tank...

...and smokebox door...

...whilst Callum (L) and Chad (R) clean below the running board.

The Waggonway Tearoom open for sandwiches, cream teas and baked goods.

Paul R has been out with his drone again today, capturing these fantastic shots of 401 over lunch.

401 was found to be on top form after proving around the yard, so took over from 08915 on the passenger service after the first train.

Daffodils in full bloom outside the museum gates.

Michael W washing up after a busy lunchtime in the tearoom. 

401 arrives into Middle Engine Lane with the last train of the day...

...and heads back to the yard to be disposed.

Trainee diesel driver Dan getting to grips with 08915 during the evening shunt.

This Week's Work on No.69

Volunteers have been busy continuing the painting of No.69's wheels and frames. Aaran and Cameron have completed the application of grey phosphate primer to the leading driver's side wheel... 

Aaran brush applying the grey phosphate primer to the interior face of the wheel spokes.

After Cameron finishes off the exterior, the wheel is complete and now awaits to be painted black in the future.

Cameron has also been busy applying primer to the frames in readiness for their first coat of red paint on the interior.

Cameron priming the interior of the frames on the driver's side...

...and behind the rear buffer beam...

...and finally the running board brackets.

Thursday Trains with 08915

Jack and Aaran opening the yard gates during the morning line inspection.

08915 ready with the 1030 departure.

401 in the museum undergoing remedial work to its passing regulator valve.

Aaran driving 08915 back to Middle Engine Lane.

Waiting at the stop board for the Second Man to set the points...

Aaran setting them back to allow 08915 to rejoin the train.

The first stage of the woodland walk open for the public to enjoy.

08915 after arriving at Middle Engine Lane with another train.

The new carriage posters looking fantastic, thanks to volunteers Rob and Katie.

Trainee Guard Joss giving 08915's driver a green flag on the last departure of the day.