Miniature Track Delivery

Today we have taken delivery of 140m of 7 1/4" gauge track from the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway for our miniature railway project.

35 track panels in total. A temporary track will be set up for our upcoming model railway weekend before groundworks for the permanent miniature railway commence later this year.

Raising Steam

Fireman Aaran building his fire on 401 this morning.

Cabin Clear-up

 Volunteers Tristan and Matt have carried out a deep clean of the volunteers' cabin today...

Painting No.69

Last week, Aaran, Cameron and Michael removed the rear buffer beam angle to complete some cosmetic work. Aaran and Callum sanded around the bolt holes to allow for Cameron to add some primer. Elsewhere, Robert has continued priming the final wheel, with the aim to have the leading wheel set complete by the end of the year.

Aaran inspecting his sanding work.

Callum lends a hand.

Cameron helps Robert in priming the final wheel.

Callum removing the final bolt holding on the rear buffer beam angle.

A primed rear buffer beam. An additional coat of grey phosphate primer enhances the entire look.

Oil Tank Update

Norman has been working relentlessly on the repaint of the NTSRA's tank wagon, with much needle gunning and priming having been completed in recent weeks.

Today's Trains

08915 at Percy Main this morning carrying out a track inspection...

...and shunting the coal hoppers out of Middle Engine Lane loop.

401 in the platform with the first train of the day.

Passengers watching the loco run round at Percy Main.

Waiting in the loop for the fireman to set the points.

Trainee DOM Katie overseeing operations.

NCB No.69 Progress

Robert prepping the final wheel of the leading wheelset for priming by wire wheeling the spokes and face.

The inside face shows some shine with the removal of dirt, dust and grime of the workshop.

With some teaching from Aaran, Robert has his first attempt at stick welding, using some scrap pieces of metal. This transfer of skills is beneficial for upskilling the current volunteers in the workshop and for the restoration of No.69 as welding tasks will undoubtedly arise in the future.

Meanwhile, Alan and Tom have been busy completing the final cotter pin for the buffers and milling the welded faces of the handrail connection for the cab. Here, Alan is filing the radius edge of the final buffer cotter pin.

The welded faces of the handrail connectors ground back to have a skim pass milled off the face.

Tom stands back and lets the Bridgeport do the work.

One of the connectors getting its skim pass.