Oil Store Tidy Up

The oil store has had a thorough sort out and clean up this afterrnoon.

Moving Rail

Over the last few days, volunteers have been moving rails to free up space in the yard.

The telehandler lifting scrap rail away from the pile...

...and stacking it closer to the road ready for collection.

Lagging ACC5's Boiler

Joe cutting a roll of ceramic insulation down to size.

Aaran cutting a hole for a mudhole door.

Second roll of lagging going on.

The next step will be to fit the cladding sheets and lift the tank and cab back on.

Litter Pick at Percy Main

This afternoon, Nigel has carried out a comprehensive litter pick at Percy Main to make the station area more presentable to passengers.

 

Before...

...and after!

10 bags of litter ready to be collected.

Painting ACC5's Boiler

Ashington No.5's boiler passed its hydraulic exam on March 13th and volunteers immediately started prepping it for painting.

Aaran completing the first coat of heatproof black paint.

Aadil second coating.

Aaran completing a second coat.

Repairs to 03078

Over the weekend, it was reported by the diesel crew that 03078 had lost two of the three belts that drive its compressor. So, this evening, Aaran and Robert stepped up to repair the loco and ensure it remains available for traffic.

The two belts after being refitted.

Robert and Aaran check their work before starting up the loco for testing.

First Day of the Season

Morning preparation on 401: Jack polishing cab fittings, Aadil cleaning the tank and Cameron oiling up.

Kevin following instructions from Trainee Guard Chad whilst buffering up to the carriages.

401 pauses for a photo opportunity with 'Loki' on the miniature before heading to the platform.

Today's guard, Tristan, and station staff, Kai, ready to greet passengers.

401 and train in Middle Engine Lane platform.

The first train of the day at Percy Main.

Kai manning the Guard's Van Shop.

Ready for departure on the second train.

03078, 08915, 'Pony' and 401 lined up at lunchtime. 

Clearing the apron has allowed us to trial a new location for the picnic benches.

Cameron driving the third train of the day.

Jack keeps a lookout on the approach to Wallsend Road bridges.

Running round at Middle Engine Lane.

'Loki' arrives into 'Engine House Halt'.

More test trains today on the miniature - it will be open to passengers from Good Friday!

Diesel crew Kevin and Dan carrying out the end of day shunt.

    Jack cleaning out the smokebox whilst Aadil washes down the tank.

Cameron dampening down ash in the ashpan.

Painting Progress on Sentinel 9559

 A round-up of Aaran and Robert's recent painting progress on Sentinel 9559:

The rear buffer beam before being needle gunned by Aaran.

Once needle gunned and sanded down we discovered some marks in the buffer beam, leading us to believe it is cast iron or steel.

Aaran painting primer on the rear corner of the driver's side frames.

He then top coated the area with black.

The buffer beam was then painted in red oxide...

...before receiving two coats of grey undercoat.

Robert also top coated some cab steps and one of the sand boxes.

Aaran and Robert also painted the fireman's side frame in red oxide primer.

Robert painting the red top coat on the rear buffer beam.

The top of the buffer beam painted black.

The buffer beam after completion.

Cabin Clean-Up

Jack and Joe have given the volunteer's cabin a deep clean this morning...