Sunday Steam

401 raising steam ready for four round trips to Percy Main.

Trainee second man Callum shunting 401 onto the new road ready for coaling up.

Steve (L) and Richard (R) oiling up 401.

Trainee fireman Robert (L) and driver Richard (R) keeping a lookout on rising sun curve.

ACC5 Tank and Cab Lift

On Thursday, Michael W, Robert and Aaran lifted the Peckett's tank back onto the boiler. This was followed today by the re-fitting of the cab and chimney too...

The next tasks involve finishing the brake rigging, refitting boiler fittings and constructing a new ashpan.

Bolting of Ashington No.5's tank to the frames

Now that the hard work of lifting, manoeuvring, and then lowering the Ashington No.5's tank back onto the locomotive is complete. Aaran and Robert have spent the afternoon securing the tank on it's support brackets with new bolts and nuts.

The new bolts and nuts fastened tight to the front of the tank on the Fireman's side of the engine.

Before finishing for the evening, a final bit of shunting was required to move the wagon in which the tank was sat upon back out into Middle Engine Lane yard.

Thursday Trains

401 has been hauling trains again today for the Easter school holidays.

Alongside BHC No.2 'Pony' at lunchtime.

Congratulations to Dylan Hiplin (L), pictured with Traction Inspector Stephen Thornton (R), who has today passed his fireman's practical exam.

Completion of ACC5's Cladding

Aaran, Robert and Michael have completed the cladding on Ashington No.5's boiler this afternoon, ready for the tank and cab to go back on later this week. 

NCB No.69's Brake Blocks

George has continued with work on the brake blocks for No.69. Having machined new pins, he continues to trial fit them through the brake hangers and blocks.

Bank Holiday Monday

401 has been in service again today for the second day of 'Easter Eggspress' trains...

Robert, Cameron and Aadil get to work cleaning the loco.

401 on the train ready for the 1030 departure.

Aadil helps trainee fireman Robert with the firehole doors whilst driver Joe keeps an eye on the road ahead under Wallsend Road bridge.

401 after arrival at Middle Engine Lane.

Miniature controller Rob collecting the staff (a wooden spoon) from David on 'Hilda'.

After taking water, 401 is stabled by the apron over lunch so the public can watch fireman Cameron oil around.

Dan, today's guard, waves 401 onto the carriages, ready for the 1415 train.

Joe firing.

Cameron eases the train into Middle Engine Lane.

After disposal, the locomotive is wiped down and its oil bottles and water treatment bottles are replenished ready for the next crew.

Easter Sunday

Rob oiling up 401 ready for five 'Easter Eggspress' trips to Percy Main today.

The NTSRA's TV and dot matrix boards switched on in the Waggonway Tea Room, providing customers with information about our ongoing projects and today's train times.

David Rees' 7 1/4" gauge steam locomotive 'Hilda', visiting for our miniature railway's opening weekend.

It's been a chocker day on the miniature with 'Hilda' and 'Loki' hauling full trains all afternoon.

Little and large at Engine House Halt at lunchtime.

Aadil cooking lunch on the shovel...

...chicken kebabs!

Rob on the regulator.

'Hilda' and 'Loki' double heading a train over the crossing on the miniature railway.

Matt dispatching a train from the comfort of David Rees' visiting guards van.

Another double-headed run on the miniature...

...heading towards the crossing.

Also visiting for the opening weekend are David Rees' superb 7 1/4" slate wagons, seen here with 'Hilda'.

Once back on shed, Aadil dishes up slow-cooked braised steak cooked in the smokebox with shovel-fried carrots and parsnips. Delicious!

Good Friday - Miniature Railway Grand Opening

Fireman Aaran talking trainee Callum through his pre-light up checks of 401's firebox.

'Loki' in steam on the miniature.

401 raising steam on the pit road...

...before moving to the new road to be coaled up.

Tom, Adam and Paul bring 'Loki' up to the ribbon ready for the miniature railway's Grand Opening ceremony.

Following a short speech by chairman Michael, Engineering and Railway Operations Manager David cuts the ribbon and officially opens the miniature railway in front of a crowd of visitors.

Bank holidays are brown timetable days, whereby two out of five trips are diesel hauled. Here, Driver Nev eases 08915 into Middle Engine Lane after completing the first run of the day to Percy Main.

401 moving into position to take over from the diesel for the next departure.

Battery, petrol and steam locos lined up on the miniature on its first day of public operation.

Passengers had the choice between riding behind 'Kibworth Castle' or 'Loki'.

401 running round at Percy Main later on in the day.

Callum operating an injector on the way back to Middle Engine Lane.

Aaran checks back down the train as it rounds Rising Sun curve.

401 ready to shunt the carriages away at the end of the day.

Miniature stock on the crossing ready to be brought back into the museum.

After disposal, 401 is shunted back into the shed and wiped down ready for Sunday's crew.