Platform Fence Painting Nears Completion

 After a few weeks, the task of reviving life into the appearance of the platform fence at Middle Engine Lane nears completion.

In the above, Davey looks at the final section of platform fence requiring painting.

Ale by Rail - Sunday

Volunteers were in early in the morning to clean up the museum ready for the second day of the beer festival.

401 in steam today for our regular Sunday train rides.

Live music from Bob's Ices.

401 parked by the beer garden over lunch.

More live music from 'Brindle's Manse'.

A last chance to 'tick off' some of the 12 craft ales on offer this year.

Ale by Rail returns for 2026 on August 15th!

Ale by Rail - Saturday

The museum ready for doors to open at 2PM for our first beer festival since 2018!

Pete Bell is first up on the stage.

People starting to fill the beer garden...

...and indoor seating areas.

Lesley, Aaran, Bob and Omar behind the bar.

Pete starts his second set.

By 4pm its getting busy at the bar!

People making the most of the good weather in the beer garden...

Alice, Aaran and Michael behind the bar.

Tonight's second act are 'Elemental Acoustic'.

Street food from Leo's Pizza & Panini...

...and Geordie Banger Co.

The Pete & Lou Ross Band take to the stage at 7PM.

Nev pouring a half.

Festival-goers enjoying Pete and Lou's second set.

It's still busy behind the bar for Cameron, Fiona and Michael at 9PM.

Ale By Rail Set Up

The real ale and cider bar was set up by volunteers from CAMRA's Tyneside & Northumberland Branch yesterday.

This weekend's menu, produced in the style of a railway departure board by Fiona.

There are 12 cask ales and 7 ciders on offer this weekend...

Stage set up in front of No.1.

Welcome desk set up with glasses and programmes ready to be collected by ticket holders...

Decorations in the museum created by Fiona.

The engines have been lined up against the apron outside to provide a backdrop for the weekend.

ACC5 and 401 in Steam Today

A rare sight at our railway in recent years - two home-based locomotives raising steam together!

401 heads off shed to haul today's passenger trains whilst ACC5 raises steam for further testing in Middle Engine Lane yard.

Robert tending to his fire.

ACC5 brought over the pit to oil up between the frames.

On test in the yard.

401 arrives with the 1205 from Percy Main.

ACC5 and 401 in steam together for the first time since 1996!

Robert driving ACC5.

ACC5 from the footplate of 401.

401 running round at Percy Main...

...and climbing away from the Metro bridge.

Dylan on the regulator.

ACC5 in the yard, ready to head down the line for the first time since December 2018.

Passing 401 on its way through Middle Engine Lane loop.

Aaran on the regulator.

Pausing at the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate pedestrian crossing to check for any bearings that might be running hot.