Lambton Van Plank Removal

John has been in the carriage shop this past weekend to begin removing waste timber boards from the South end of the Lambton Van.

Head Gasket Maintenance on 03078

This week Steve, Alan, Gordon and Tom have done the task of taking apart the head gasket of the engine of 03078 as part of some winter maintenance.

The engine bay doors have been removed for access to the engine in order to remove individual components to be assessed or stored.

Miniature Steam Engine Winter Maintenance

Last weekend the miniature steam engine was in the running shed to have some maintenance work completed on it's valve gear.

Aidan and Maxwell inspect the left-hand valve gear in preparation to complete some small maintenance tasks.

Percy Main Anniversary Headboard Exhibit

This past week, Cameron has fabricated a headboard bracket to be installed on the wall in the museum to accommodate the anniversary headboard of Percy Main shed.

He cut a section of scrap angle iron, before welding to the shape of a headboard bracket.

    Once all welded, the bracket is painted and fixed on the wall.

It was only fitting that it was placed above the enamel BR(NE) Percy Main station sign.

Capstan Lathe Coolant Pump Re-build

This past weekend, Steve and Tom removed and dismantled the coolant pump for the Capstan Lathe.

With re-wiring works being taken care of by Alan and Gordon, Steve and Tom have their eyes on other components which they want to make sure work as good once the coolant pump is re-assembled and working.

P-Way Trolley Maintenance

Davy has been completing some maintenance work on one of the P-Way trolleys.

This has included sanding, painting and re-fitting the plywood top.

And fitting a new turn buckle to the brake mechanism.

Waggonway Tearoom Signage

With the new chalkboard signage installed by John last week, this week Fiona has filled out the board with popular Waggonway Tearoom food items and prices.

Re-Wiring work on Ward Capstan Lathe

Alan, Steve and Gordon have began to re-wire the electrics within the Ward No.2 Capstan Lathe.

An acquisition by one of the Workshop Volunteers, the lathe will be used (once up and running) to reproduce large numbers of bolts, nuts, etc. in a quicker time than using either of the Colchester lathes already in the workshop. 

Charles Roberts Tank Wagon Progress

Norman hasn't stopped since the last update regarding the cosmetic overhaul of the Charles Roberts Tank Wagon.

Having applied a secondary layer of primer to the tank, he has begun painting the top coat red.

Re-Sleepering Works at Wallsend Road Curve

Today Michael lead a P-Way gang down to Wallsend Road Curve where 6 sleepers where change out over the course of a day.

The section of track in question requiring re-sleepering and checking of gauge.

The first task is to dig out the ballast around the sleepers to be changed.

Then unscrewing the chair screws to free the sleeper from the track.

With the sleeper replaced, new plugs are put into the chair before screwed by hand, or impact wrench.

Ben tightens down the chair screws under the watchful eye of Michael.

Installation of Waggonway Tearoom Signage

This week John has been in the Waggonway Tearoom install new menu signage in preparation for the Tearooms first opening in February.

 

Painting to Joiner's Shop floor

Alongside completing joinery jobs since New Year, John has completed a full tidy and clear out of the Joiner's Shop and completed a rejuvenation of the floor by painting new walkways and working areas.

Guards Van Shop set-up for 2026 season

Numerous members of the Youth Group took the time to set-up the 'Guards Van Shop' in the guards compartment in readiness for the start of the 2026 running season.

Visit the Guards Van Shop during operational days to purchase North Tyneside Steam Railway Association merchandise, soft drinks and confectionary to enjoy on your journey.

Volunteer Fire Marshal and Fire Extinguisher Training

This past weekend 8 volunteers undertook training to become Fire Marshals and competent in the use of various fire extinguishers.

A mixture pf practical and classroom learning, the course covered the types of fires, how to safely raise the alarm, extinguish different fires and which type of fire extinguishers to use.

Part of the training included demonstration and tests on fire extinguisher, with all volunteers on the course passing!

Upgrades to Middle Engine Lane Lineside Signage

This week, John and Steve have been completing tasks to upgrade the lineside signage in Middle Engine Lane yard. This has included digging holes for new signage posts and upgrading the current state of existing signage from temporary to more permanent fixtures.

Next to No.6 points, Steve digs a post hole to its final depths.

Whilst John, up near the water tower and No. 5 points, concretes a new fence post in place.

Elsewhere in the yard, the 'Stop whistle and proceed' and 'Mike 4' stop boards have been upgraded from plywood to di-bond.

Tool Cabinet Finishing Touches

The freshly painted tool cabinets are now complete, with plywood tops for protection against damage during tool storage.

 

With the plywood precisely cut to size, both standard and coach bolts hold the respective cabinet tops in place.

Sentinel 9559 Engine Re-build Continues

The re-build of Sentinel 9559's engine is quickly advancing to the state where it can be timed and components for oiling have been re-fitted to aid in this process. With the mechanical lubricator cleaned and bolted back to the engine frame, Robert and Steve have started rebuilding the extensive lubrication system.

Aside from the engine, Aaran and Robert have dismantled and are in the process of reassembling the reverser mechanism, reach rod and associated gear selection components used in timing the engine, pistons and cylinders. Machined by Aaran and Robert, new pins for the reverser mechanisms replace previous ones which were life expired and unfit for re-use.

Also, Robert has been completing some painting duties of the new cylinder covers, gear changing mechanisms and oil reservoir tank that feeds the drive chains of the engine.

Steven working on refitting the oil filler pipe to divert the oil feed onto the gears.

Robert cleans and de-greases the oil reservoir tank prior to priming.

Once primed, painting can progress prior to attaching back to the front of the water tank.

Charles Roberts Tank Wagon Progress

Norman has returned after his Christmas break to carry on with the cosmetic overhaul of the Charles Roberts tank wagon.

Having been shunted into the workshop due to the conclusion of Elf Express, he has continued with applying primer to the tank and frames.

P-Way Re-sleeper Works

Last weekend Michael D lead a P-Way party to complete re-sleepering works a short distance south of the Wallsend Road Bridge, swapping 3 sleepers that had becoming unfit for use.

Ben uses the impact wrench to loosen the chair screws. The surrounding ballast has already been shovelled out by Barnaby, Dylan and Jacob.

Having loosened the chair screws and removed the track keys, Barnaby and Dylan further shovel out the surrounding ballast with Tyler and Aiden watching on, allowing for the sleeper to be removed from under the track.

On-Site Maintenance

This weekend there have been a couple of jobs completed that have been outstanding for a few weeks now.

With members of the Youth Group cleaning and tidying the oil store out, Cameron has replaced the rotary hand pumps in the oil drums for lever-action hand pumps, making dispensing oil and paraffin more efficient and less messy.

With a new Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system installed in the Joiners Shop, Michael and John complete the construction of exhaust ductwork to numerous wood working machines.

With the Mobile Elevated Working Platform (MEWP) in service for LEV installation duties, Michael took the time to inspect the Pit Road roller shutter door due to reports of brief periods of faulty operation. No reportable works were required so operational problems ma have been due to the recent cold weather.

Finally, Ben was found in the Guard's Compartment removing the shelving from Elf Express in preparation to set-up the 'Guard's Van Shop' ready for the start of the 2026 running season.

New Workshop Tool Cabinets

 The workshop has received a donation of three workshop cabinets.

The work to rejuvenate the appearance of the cabinets has been the job of Cameron, with removal of the old paint and painting again to be done. Michael has completed welding work on the legs to make the cabinets more sturdy.

Colours of blue, red and green have been chosen as new paint job is required.

Over the coming weeks, workshop and machine tools will populate the cabinets