'Lion' Running Weekend Gala Day Two

Day two of our 'Lion' Running Weekend Gala was equally, if not better, than the first!

Many hands were available for the mornings prep, steam raising and cleaning. Aiden, Aadil, Josh and Ben all completing cleaning tasks both inside the cab and on the wheels and motion.

Aadil then brushes the cab sides with wash and wax, as Josh checks the water levelling in the tank after filling from the hose.

Down at Percy Main, 'Lion' prepares to haul the first demonstration freight train back to Middle Engine Lane.

The Driver's view from 'Ashington No.5' with passengers at Middle Engine Lane awaiting the arrival of 'Lions' arrival with the freight demonstration train.

With that coaches propelled into the platform, Station Master Dylan meets and greets passengers and  shows them to their seats on a scheduled top and tail/double header steam service.

Firemen Cameron, shovels coal on the return journey back to Middle Engine Lane.

Meanwhile, 08915 completes freight shunting duties.

All while passenger and demonstration freight trains are running, Aaran and Ben operate the miniature railway hauling passengers from Middle Engine Lane to Engine House Halt.

And in the museum, John is operating the model railway of Middle Engine Lane. It looks as if he has been doing some wagon marshalling and running passenger trains as well.

Accompanying John is our information display, showing information on Peckett & Sons Ltd. locomotives, including 'Lion' and 'Ashington No.5', with leaflets and flyers for our up coming events scheduled for later this year.

Out in the car park, a great turn out of classic cars for visitors viewing.

With the daytime services complete, two 'Sausage Supper Specials' trains ran into the evening with passengers enjoying sausage, mash, peas and gravy in the carriages hauled by 'Lion'