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.