Loco Swap

After a successful locomotive exchange with the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway, 401 and 1208 are returning to their home railways. Here, 1208 is seen ready to leave NTSR on October 25th.

401 is now surplus to requirements at Embsay and was returned to NTSR following its recent visit to the Dean Forest Railway. 

Back in the museum.

Illingworth's Last Day

   Some photos of 1208 'Illingworth' (currently in its 'Robert McAlpine & Sons No.88' guise) during its last running day at NTSR before returning home to the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. 

1208 has spent the last 14 months at NTSR whilst our Bagnall 401 satisfied the need for a bigger engine at E&BASR. As 401 is no longer required by Embsay, it is set to return back to North Tyneside later this month.

Back on shed with cleaners Aaran (left), Chad (centre) and Aadil (right) on the running board.

A Day of Assessments...

 

Adam brushing 1208's tubes during this morning's prep.

08915 shunting 1208 onto the coal road.

Robin up top polishing the tank.

Robin and Adam on the footplate of 1208.

Running round at Percy Main.

The last train of the day arrives back at Middle Engine Lane.

A trio of volunteers have passed out in new roles today! Congratulations to newly qualified diesel second man Dan Southern (left), diesel driver Nev Bilton (centre) and steam driver Robin Johnson (right).

Engine Cleaning

This week, Aadil and youth team members Aaran, William, Chad, Ben and Ruben have given 1208 a thorough clean and polish after its short break from hauling trains at the NTSR.

Meanwhile, new volunteer Shane has been polishing the metalwork.

On shed this morning. Note the change of identity!

1208 has carried many names over the past 107 years! Having spent its first year at NTSR as 'Nightingale/Seacole', it is now carrying its 'Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons No.88' nameplates. Upon closure of the Nidd Valley Light Railway in 1936, 1208 was sold to Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd., for whom it worked at Ebbw Vale steelworks until 1940.

Gleaming!

Today's Trains

Cameron cooking breakfast.

The first train of the day after arrival at Percy Main.

Matt closing doors in preparation for departure.

The fireman's view on the way back to Middle Engine Lane.

A surprise group booking made it necessary to fetch a third carriage before the second train.

Cameron resetting the points at Percy Main after 1208 had run through them.

Trainee Fireman Tristan building up his fire.

Cameron and Tristan ready to go with the last train.

The last train of the day arrives back at Middle Engine Lane.

Gauge Glass Rubbers Replacement

Richard replacing the rubbers on the fireman's side gauge glass on 1208 over lunchtime. 

Testing the gauge glass.

Freight Train Day

Dylan, Aaran and Tristan polishing 1208 whilst Cameron oils 69's boiler.

1208 ready to depart with the morning freight train.

After arrival at Percy Main, the guard's van is gravitated through the platform...

...and towards the headshunt.

With the freight train remarshalled, 1208 sits at the bottom of Percy Main headshunt ready to depart.

Cameron clipping the points at Middle Engine Lane for 1208 to run into the platform.

Ray and Katie running the Waggonway Tea Room today.

Today's Guard, Matt, shutting doors ready for the 12:30 departure.

Joe firing.

1208 in Middle Engine Lane yard with the afternoon's demonstration freight train.

Trainee Fireman Dylan cleans out the smokebox at the end of the day.

Thursday's Trains

08915 ready to pull 1208 out of the shed.

Aaran lighting the fire.

1208 at Percy Main with the second train of the day.

A full train of passengers making their way back to the museum after the second train whilst Illingworth's tank is topped up.

Meanwhile, in the workshop, Cameron is applying the first coat of black to one of 69's wheelsets.

1208 at Middle Engine Lane after arriving with the last train - the third carriage had been added over lunchtime due to increased demand.

1208 stabling the carriages in the loop in preparation for Sunday's demonstration freight train...

...which 08915 prepares in the north headshunt.