Conflat Update

Michael cutting up metal to be used to create the conflat's side sheets.

Robert using the donkey saw to cut it to the required size.

The four side sheets cut out and being painted...

Aaran painting.

    Michael D welding the deck together...

...along with Michael W.

    The deck after receiving a layer of undercoat.

Davey applying the first coat of black...

Aaran and Steve fitting the side sheets.

C&W News

Norman has continued to make rapid progress in painting the association's tank wagon.

 

A concerted effort has seen the edges and deck now welded onto the conflat. Now the wagon just requires the side plates and van body to go on the top!

The north end of the Lambton van has had its planking completed and window restored.

John has now commenced fitting the East Side planking.

Miniature P-Way

More space was required for a headshunt to allow a run-round loop to be constructed at the southern terminus of the miniature railway, so volunteers have constructed a small embankment to facilitate this.

With a layer of ash (courtesy of Bagnall 401) applied and tamped down, the track panels are put in place ready for an inspection.

401 in Steam Today

Driver Robin oiling up.

Aadil cleaning the wheels.

08915 hauls the carriages into the platform ready for the first train.

401 joining the train in Middle Engine Lane platform.

Robin driving the first train away from Wallsend Road curve.

Trainee fireman Tom on the shovel.

Later building up his fire at Percy Main.

Emptying the smokebox at the end of the day.

Completion of needle gunning on NCB No.69's tank

 Robert, Aadil and Aaran have completed the extensive needle gunning task of removing the existing paint from NCB No.69's tank. Over a number of weeks, they have completely removed the old paint and applied a coating of red oxide.

Robert needle guns the underside of the tank.

Joined by Aadil.

And Aaran.

An interrupted Aadil painting on a layer of red oxide primer.

The tank will now sit in Middle Engine Lane yard until internal inspection and painting is required.

Conflat Work

The conflat has had a new end section fabricated, seen here being fitted by Aaran.

Aaran welding it in place.

Next up will be the installation of the decking.

Woodland Walk from Above

    Some aerial photos, taken by volunteer Dan, showcasing recent progress down phase two of the woodland walk project. The education lodge is coming together and the area behind it will form a viewing area to allow visitors to get up close to items of rolling stock previously inaccessible to the public.