Elf Express Day #7

Ben, Callum, Alfie, Aaran and Chad breaking up pallets ready to be used for lighting up 401 over next week's 'Winter Warmer' trains.

Cameron has been busy progressing the overhaul of various components from NCB No.69. Click the '69' tag below for more detailed updates on the locomotive's overhaul.

Volunteers (L-R) Jeannie, Alice, Joe, John L and Helen ready to serve refreshments to the next train load of Elf Express passengers.

The last performance of the day underway in the museum with volunteers John R controlling the lights and Richard R monitoring the sound.

Second Man Dylan (L) and Driver Thomas (R) are today's 08 crew...

...to whom Guard Paul gives the right away to depart Middle Engine Lane with the last Elf Express of the day.

Carriage Charger Stands

 

Davey has been busy in the workshop recently working on a set of stands for the new carriage battery chargers, seen above after a fresh coat of grey paint.

08915 TLC

Nev has been busy giving 08915 a bit of TLC this morning...

Excess oil cleaned up from the engine room floor.

Cleaning up the LH side engine bay and exhauster cabinet doors.

Elf Express Day #6

Dylan inspecting 401's smokebox as part of the locomotive's daily 'fitness to run' exam.

Lunch going into the smokebox before leaving shed.

Crews waiting at Percy Main while Santa hands out presents.

Ready for departure on 401...

Approaching Wallsend Road curve.

Back at Middle Engine Lane.

Dylan building up his fire in preparation for...

...the climb out of Percy Main. 

Guard Paul (L) and Trainee Joss (R) sweeping out carriages between trains...

...and waiting to welcome passengers with diesel crew Nev and Dan.

Meanwhile, Cameron is cooking pigs and blankets to finish off today's lunch...

...Christmas Dinner à la 401!

The fourth Elf Express of the day waits at Percy Main.

Today's train crew (L-R): Paul, Dan, Joe, Dylan, Chad, Cameron, Nev, Joss and Aaran.

Duty Operations Manager, Steve, keeping an eye on proceedings as passengers board the 16:20 Elf Express.

Last train of the day ready to depart Percy Main.

Elf Express Day #5

08915 shunting 401 onto the coal road in the dark...

...and stabling the parcel van on the pit road.

Cameron cleans 401's cab sides whilst Aadil polishes the tank.

401 and 08915 on shed before 08915 sets off for the morning line inspection.

Trainee Second Man Chad coupling 08915 up to the carriages.

401 leaving the yard to join the train in Middle Engine Lane platform.

At Percy Main, Driver Robin attaches the lamps ready for departure.

08915 on banking duties...

...assisting 401 around rising sun curve.

Diesel Driver Nev bringing an afternoon Elf Express into Percy Main.

401 waits at Percy Main for Santa to finish handing out presents.

Aadil adjusting tinsel before departure.

In the museum, Richard and John are busy looking after the sound and lighting for the performance, which takes place before each departure to introduce passengers to the elves.

Michael makes up a batch of hot chocolate in the tea room ready for the next train load of passengers.

401 backs onto the train after taking water for the last train of the day.

Waiting to receive passengers...

Sparks from the chimney as Aadil builds up his fire for the run back to Middle Engine Lane (a Tyne and Wear Metro service to the Coast is about to pass over the NTSR in the distance).

At the end of the day, Richard coals up 401 ready for tomorrow's trains.

Elf Express Day #4

 

Trainee Fireman Aadil lighting his fire.

Morning preparation: Aaran, Aadil and Cameron cleaning 401.

401 joins the train ready for the 10:20 departure.

Sat at Percy Main.

Santa and the elves visit the engine for a quick photograph between trains.

401 at Percy Main with the Elf Express later in the day.

Aadil cooking lunch on the shovel.

401's crew today (L-R): Joe, Aadil and Cameron.

Cameron on the regulator back to Middle Engine Lane.

Waiting for passengers for the 16:20 Elf Express...

Cameron lights the lamps...

...for the last departure of the day from Percy Main.

Aadil taking dinner out of the smokebox.

Bon Appétit!