Tanfield Railway

Usual Work

2012-03-02T20:26:00.005Z

Malcolm heads out with Vic and a hired excavator
(our digger's tracks and sprockets need replacement)

Owen cutting material for welding tests

Ian cutting and .....

..... Paul drilling another length of rail

Boyd's crossing temporarily reinstated

Vic has spread the ballast ready for lifting and alignment

Similar Stuff

2012-03-01T18:15:00.000Z

Angela painting Houghwell Burn bridge rails,
while Dave weeds

More ballast loading at East Tanfield, with Malcolm .....

.....removing miscellaneous material .....

..... and crew training

Dropping ballast at Boyd's

Network Rail yesterday expanded and updated NR archive material on the web, which I've added to the national interest links of the TR blog.

Continued Work During Line Closure

2012-02-29T18:15:00.001Z

Ian loading the ballast wagon at East Tanfield .....

..... with Ken removing large blocks

Ken and Geoff spreading ballast near Boyd's

Jim milling Cochrane's slide bars
(to flatten and square them up)

Usual Work Again

2012-02-28T18:08:00.002Z

Ronnie making more firebar formers

John slinging rail at Boyd's

Our last 60' 109lb/yd FB rail being moved to the job

John and Chris placing rail

John admires the view

The man from Lloyds assessing the New Holland
excavator, with Vic, who looks after it

Tanfield Railway, in range of the Derwentside red kite
(lucky shot with a Nokia E5)

Usual Jobs

2012-02-27T19:34:00.001Z

Dave making a vac relief valve spindle

We need approximately another 75 yards of permanent rails for the upgrade at Causey Benkwell Farm (Boyd's), so are preparing 12 x 39' 109lb/yd FB by trimming and drilling both ends. These will be transported to site, but the rail changing probably left for next Sunday's gang.

Malcolm S trimming rail ends .....

..... then using the Cembre drill while
John Potts trims the other end

Malcolm P trimming rail ends

Down the Line

2012-02-26T22:59:00.000Z

With no trains running today, the opportunity was taken to work on Cochrane and No.6, but I don't have any photos. Many more volunteers were working about the line, which we can show .....

The youth team continue to remove ballast
from around the point at Causey
(photo courtesy of Angela)

Chris and Bob have been painting the inside of
Bobgin's bothy (photo courtesy of Angela)

Chris has missed painting the coal
(photo courtesy of Bob)

Meanwhile, at Causey Benkwell Farm, 120 yards of the 30' 109lb/yd FB was changed for 60' 98lb/yd FB rail :

(photo courtesy of Angela)

(photo courtesy of Stu Armstrong)

Impressions of a Volunteer

2012-02-25T16:24:00.000Z

This photo montage of his first impressions of Tanfield Railway is by Ken Elliott, who has worked with us as a volunteer since 2011.

No Trains Tomorrow

2012-02-25T07:13:00.001Z

Andrews House tea room and shop, as well as Marley Hill shed area, will be open to the public tomorrow, but the line will be closed to permit rail changes near Boyd's crossing. Passenger trains will next run on 18 March (Mothering Sunday).

Rounding off the Week

2012-02-24T18:25:00.000Z

Fastening the 109 to 95 lb rail south of Boyd's

Loading the new Holland excavator near Bobgins, its work done for the moment :

The 60' lengths of 98 lb/yard FB rail which have been stored at Bobgins were towed by the Husky up to where they will replace the 30' temporary rails:

Meanwhile back at the shed .....

There's always painting to be done

Trackwork, in the Main

2012-02-23T18:48:00.002Z

Continuing from yesterday .....

Angela and John plating yesterday's panels

Ian adjusting the lateral alignment
(using the muscleman to lift and slew)

Repeat : sling .....

..... lift ....

..... travel .....

..... lower ....

..... unsling .....

..... fishplate

Angela and John slinging the last panel .....

..... Ian cutting to suit .....

..... and nudging into place

Rerailing the muscleman ready to return to MH

Work remaining on this secion is ballasting, and swapping all 30' rails for 60' lengths - and the there are other schemes to be completed within the closure.

If you'd like to lend a hand - ring Ian on 07973855157 or Derek on 07969146642.

Back at Marley Hill ......

Jim boring

Ronnie making a firebar pattern

Chris making an ashpan door

Only Trackwork .....

2012-02-22T19:32:00.000Z

..... because noone else was in today.

Placing the first replacement panel .....

..... fastening the temporary 30' rails .....

..... and repeat

Looking down the formation which Vic levelled yesterday,
with Ian removing the remaining material at Boyd's crossing

Travelling with one of the panels

Close up of Bill, Geoff and Ken at work

Looks like everything's orange - including
the reflected glow in the Husky's cab

At Boyd's crossing (aka Causey Benkwell Farm), the old panels have been removed, most transported back to Marley Hill, the track bed roughly levelled, and 13 of 20 temporary panels are basically in place. However, a large amount of work remains - 7 more panels to be placed, all 20 panels to be fishplated, aligned and ballasted, all 30' rails to be swapped for 60' lengths - and the there are other schemes to be completed within the closure.

If you'd like to lend a hand - ring Ian on 07973855157 or Derek on 07969146642.

Mainly Trackwork Again

2012-02-21T20:25:00.000Z

We removed the remaining 75 lb/yd FB panels at Boyd's crossing today. Tomorrow we should be able to start laying the replacement 109 lb/yd FB panels.

Chris, Bill, Ian and Sarah unfastening today's first panel

Chris, Sarah and Bill steady a panel. With no slewing room,
the panels were taken back up the bank

Another panel being disconnected and slung

Sarah checking a sling

Bill and Chris removing fishplates

Sarah and Ian slinging (beside Boyd's hen crees)

Malcolm demonstrating his persuasive side

We'll have the crossing to remake

Most panels were slewed directly onto a waggon
behind, then removed at Marley Hill

Vic preparing the bed as we move up the bank

The last 75lb panel being removed .....

..... followed by the short 95 lb closure panel

Volunteers are always welcome, especially to help us progress this type of work over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, back in the workshop .....

Ronnie checking the new band saw

Mainly Trackwork

2012-02-20T20:34:00.000Z

The railway is now closed for nearly four weeks, to enable us to do some track replacement and upgrade projects. At the same time, the opportunity will be taken to do some loco work.

Running repairs - Jim and Dave attending to the miller, and Ian charging the crane battery:

Engineer's train passing through Causey station ....

..... en route to East Tanfield curve ....

..... where six CS1 bull head panels were dropped off.
(The replacement panels will be installed here later.)

Next, back up the line to Causey Benkwell Farm .....

..... where the first of the 75lb FB panels .....

..... is craned round onto the empty flat waggons.

More of the same tomorrow, dependant on volunteers .....

A Varied Day

2012-02-19T21:45:00.000Z

James checking No.6's water level, guided by Sarah

Meanwhile, setting out old track panels for dismantling
(photo courtesy of Neville Whaler)

Later, no.6 heading past the box on the first train .....
(photo courtesy of Neville Whaler)

..... and passing on the main while panels are dismantled

In the shed, Richard removed Cochrane's connecting rods, because play in the cross head slippers needs to be reduced. New left hand side piston rings will also be fitted (rhs done some time ago).

Richard removing the left big end cotter ....

..... then the left connecting rod, assisted by Peter .....

..... and James on the right connecting rod

In Causey Woods - all photos courtesy of Ian Cowan

The youth team removing ballast from Causey point,
which is due for retimbering and improved drainage

Angela painting the fixed distant at Tanfield

Tanfield - railway of the red kite

Tomorrow's Trains

2012-02-18T07:00:00.000Z

No.6 will haul trains on round trips from Andrews House station at 11 am, 12.30, 2 and 3.30 pm.

This will be the last day of passenger service until Sunday 18 March, to allow nearly four weeks of line closure for sections of track to be replaced.

Friday

2012-02-17T18:22:00.002Z

Cochrane being " blown down" , that is the boiler drained under pressure. This will allow maintenance to be carried out during the closure of the passenger service trains.

The fusible plug that blew on the torque converter of the Husky. The converter is the circular object with a ring of telethon the circumference.

Malcolm filling the converter with hydraulic oil, a long slow job!

Vic was sorting sleepers and Alan repaired some cistern faults.

From the Beginning

2012-02-17T07:00:00.001Z

Phases of Tanfield Railway operations since 1971 :
1. Steaming in the shed yard
2. Public footplate trips in the shed yard
3. Passengers in the glass carriage in the shed yard
4. Passenger trains between Marley Hill station and Bowes Bridge loop
5. Passenger trains between Marley Hill and Sunniside stations
6. Passenger trains from Andrews House to Sunniside and Causey Arch
7. Passenger trains from Andrews House to Sunniside and East Tanfield
8. East Tanfield to Sunniside?
9. Marley Hill to Byermoor?

Do you know the dates, stock, locos and people involved in these phases?

What, who, where and when?

Thursday's preparations for the closure

2012-02-16T21:47:00.003Z

Angela and Henry slinging crossing timbers.

Malcolm, Henry, Angela, me on crane, placing bull head panels ready for relaying.

Trouble with the S.L.I. good job we have a fitter on hand.

Henry on a guide rope.

Henry and Malcolm and Angela lifting the last bull head panel.

Historical Team Work 3

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000Z

Track replacement north of Boyd's Crossing in 2010

More Wednesday Work

2012-02-15T20:16:00.003Z

Loading the last panel.

This the point where the fusible plug blew on the torque converter of the husky.

The Armstong took over the day's duties.

Chris working on Twizell's new ashpan.

Finish the day off by collecting dry firewood. Angela, Ken and Henry.

Wednesday's Work

2012-02-15T20:05:00.003Z

Start the day with a toolbox talk, then start to load the last wagon. Ken, Bill, Angela and Henry, myself driving the crane.

The correct way to attach the brothers to the load.

Yes, he has been caught smiling, or is it wind!!!

Historical Team Work 2

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000Z

Track replacement north of Terrace Junction in 2010

Monday and Tuesday

2012-02-14T19:40:00.003Z

Monday, Malcolm, Phil and Malcolm start stripping the hiab from the grampus wagon in preparation for transporting competed 30ft panels

Today, Malcolm, Bill and myself loading the grampus with track panels

The day was spent unloading 3 wagons of track panels at Causey Benkwell farm, close to the area that is going to be relaid

Ever wondered what the crane controls look like? The handle on the left is the travel controller. The device on the right is a double function controller, slew left and right and hoist up and down. further on the right out of sight is another lever, which controls the directing function of the crane. There are also two foot pedals which are the hoist brake and the slew brake.

Hopefully there will be more pictures of the crane working down the line tomorrow.

Historical Team Work 1

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000Z

Track replacement at Sunniside Station in 2010

Yesterday

2012-02-13T09:00:00.000Z

How others see us - some shots of yesterday's events thanks to Stu Armstrong (who retains copyright):

No.6 passes the box

Twizell, 49, 14 and 2 in Marley Hill shed

No.2 and the Husky outside the shed

No.2 passes with empty wagons for track panels

Bob and Bill check on Peter

Cochrane and No.6 at disposal as the carriages
are propelled into the carriage shed

Loco Preparation +

2012-02-12T09:59:00.000Z

Phil the fireman cleaning No.6

Driver Peter .....

..... oiling No.6

George the driver .....

..... oiling Cochrane

Fireman Sarah cleaning Cochrane

Later, Andrews House to Sunniside token exchanges at the signalbox:

Peter hands the token to Angela

George passes the token to Angela

Angela on her levers

And on the curve, trackwork was going on:

John guides the loading of a track panel

Richard, Steve and John load a panel - Ian on the crane

Mark cleaning a bolt thread ....

..... and the whole team (James, Danny, Chris, Mark, ?,
and Stuart) is seen as the last panel is completed

Causey Maintenance

2012-02-11T10:53:00.003Z

DCC Charlotte supervising volunteers erecting a new gate at Causey South footpath crossing
An excellent job done, the volunteers also erected some fencing and replaced missing gate closures on the southern section of the railway.

Tomorrow's Trains

2012-02-11T07:00:00.000Z

Sunday is freight train day at Tanfield. Cochrane and No.6 will be out, together with some shunting in the yard using diesel locos.

A Cold Day

2012-02-10T19:53:00.000Z

Vic catches up on the local news after loading more of
the 30' rails (last two panels to be made on Sunday)

Various Again

2012-02-09T13:01:00.000Z

Through the goodwill of Baric Systems Ltd and the auspices of Neil Morgan, we have received redundant machine tools which should be very useful to us, including .....

Sawmaster band saw

Pels punch and guillotine

Jim making a spindle on the Harrison lathe

Chris using the magentic drill

Angela steaming the locos to prevent freezing

Various

2012-02-08T18:59:00.001Z

This morning, we interviewed three candidates for the EHSI bursary post, to start in April. We also double checked the number of 30' AD panels required for the Boyd's crossing relaying - twenty are required, so we need to assemble another two.

Some views from this afternoon .....

Bill cleaning AD fixings

Chris working to plan

Stuart (steam engineer from Beamish) screw cutting
a replacement steam pipe for their colliery hooter

Geoff undergoing training on the dumper

Similar Work

2012-02-07T18:45:00.001Z

In the workshop .....

Brian at work on the Harrison lathe

Ronnie servicing the iron men (used to shift rail)

In the stocking ground .....

Bill, John, Ian, Dan, Gareth and Ken set up an AD panel

Fastening down the rails

Setting up the next layer of panels

Ken and Gareth drilling rail ends

Usual Work

2012-02-06T18:25:00.000Z

In the workshop ......

Jim working on an automatic vacuum drain valve
(to drain condensate)

Dave working on an automatic vacuum
relief valve (to maintain 21" Hg)

In the stocking ground (recently cleared by Vic) ....

Setting out replacement 30' AD panels .....

..... by first positioning sleepers (each 250kg)

Phil and Malcolm fastening a 109 lb/yard FB rail
(each 500kg), assisted by Malcolm and Ian

Heritage Skills on TV

2012-02-06T06:30:00.000Z

Engineering Heritage Skills Initiative (EHSI) at Stanegate Restorations (Haltwhistle) and Beamish Museum will feature on BBC2 at 6.30 pm today, Monday 6 February 2012, in the first of a fifteen part series "Britain's Heritage Heroes", showing weekdays for three weeks.

Today's Train

2012-02-05T07:30:00.000Z

No.6 will haul carriages 1, 2 and 3 on round trips from Andrews House station at 11 am, 12.30, 2 and 3.30 pm.

Mark firing No.6

Probably blocked tubes
(photo courtesy of Neville)

David driving No.2

Driver's eye view from No.2 approaching engine curve

No.2 stands with the 11 am train at Causey

Later, back at Marley Hill .....

Vic and Ian prepare for assembly of track panels

The blogger blogged as rails are unloaded
(photo courtesy of Neville)

General Work Again

2012-02-03T17:35:00.002Z

Angela preparing to steam ......

..... and cleaning No.6, assisted by Dave

Heading out empty from Marley Hill .....

..... loading 30' rails at Boyd's .....

..... and returning - these rails will be used
to build more replacement panels

Chris with the ashpan kit for Twizell

General Work

2012-02-02T15:13:00.002Z

Ronnie painting the web site

Chris on the Harrison lathe

Ronnie inspecting vacuum brake cylinders

I steamed Cochrane today due to the forecast cold snap
(also why we completed rail replacement yesterday)

..... Completed

2012-02-01T18:39:00.003Z

The section of rail replacement north of Boyd's crossing has been completed, so the line is again intact.

Geoff unfastening fishplates

John unfastening a 30' rail

Salvaging spacers and fittings

Bill fastening down the last 60' rail

Marc drilling the bullhead closure rail

Fastening the last fishplate (for now)

Some spot packing .....

..... with a partial view up the line

TR Blog

2012-02-01T07:30:00.000Z

This TR blog has existed for 7 months and has reached another minor milestone - 5000 page views per month in January.

If you have any comments, complaints or suggestions, please email tanfield.blog@gmail.com

Continued ....

2012-01-31T19:16:00.000Z

Ronnie making parts for trackside signs

The replacement of 30' with 60' rails north of Boyd's crossing is proceeding to schedule. At the end of today, the railway remains disconnected, with two 60' rails left to go in.

Marc and Malcolm connecting replacement rails

Marc and Bill tipping out a 30' rail

John, Bill, Malcolm and Mark tip a 60' rail into place

Push!

Loosening fittings

Rattling down ....

..... and together

Usual Work

2012-01-30T18:03:00.000Z

In the workshop .....

Changing rails north of Boyd's crossing .....

Other Jobs

2012-01-29T20:16:00.002Z

The youth team spot resleepering .....

..... in front of Marley Hill shed .....

..... led by John and Owen - seen explaining things
(photo courtesy of Neville)

Steve removing East Tanfield station panels from .....

..... wagons which are needed to transport track panels

Today's Loco

2012-01-29T09:30:00.000Z

No.6 will haul trains from Andrews House station at 11 am, 12.30, 2 and 3.30 pm. The photos below show the crew preparing No.6.

Fireman Angela cleaning wheels

Driver George cleans cab fittings

Cleaner Matthew brushes on .....

..... and wipes off

Around the Railway

2012-01-27T20:23:00.003Z

In the workshop .....

Chris and Owen finalising marking out of
Twizell's ashpan from the drawing

Later, Chris plasma cutting the ashpan sections

Jim on the Harrison lathe again,
with vaccum application valve

Chris sawing strip

Marc cleaning bolt threads

Out on the line ....

Marc and Dan manoeuvring 60' 109lb FB rail, ready .....

..... to replace the temporary 30' lengths near Boyd's xing

Round the Site

2012-01-26T21:21:00.003Z

Brian and Ronnie cutting steel strip for whistle signs

Malcolm and Dan warming Renishaw no6 through in readiness for the forecast cold snap

Dan checking injector overflow

Brian and Ronnie making Ws for the railway's giant scrabble night

Chris marking out Twizells new ash pan

John sorted the water leak and the thermostat in the workshop, where I was in training as a trainee blogger!

Fishplate Maintenance

2012-01-25T18:16:00.001Z

Near Boyd's crossing, Geoff and Bill refitting plates

At Bowes Bridge, Bill and Ken drilling .....

..... Bill, Geoff and Dan refitting plates .....

..... and all four work on joints as dusk approaches

A shot I thought I'd lost from Monday morning -
Phil, Malcolm and Malcolm set out for Bowes Bridge

EHSI Engineering Bursary Opportunities 2012/3

2012-01-25T06:30:00.000Z

Last Chance! Deadline tomorrow! If in doubt, do it now!

In 2011/2, the North of England Civic Trust's HLF-funded Engineering Heritage Skills Initiative (EHSI) provided one year bursary placements, including at Tanfield Railway. People concerned have featured on this blog, and the scheme is providing positive results.

Recognize any of the 2011/2 engineers?
(photo courtesy of NECT)

Applications for bursary placements in 2012/3 are now invited, with a deadline of 26 January. Please see http://www.nect.org.uk/engineering-hsi/ehsi-bursary-placements for details and an application form. Note that previous recipients of EHSI bursaries are ineligible - the scheme is trying to assist and develop heritage skills with different engineers each year.

If you are considering this, act now and download the application form. Read about the placements, which are at various locations in the North East, on the web site. Take a look at the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/groups/146740965394085/#!/groups/146740965394085/ Discuss the idea with others, eg at the railway. If you have questions, ask others, including getting in touch with North of England Civic Trust (NECT). If you want to develop your skills, and you have something to offer, don't hesitate, apply straight away.

ORR Visit

2012-01-24T19:18:00.002Z

Today the ORR inspector came to inspect the physical side of the railway, this was a detailed walk of the railway. The result is that there was nothing flagged up that we did not know about, and that the planned work in the near future should bring the railway up to scratch. More news of the proposed work will be posted soon.

Temporary Suspension of Passenger Trains on Tanfield Railway

2012-01-24T18:32:00.001Z

There will be normal passenger services on Sundays 29 January, 5, 12 and 19 February 2012.

In order to expedite engineering works there will be no passenger trains on Sundays 26 February, 4 or 11 March. Andrews House tea room and shop, and Marley Hill shed and site, will be open for visitors.

Advertised services will run on Sunday 18 March (Mothers Day), 25 March, 1 April, 6 April (Good Friday) to 9 April (Easter Monday) inclusive, etc. See http://www.tanfield-railway.co.uk/timetable.html?201204 for more detail.

Between 20 February and 17 March we would particularly like help with trackwork - volunteers please ring Ian on 07973 855157 or Derek on 07969 146642.

General Work

2012-01-23T12:06:00.001Z

Dave, Walter and Alec (below) in the workshop

Chris working on dial gauges

Dan expects a clean kitchen

An Assortment

2012-01-22T20:35:00.001Z

Danny cleaning Cochrane at the start of the day
(No.6 behind being test steamed)

Steve and Sarah take Cochrane round for the first train

Owen the orator ....

..... and his merry gang tidying ballast

John and Dan regreasing plates ....

..... assisted by Mark's foot

Stuart shotblasting carriage parts

Locomotion Art

2012-01-21T23:23:00.000Z

During the art exhibition opened last Saturday at NRM Shildon, video of Cochrane's fire projecting the shadow of a miniature sculpture of Carolyn Corfield's LNER/BR driver grandfather onto the tender of a Stanier 8F 2-8-0 repatriated from Turkey (photo courtesy of Carolyn).

Tomorrow's Train

2012-01-21T07:00:00.000Z

Sir Cecil A Cochrane will be the loco hauling trains at 11, 12.30, 2 and 3.30 from Andrews House station.

Cochrane at Beamish in August 2010

Friday Fun

2012-01-20T18:36:00.000Z

John and Malcolm helping with alignment .....

..... and replacing plates in the woods

John painting back at the shed

HL No.2

2012-01-20T07:16:00.000Z

Photos showing recent rivetting on the firehole mouthpiece of Hawthorn Leslie 2859 of 1910 (No.2) at Bridgnorth boiler shop (courtesy of Duncan Ballard / Richard Charlton). The crown and sling stays will be next.

Inside the culvert

2012-01-19T21:00:00.001Z

This is what the inside looks like!

Guess Where!

2012-01-19T20:46:00.003Z

When everyone else was basking in the heat of the workshop, i was doing a bit of culvert checking!

Ice Sculpture!

2012-01-19T20:39:00.002Z

This what happens when the shed temperature falls below freezing point. the result of a dripping tricock drain on No 6. Minimum overnight temperature was -0.8 degrees C

Thursday's Tasks

2012-01-19T14:49:00.000Z

Jim working on the small lathe

Ronnie rigging up the outside gas bottle store

Ian and Brian discuss stripping the clipping machine

Ronnie and Brian replacing the Husky's alternator drive

Wednesday's Work in the Woods

2012-01-18T19:14:00.000Z

First day of training on the dumper

2012-01-17T19:20:00.001Z

Angela and Dave, after the first 1/2 hour training to drive the dumper, at least there is still a smile!

The Tuesday Team

2012-01-17T19:02:00.001Z

Bill rekeying, with Causey Arch behind

Vic pauses to share a joke

More from the Monday Gang

2012-01-16T17:42:00.000Z

Malcolm and Phil stripping ironwork from sleepers
(with Vic in the background)

Malcolm drilling a key fob

Walter marking out a vacuum application valve

Alec milling another vacuum application valve

Dave and Brian discuss a power coupling
for the backup crane generating set

Brian working on the Permaquip jacker packer

HSI progress check between John and Chris

A Bit of Everything

2012-01-15T21:36:00.000Z

Chris preparing to redecorate the staff toilets -
he, Bobby and Mark made a good job of this
(photo courtesy of Mark)

The small youth team early on a frosty morning ....

..... and later at its full size

Tommy mopping vomit

Visiting photographers eating lunch at Andrews House

Angela cleans carriage windows

Bob explains checking of carrriage brakes to Dave

Cochrane's crew this afternoon - Dan, Tom and Alan

James doing a bit of work on No.6 .....

..... and later assisting Phil removing Twizell's ashpan

Peter drawing the modifications of
Twizell's firebars and carriers

David and Bob working on Twizell

Steve using the shotblast cabinet

Ryan, David and Mark fastening the root sheet on the PMV

Art at Locomotion

2012-01-14T19:28:00.001Z

The art project mentioned in the blog on 27 July and 11 August 2011 was opened today at the NRM's Locomotion annexe at Shildon by Steve Davies, director of the National Railway Museum.

An exhibit at Locomotion

Tomorrow's Train

2012-01-14T08:00:00.000Z

Sir Cecil A Cochrane will be the loco hauling trains at 11, 12.30, 2 and 3.30 from Andrews House station.

Cochrane passing Marley Hill box in June 2011

More Maintenance

2012-01-13T18:57:00.000Z

John working on the dumper electrics

Owen making a guard for signal linkage ....

..... along with Chris

Malcolm, with several trademarks,
replacing more sleepers in Andrews House

Maintenance

2012-01-12T18:34:00.001Z

Ronnie servicing the shot blast cabinet .....

..... and later inspecting on track plant

Malcolm closing up a rail joint using
a hydraulic rail creep adjuster .....

..... and later replacing sleepers .....

..... in Andrews House station

Back in the Woods

2012-01-11T17:23:00.002Z

After a bit of work, feeding time .....

..... then back to replacing sleepers .....

..... and a bit of ballasting

Maintenance

2012-01-10T18:02:00.000Z

Ronnie refitting the dumper's refurbished steering ram

Vic continues tidying the site

Ken and Malcolm pulling poor sleepers ....

..... and replacing with sound ones .....

..... with Causey Arch as a backdrop

Another Week Begins

2012-01-09T18:47:00.001Z

In the workshop, Alec ....

..... Dave ....

..... and Jim get on with current project work

Dave Holroyde taking the tourist information team
from Gateshead around Marley Hill site

Today's Train

2012-01-08T08:00:00.001Z

No.6 will be the loco hauling trains at 11, 12.30, 2 and 3.30 from Andrews House station.

No.6 and train at Andrews House last week
(photo courtesy of Neville Whaler)

Phil the fireman cleaning No.6

Ready to depart from Marley Hill station

Our youth team and their new ballast trolley .....

..... tidying up Andrews House station,
with Owen leading

General Stuff

2012-01-06T18:12:00.002Z

HSI progress check with Kevin and Owen

Hand packing because the jacker packer is OOU

Rob creating a ballast wagon for the youth team

Coaling No.6 in readiness for Sunday

Chris creating pins for the dumper's steering

More Maintenance

2012-01-05T15:33:00.001Z

Ian fault finding by checking hydraulic valves ....

..... on the Permaquip jacker packer.
An appeal - does anyone have a wiring diagram?

More work and progress on the dumper - injectors cleaned, engine started and ran perfectly.

Brakes bled, lifting ram checked, charging system progressing, steering being improved.

Everyday Engineering

2012-01-04T18:02:00.000Z

Chris boring ....

..... and trial fitting a drive pulley for an alternator
to be fitted to the dumper

Back to Work

2012-01-03T17:22:00.002Z

Ian, Brian and Ronnie try to start the rebuilt dumper

Twizell has problems with firebars, the layout of which requires a redesign to obviate distortion.

Rob works on removing Twizell's ashpan .....

..... assisted by Malcolm

A Photographer's View

2012-01-02T22:00:00.000Z

Some of Carl Chambers's views of the bank holiday operation. Carl retains copyright on these photos.

David watering and adding tannins (an
oxygen scavenging treatment) to No.6

Malcolm, as duty officer, checks on loco running

Matthew and James working on Twizell's ashpan

Bank Holiday Monday - Jan 2012

2012-01-02T21:27:00.001Z

Richard tightens a piston rod gland on No.6

David attends to the fire on No.6

Young Henry cleans No.6

Steve and David on No.6's footplate

Dave checking back as the trains heads south

No.6 lifts its train out of East Tanfield .....
(photo courtesy of Dave Hewitt)

..... and approaches Andrews House
(photo courtesy of Dave Hewitt)

Passengers alighting at Andrews House
(photo courtesy of Neville Whaler)

Vic continues tidying up the stocking ground
(photo courtesy of Neville Whaler)

Jim creating parts for the vacuum test pump

Matty packing his baubles
(photo courtesy of Neville Whaler)

James works on Twizell's ashpan

New Year, Same Folk

2012-01-01T22:10:00.003Z

All photographs taken today, courtesy of Angela.

Inside Knox & Son's Emporium

Baitroom banter

It's grim up north

Mark does levitation

Dan and decs

The gas men

Dave relaxing with Alan

Steam and Stroll

2011-12-31T08:00:00.002Z

The first two days of 2012 will be seen in with our 'Steam and Stroll' train travel and trek event. There will be a longer morning and a shorter afternoon walk. See Events on the main TR web for details.

Christmas Past 6

2011-12-30T08:00:00.002Z

These photos from Stu Armstrong will be the last of the Christmas / North Pole Express for a while. They are especially for people who missed or have forgotten the heavy snow of 2010.

Thanks again to all the photographers who have supplied their shots for the blog over the last few days, which I hope everyone has enjoyed. Normal blog photos of everyday work should resume soon.

Christmas Past 5

2011-12-29T08:00:00.000Z

Pics of the 2011 North Pole Express season from Dave Hewitt, who retains copyright. See http://www.baggiepix.co.uk/tanfield/ for more of Dave's work, and the Photography links at the bottom of the right hand column of this blog.

Christmas Past 4

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000Z

Some shots from this year's North Pole Expresses by Stu Armstrong, who retains copyright:

Happy Birthday David

2011-12-27T10:48:00.002Z

Surprise party for birthday boy David at the Causey Arch Inn

Christmas Past 3

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000Z

Another selection of Carl Chambers's shots.

Boxing Day

2011-12-26T19:08:00.001Z

Birthday boy David with Alan on No.6
(photo courtesy of Neville)

Richard proceeding with boiler work on 49 ....
(photo courtesy of Neville)

..... smokebox rivets removed
(photo courtesy of Richard)

Christmas Past 2

2011-12-26T08:00:00.000Z

These photos are the work of Carl Chambers (who retains copyright), taken during the weekend of 17/18 December.

Christmas Past 1

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000Z

The following are a selection of photos taken at last weekend's carol service by Bryan Attewell, who retains copyright. See http://www.washingtonimaging.co.uk/photography/TR_Xmas_2011/ for more of Bryan's work. For other photographers, see the Photography links at the bottom of the right hand column of this blog.

North Pole Express Day 10

2011-12-24T21:00:00.000Z

David Allinson removing 49's ashpan
(photo courtesy of Richard)

Matthew and I water No.6
(photo courtesy of Neville)

Sarah the guard and David the fireman
(photo courtesy of Neville)

A relaxed headless dancing polar bear

Matthew and Matthew

The watchful crew on Twizell

Another North Pole Express unloads

How many Tanfield staff can you spot?

The North Pole can get crowded

Trying my new jumper (photo by Angela, thanks
and Merry Christmas to the brothers Watchman)

Matthew on the regulator

That's the last North Pole Express until late 2012 - but remember mince pie specials on 26 December, and running on the bank holiday weekend of 1st and 2nd January 2012.

North Pole Express Day 9

2011-12-23T08:00:00.016Z

Early morning .....

Crews at work

David oils

Peter polishes

Owen shines

Ready to go

A steamy start

Middle of the day .....

Passengers eagerly awaiting an arrival at East Tanfield

Crowds milling on ET station

Chris and Alan filling Twizell's bunker

Angela exchanges the totem

In the afternoon in the carriage shed .....

Ken working on the display walls .....

..... which are growing in the carriage shed

Todays Work

2011-12-22T18:21:00.002Z

Brian and Ronnie get to grips with the hydraulics on the dumper
No3 and no6 being steamed in prep for Fridays North Pole Express.

Tanfield People in Monochrome 3

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000Z

All photographs courtesy of Carl Chambers, who retains copyright.

So we are in the black and white mode

2011-12-21T19:12:00.001Z

Last Fridays image of Alan tending the lamps, Timeless

Wednesdays Work

2011-12-21T18:56:00.002Z

Ballasting the new track with the New Holland then preparing the on track mobile plant

Tuesdays Work

2011-12-21T18:53:00.002Z

As seen from the shot above ,we have been busy making another 12 30ft panels

Mondays Workshop

2011-12-21T18:48:00.000Z

Typical Monday the lads are busy with the vacuum ejectors

Tanfield People in Monochrome 2

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000Z

All photographs courtesy of Carl Chambers, who retains copyright.

Tanfield People in Monochrome 1

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000Z

All photographs courtesy of Carl Chambers, who retains copyright.

Points of Interest

2011-12-19T20:37:00.001Z

Photography Sites

I've started to add a list of photographers' relevant web sites in a section at the bottom of the right hand panel of the blog. If you know of others, please let me know via tanfield.blog@gmail.com

Note that photographers' work is copyright - please see details on their webs and contact them for further information

Christmas Top of the Spots!

I notice that Tanfield Railway is now Trip Advisor's no. 1 place to visit in Gateshead. See http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g190793-Activities-Gateshead_Tyne_and_Wear_England.html

North Pole Express Day 8

2011-12-18T18:00:00.000Z

All photographs today courtesy of Neville Whaler

In the morning ......

Chris assisting Mark, fireman on No.6 today

George taking the empty stock with No.6

Peter is the early guard

Sarah and Steve crewing Twizell

Everything in the refreshment room is ready
- including the headless but cool bear

First train about to leave North Pole empty,
to pick up passengers at East Tanfield

..... middle of the day .....

The bear is interesting .....

..... but nowhere near as exciting as waiting to see Santa

Twizell bringing in the next flood, as others wait to
return, and the bear moves in

..... and late afternoon .....

The last train of passengers has arrived

No.6 ready to return a happy crowd to ET