16th June 2009

Following on from the previous blog posting, here are some shots taken at Bowes and the NRM’s Locomotion at Shildon on the same occasion as the visit to Rail Restorations North East.

Below: Bowes have finished the Reel Wagon (used for replacing ropes on the inclines on the system), which was stripped, shot blasted then repainted into the red livery it was described as carrying before the later blue was applied. The two other overhauled/restored wagons seen on these pages before are also in this view. A coal hopper is under restoration now, with, I understand, two more to follow. Add the three opens also being rebuilt and this must rate as the most intensive period of wagon rebuilding a) in preservation and b) on the Bowes line since the mid 1970s?!

Below: The old wheelsets, exchanged for a serviceable set on the Watts Hardy wagon.

Below: We called in at the NRM, SHildon where John Glaze was carrying out a boiler inspection of the SLS’s ‘Orion’. This beautiful LNWR built engine (of an LNWR prototype) has been requested for Beamish’s Great North Steam Fair and I am hopeful it will appear in steam on a short running line somewhere on the site (not sure where yet! Possibly the entrance to entertain the queues).

Below: Sans Pareil (the replica) is undergoing a makeover and repaint. Whilst non-operational this is an important part of the early engine story and is, I believe, invited to attend the German Railway’s 175th anniversary celebrations in Nurenberg in 2010 along with Rocket. Puffing Billy has also been invited to attend and we are looking forward to another oversees trip with him!

Below: The Great Eastern inspection saloon, belonging to Stephen Middleton and largely restored by him with completion being undertaken at Shildon. This includes the rather effective scumbling to create a wood grained finish. The Furness Railway Trust are currently overhauling a similar vehicle in Cumbria.

Below: Beamish has used signwriter Phil Anderson extensively over the years, and we were very impressed by his repaint of the J52 into Great Northern Railway livery earlier this year – it looks stunning!