This week has been as busy as ever, but with a lot of behind the scenes work, whence less than usual on the blog. Work continues on Newcastle 114’s repaint and Sunderland ‘Balloon’ 101’s commisioning. Off site we are in talks with the contractor regarding progress on the Ruston Proctor Portable, which now has the tubeplates formed and delivered from Israel Newtons. This is a slow burner project however, and progress will be reported here as and when it happens.

Next week should see some developments re Lewin, but the main focus of attention is the work required to get Dunrobin back to the UK, and carrying out the various updates of the Safety Management System and rule books ready for the new starters who come in later this month.

Meanwhile:

Below: This new wilderness was once the piles of track, scrap and rotting timbers that formed our ‘PW yard’. We now have some tidy stacks of rail, no scrap and no rotting wood. Best of all we can see the space upon which a 100ft shed is proposed for construction, to form a locomotive depot and beginnings of a new period area with an industrial feel in this area. We desperately need a pit too, so that is planned for this space also.

Below: Today a steady arrival of four wagons has been taking place. These are new loans from the Bowes Railway, and will replace the existing three wagons already here. For the record, we have B39 and 49 plus chaldrons L12 and L829 (which are actually long-term loans from Beamish to Bowes!). These will operate with Baxter and Coffee Pot at the GNSF in April, and stay through to the Power from the Past event in September – for requested motive power watch this space!

Below: This lean-to will house the restored Spennymoor chip van, which will move in once painting of the shelter is completed. Note the salt glazed wall cappings – very much a north eastern colliery village feature, a theme which runs right through this project, from chimney pots to ground surface.

Below: A view from the south, showing the section dedicated to eating, and toilets.

Below: The inside of the ‘eating bit’ is panelled out. Note the blacksmith made roof ties and some superb carpentry.

Below: Inside the brick bit, the chip shop proper, tiling has started. This is the period preparation area where the gas engine will be installed.

Below: This is the main section, with two working coal fired ranges. The tiling has yet to be fitted here, but will include some beautiful decorated tiles, as seen in the second photo.