I’m conscious that I haven’t posted much this week, so here are a few snippets that might be of interest. Much progress is being made, but not so much is visible so hasn’t appeared for that reason!

Below: David Young continues the refurbishment of components for Lewin. Here is the brake shaft and handle. Dave identified extensive wear in these two parts so is addressing it, heating and expanding the head of the shaft so that it can be machined to a new, tighter, fit on the handle. Dave Sheen is welding up the keyway so that a new one can be cut. All of this work enables the original components to be reused safely, saving replacing them and reducing the originality of the engine.

Below: The new entrance building orientation display has been opened, though more remains to be added and the external landscaping is being completed. A major feature is a large model of Beamish, in a bowl, onto which are projected moving images (such as trams, horses etc.) and a film presentation introducing the site to the new visitor. The room is dark, to increase the impact of the projection.

Below: The chip shop has been completed, and features roof top lettering. The formal opening is in mid July, from which point visitors will be able to enjoy the wares – I have had samples and they are very good…!!!

Plans for the September ‘Power from the Past’ event are well in hand and despite many changes in exhibit, I hope to shortly repeat the process of updating exhibits in a flickr page to the right of this blog. There are some exciting attractions as ever, and the theme is ‘Circular Tour – Riding for Pleasure’ – so the seaside will be a part of this…