Work lately has centred around preparing exhibits for the forthcoming Power from the Past event (28 – 31st May – I hope blog readers will be in attendance!). However, other work continues and one job recently completed by Vincent Allen is machining the valve body, valve and valve seat for Coffee Pot. United with the safety valve arm made by David Young, this is an impressive lump and will be affixed to the new boiler for the hydraulic test which will see a CE mark granted if successful.

I am also reminded that Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service have kindly offered support in commissioning the Armstrong & Whitworth 0-4-0DE into service. An initial inspection has been carried out and start up is aimed for next Thursday. The rather expensive batteries have been purchased (anyone want to sponsor these to the tune of £400?!) and all filters checked. The restoration at York was comprehensive and the locomotive is immaculate. Fingers crossed on this one…

If you want to drive it, £5 will buy you a trip on the footplate with hands on the controls (it is dual controlled so you won’t be alone!) during the May 29 – 31st event. As I haven’t yet managed to take a decent photo of it yet, here is one of Tanfield’s sister loco, No.2: