T&I News 20 2019…
In this post we see a number of locomotive movements that took place today, Thursday 12th September…
Below: Peckett 2000, acting as shunter, draws Peckett 1370 and GWR 813 to the newly extended loading pad in readiness for their departure from Beamish. David Watchman took these photos as the trio were assembled in readiness for the arrival of low-loaders.
Below: With 1370 already loaded, 813 is hauled aboard its trailer. GWR 813 is moving to Didcot Railway Centre. Unfortunately, due to the delivery schedule of the repaired spring, which arrived earlier in the week and was changed yesterday, it did not steam again following the spring breakage at Beamish – something we have rather missed, as it is such a nice locomotive.
Below: The extended headshunt has proved very useful, and it is tempting to consider a further extension to increase the flexibility of this area. It is also earmarked for storage of track materials and once the earth embankment is complete (it is a tipping area for Remaking Beamish developments) and planted, we would like to create a viewing area on the top, to allow visitors safe access to this space to watch the trains ‘in the countryside’. We also need additional fencing and gates to protect the running line, but the longer loading pad certainly makes this easier to achieve now. The aim is to screen the rather unsightly space to the rear of the carriage house, tram waiting room and bank/Masonic Hall, from passenger’s view, to make the journey slightly more attractive!
Below: 1370 is being moved by its owner to another location for retubing and completion of a ten-yearly overhaul. After this work is completed we anticipate the locomotive returning to us for a further hire period, operating alongside 2000.
Below: The two engines depart along the town street, heading south and west respectively…
Enjoyed both locomotives, particularly former Port Talbot Railway No. 26 (GWR 813). It is equally ‘at home’ in the North East, having served at Backworth Collieries/NCB as well Great Western territory.
Has any thought been given to extending the railway? possibly into the 1950s section?
Hi Matt – there are no plans to extend the railway, though there is a very vague idea that it could be in the distant future, towards Pockerley, though I think this is unlikely to happen given the increasing challenge of maintaining what we already have. There are some planned developments in the Colliery to increase visitor access to the narrow and standard gauge railways – the lack of access when we operate the narrow gauge in particular being something we are very conscious of. The top yard is challenging because of the proximity of the railway to the sheer slope of the pit heap and also the large amounts of industrial equipment stored there. There is a plan however…
Best wishes, Paul
hello, is ok to copy these photographs for use by the GWR 813 Fund? thanks
GWR 813 Fund.
Hi Nicholas – no problem at all. Best wishes, Paul
Thanks for the reply Paul!
Next event involving transport is ‘Power from the Past’ on 5th/6th October. Wonder if that wonderful narrow gauge restoration “Glyder” will be in steam?