401 on test after repairs to the regulator valve. Aadil polishing the tank... ...whilst Callum (L) and Chad (R) clean below the running board. The Waggonway Tearoom open for sandwiches, cream teas and baked goods. Paul R has been out with his drone again today, capturing these fantastic shots of 401 over lunch. 401 was found to be on top form after proving around the yard, so took over from 08915 on the passenger service after the first train. Daffodils in full bloom outside the museum gates. Michael W washing up after a busy lunchtime in the tearoom.  401 arrive ..read more

Volunteers have been busy continuing the painting of No.69's wheels and frames. Aaran and Cameron have completed the application of grey phosphate primer to the leading driver's side wheel...  Aaran brush applying the grey phosphate primer to the interior face of the wheel spokes. After Cameron finishes off the exterior, the wheel is complete and now awaits to be painted black in the future. Cameron has also been busy applying primer to the frames in readiness for their first coat of red paint on the interior. Cameron priming the interior of the frames on the driver's side ..read more

Jack and Aaran opening the yard gates during the morning line inspection. 08915 ready with the 1030 departure. 401 in the museum undergoing remedial work to its passing regulator valve. Aaran driving 08915 back to Middle Engine Lane. Waiting at the stop board for the Second Man to set the points... Aaran setting them back to allow 08915 to rejoin the train. The first stage of the woodland walk open for the public to enjoy. 08915 after arriving at Middle Engine Lane with another train. The new carriage posters looking fantastic, thanks to volunteers Rob and Katie. T ..read more

Volunteers Rob and Katie have been busy over the past few weeks developing a new range of posters to be displayed in the carriages. The posters provide information on the history and geography of the railway, our upcoming events, as well as the Waggonway Tearoom and volunteering opportunities. Today, they completed fitting them and we're sure you'll agree that they look fantastic. Removing the previous posters revealed this one from the late 80's, advertising the "proposed steam railway" to Percy Main! This will be looked after in the association's archive for future displays ..read more

Norman has been grafting again today, carrying out more needle gunning of the Conflat's chassis... ...and the tool van's underbody ..read more

Whilst work is beginning to commence outside on the boiler, tasks are still being completed inside the workshop on 69.   Cameron and Michael have been successful in disassembling the brake cylinder. The use of a ratchet strap and some taps with a copper hammer eventually released the piston from the cylinder. The removed piston hanging from the ratchet strap. Inside the cylinder requires cleaning after many years of rust build up. Priming work on the leading wheel set has not stopped with all coats of red oxide primer having been applied and the start of the grey phosphate prim ..read more

  Norman needle gunning the Conflat chassis yesterday. Barbara cleaning up one of 401's gauge glass drains. Callum painting the Conflat. 08915 from a different angle! Paul R was out with his drone yesterday, capturing some excellent shots of 08915 on 'Fairytale Express' duties... Davey painting a new floor for one of the P-Way trollies today. Aaran painting one of the Conflat's draw hooks. Cameron applying grey phosphate primer to the exterior of 69's leading driver's side wheel... ...and assisting Davey in completing the P-Way trolley ..read more

       08915 has been refuelled today in preparation for this weekend's running. It will be hauling the passenger service for the next few running days whilst 401 is undergoing work to remedy its passing regulator valve.  ..read more

Callum doing a splendid job of cleaning below the running board on 401. Steaming up on the coal road. Callum and Andrew coaling up 401 in the platform to tide it over until the tractor becomes available for coaling after the first trip. Ready to depart Percy Main with the first train of the day. Being coaled by the tractor after arrival into Middle Engine Lane. Michael D driving the tractor. Back on the train and ready to depart with the 11:30. After arrival at Percy Main. Fireman Aaran cleaning out the smokebox during disposal. 08915 shunting wagons to free up the ..read more

A look at the backhead of No.69's boiler. Washout plug and mudhole doors are blocked with oil soaked rags to prevent water ingress.  Cleaning of the washout plug hole threads has begun around the backhead and throatplate. Here, Cameron is cleaning out the washout plug hole threads with a pipe cleaner attached to a drill. A close-up inspection of the threads shows little damage or wear, for security a tap may be passed through. A thin layer of oil has been applied to act as a barrier to the elements whilst a plan for the removal of the regulator valve and regulator rod is formul ..read more