Tuesday 27/10

Steve & Colin stripping bark from a fallen curved tree limb, to be used as a brake handle

Monday 26/10

Eric tightening bolts on AW2's compressor
(photo courtesy of Peter Weightman)

Sunday 25/10

Tommy has sold out to Santa

Thursday 22/10

Jim making a part for HC 38's lubrication system

Wednesday 21/10

Peter controlling water flow .....

Tuesday 20/10

Ian retrieving a two-lever ground frame from stock
(photo courtesy of Dave Dixon)

Monday 19/10 featuring Andy

Alex helping Richard remove plugs from 49's smokebox, ready for annual inspection
(photo courtesy of Peter Weightman)

Saturday 17/10 Gala

49 & Horden making smoke at the back of Marley Hill shed
(photo courtesy of Dave Hewitt)

Saturday 17/10 - Ken Hemmings

Around 1960 Ken Hemmings, a school leaver from Dunston who was keen on railways, started as a post boy for BR in Gateshead.   His bicycle round was the Tanfield Branch, daily delivering mail & notices to every signalbox, crossing cabin & yard bothy on the line.   Seeking a railway career, his next job was as a cleaner at Greenesfield shed, where he soon progressed to passed cleaner, firing as required on yard shunting, main line trips, at Dunston staiths, and the Tanfield Branch.

Ken on a J72 in the yard for Dunston staiths
(photo courtesy of Ken Hemmings)