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| 49 & Horden making smoke at the back of Marley Hill shed (photo courtesy of Dave Hewitt) |
Tanfield Railway Blog
Everyday work, people & events at the World's Oldest Railway 1725
North East England industrial steam railway heritage on a 1920-50 minor railway
Saturday, 17 October 2026
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.
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| Ken on a J72 in the yard for Dunston staiths (photo courtesy of Ken Hemmings) |
Labels:
People
Friday, 16 October 2026
Thursday, 15 October 2026
Thursday 15/10
Labels:
Caretaking,
Events,
Preparation,
Workshop
Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Wednesday 14/10
Labels:
Caretaking,
Carriages,
Fencing,
Workshop
Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Tuesday 13/10
Monday, 12 October 2026
Monday 12/10 featuring Eric again
Thursday, 8 October 2026
Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Wednesday 7/10
Labels:
Carriages,
Electrical,
Environment,
Maintenance,
Plant








