The Association was formed in 1977 as The Monkwearmouth Station Museum Association for the purpose of assisting the then named Tyne & Wear Joint Museums Service to restore railway related items at the former Goods Shed at Monkwearmouth, Sunderland.

The first items to receive members' attention were Consett Iron Company diesel locomotive No 10 and steam locomotive A No. 5.

A deteriorating roof on the Goods Shed necessitated the transference of the items in 1981 to the Metro Test Track & Centre at Middle Engine Lane, West Chirton, in the district of North Tyneside. The Association altered its name to reflect this change of venue and the development of a steam hauled passenger service using A No. 5 on the 1 3/4 mile track between Middle Engine Lane and Percy Main Village. The Centre became known as The Stephenson Railway Museum.

The on-site purpose-built railway workshop accommodation has allowed members to work on exhibits in a comfortable, well lit environment.

Additional exhibits have been acquired by Tyne & Wear Museums; North Tyneside Council, who operate the site; and ourselves. As well as carrying out restoration and maintenance work on these, members organise many special events such as the very successful Santa Specials and crew the trains, stations and ticket office.

Tuesday evenings, all day Wednesdays and Saturday/Sunday afternoons are the periods when most members meet to carry out restoration and maintenance work. Junior members are allowed to join in providing they are accompanied by an adult.