These early wooden wagonways enabled loaded chaldrons to run down hill by the force of gravity, controlled by ropes. Haulage by ropes and fixed steam engines became common in the first decade of the nineteenth century. The middle of three engines on one of these wagonways was on this site - hence 'Middle Engine Lane'

Steam locomotives and iron rails laid to Stephenson's standard gauge spread from Killingworth as lines extended into the growing coalfield. Decline occurred only gradually as the coalfield contracted until shipments finally ceased in 1971. When the Tyne and Wear Metro was under construction, a test centre was built on the site occupied by the ruins of the Flatworth Engine House. Parts of the old colliery lines were used to test the first two Metro cars. The test centre closed in 1981, when the building was taken over by Tyne and Wear Museums and was extended to provide exhibition space and workshops.

The map on the right shows a composite of the extent of collieries and waggonways in South East Northumberland. It is based on an original by C.R. Warn from his book "Waggonways and Early Railways of Northumberland".

Re-birth of the Railway

A partnership was formed between Tyne and Wear Museums and North Tyneside Council, to construct a steam hauled passenger railway. Construction work began in 1987 and involved the creation of new embankments, the building of two stations, the inspection and renovation of bridges and laying of the rails. The work was completed in 1989 and the first passenger trains ran in early 1991. Since then, and until late in 1995 steam locomotives hauled six trains a day to and from Percy Main every Saturday, Sunday and Bank holiday, between Easter and the end of October. There were special events as well, which included: Santa Specials, weekday school parties, railway character weekends and Steaming to Victory, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of VE day.

The railway was and continues to be operated by a keen group of volunteers. These dedicated people undertake the duties of train crews, ticket staff and most of the essential work needed to operate a successful railway. But perhaps more importantly, the work of restoring and maintaining the locomotives and rolling stock could not be achieved without their help. A glimpse into the workshops will reveal the magnitude of the projects undertaken.

In 1994 Tyne and Wear Development Corporation and North Tyneside City Challenge made a grant available to North Tyneside Council to extend the workshops, redesign the museum space and construct a new facilities block.

In 2003 the facilities block was modified to improve educational and toilet facilities.