Coaching Stock

The railways operational coaching stock consists of ex-BR mark I and II 's. There are three former Kings Cross Mark I suburban non-corridor coaches. These are painted in lined BR maroon livery, and have fully restored interiors. The design of these coaches goes back to the 1950's.

In addition, there are currently two mark IIA coaches in use. These were recently extensively restored entirely by volunteers after acquisition from various sites around the country. They are painted in the railways own livery of French Blue and Broken White with a red coachline. They have been renumbered to the railways own numbering system, and these are carried in gold.

Non-operational coaching stock includes two Gresley designed LNER coaches. One is a first class brake coach, the other was latterly a mobile workshop. Both have been stored outside for decades awaiting funds for restoration.

There is also an ex-NER driving motor luggage coach that was used to carry parcels and fish on the electrified Tyneside loop in the early part of the century. This is housed in the museum, and has been beautifully restored in full NER livery. MORE

Waggons

There are a small number of waggons resident on the railway. They are used mainly for works trains and are not normally seen in use on operating days. I don't know the full history of them, so I'll just give a list.

1] 20 Ton 'Dogfish' ballast waggon.

2] Ex-BR diesel crane and associated runner.

3] A flat waggon.

4] Wooden NER brake van.

5] A GUV tool van which houses an electrical generator.

All except item 2 are in running order.

Locomotives

The North Tyneside Railway currently houses nine locomotives, of which three are regularly used on the railway.
These three locos consist of two ex-industrial steam tank engines, and one diesel '03' shunter.

Locomotives - Steam

Peckett 'Ashington No. 5'
This 0-6-0 saddle tank was built in 1939 as works number 1979 by Peckitt & Sons of Bristol for Ashington Coal Company which operated one of Britain's most extensive colliery railway systems. In 1939, two identical locomotives were delivered to one of peckett's standard designs and they received the names Ashington No 5 & Ashington No 6. The former spent her entire industrial career on the railway for which she was built. In 1969 she was sold by the National Coal Board to North Norfolk Preserved Railway because the Ashington system was dieselised. However she returned to Northumberland in 1991 and repainted into its original Ashington colours. It was additionally named 'Jackie Milburn' in honour of the local football hero.

This locomotive is in pieces on site pending a firebox overhaul. It was last steamed in December 1996.

Bagnall '401'
Built in 1953, this 0-6-0 saddle tank was one of three to be built for the Steel Company of Wales. Two were preserved, 401 and 403. They were designed to require less maintenance than other steam locos, as an experiment to try and make them more competitive against the diesel shunters that were beginning to appear. 401 has many features that are not usually found on shunting locos, including Walschaerts valve gear, rocking grate, hopper ashpan and mechanical lubricator. In addition, all the main bearings are roller bearings, as opposed to plain oil bearings that were the norm.

401 is a reliable and frequent performer on the railway, and is well liked by those who crew her. It has been named after a famous local MP Thomas Burt, and looks very smart in her black livery. It is currently steamable. MORE

Kitson 'A No. 5'
An 0-6-0 pannier tank built in 1883 by Kitson and Co. to the Stephenson 'long boiler' design for the Consett Iron and Steel Company. She worked there, shunting in the extensive railway system around the works.She ended her industrial life in 1972 at Derwenthaugh Coke Works. After withdrawl, she was taken into the care of Beamish Museum and then to Tyne & Wear Museums Service at Monkwearmouth Station, Sunderland. At this location, the Monkwearmouth Station. Museum Association (the former name of the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association) was established and its members, in very basic conditions, began overhauling a very derelict loco. The deteriorating condition of the building prompted a move to the former Tyneside Metro system test track facility at Middle Engine Lane, North (see railway history).

In 1986, 'A No. 5' returned to steam. She was overhauled again in 1995/6, and is now steamed several times a year on special occasions. She is the ONLY steamable long boiler locomotive in the world. It is currently undergoing a 10 year examination on site. MORE

RSH 'No. 1'
An 0-6-0 Side Tank believed to have been built in 1951 as works number 7683. It is thought she was delivered new to Meaford Power Station to shunt coal waggons. It was one of several of its type supplied to power stations by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns Ltd., Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne during the 1950's. They were used to transport coal wagons from main line sidings into the power station, supplying the boiler-house coal bunkers. Their small diameter wheels enabled heavy loads to be hauled at slow speeds. Larger wheeled versions were supplied when long journey's were needed - for example some colliery systems. Locally they could be seen working at places in Northumberland and Durham including Ashington, Backworth Stanley and Consett.

This loco was purchased by the East Lancs Railway and hauled their first trains at Bury. After a period in store, she was overhauled at Bury and moved to Tyneside in 1996. In a blue livery, this loco carries the name "Ted Garrett, JP., DL., MP."

It is on static display in the museum until funds are available for firebox repairs.

Swedish Railways '1313'
Purchased from Bo'niel & Kinness railway in 1994 with the intention of it being restored to working order, the loco is presently standing on part of the outside track system awaiting funds and the will to restore it.

Stephenson's 'Billy'
'Billy' was built by George Stephenson in 1813. It is a stationary exhibit on a short stretch of track inside the museum and is the third oldest steam locomotive in the World.

Electric Locomotives

Seimens electric No. E4. Built in circa 1912 for the Harton coal system at South Shields. It was stored outside for many years, but after a successful lottery bid and sponsorship from the local Siemens Microchip Company has been restored to working order but uses battery power rather than an overhead supply. The batteries are carried in a converted coal wagon. It is used for demonstrations on several days each season.

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Diesel Locomotives

1] An 03 shunter (ex 03078 of Gateshead depot). This is used top-and-tail fashion on passenger trains. It is in a similar livery to Bagnall 401 above and is in working order.

2] 'Consett No. 10'. An early diesel shunter, built in the Consett Iron and Steelworks own workshops. She has many unique features and is used as a standby. MORE