Craig's Model Trains and Railway Adventures: September 2011

Saturday 10th September

After taking my cousin Joe to visit to the recent Blyth & Tyne MRC Exhibition with my Grandad and I, we decided it was about time he enjoyed his first trip out to a working railway. Wanting to visit a local one (incase he didn't enjoy it) we found out about Tanfield Railway's Gala Weekend and decided that it would be perfect to take him being only a short distance from home, aswell as getting a day out for ourselves.

We arrived at the car park at around 11.10am and were greeted by the younger volunteer brigade as they shunted us into our parking spot. We then headed towards the white plume of steam that was rising up from the cutting in the hillside that houses the main station of the Railway, Andrews House. We crossed over the small bridge, paid our pennance for our All Day Rover's and headed down into the station for the 11.38 departure towards Sunniside.

We looked grabbed a quick cuppa inside the station cafe and enjoyed a quick chat with the staff in there before headed to our compartment for the journey. We were hauled by 'Sir Cecil A Cocharane' (Resident Loco) & 'Agecroft No.1' (visiting loco), both with 0-4-0ST wheel arrangements that took us towards one end of the line. Waiting here in a siding was 'Renishaw Ironworks No.6', a 0-6-0ST resident loco. Sir Cecil was then uncoupled and pulled alongside us as Renishaw ran around to join the back (now front) of our train. We now had Renishaw pulling and Agecroft No.1 pushing, a nice little touch which was snapped by many lineside photographers. The line was very busy with photographers dotted around and protruding from bushes with their long lenses and sound equipment. I told Joe he had to wave to each and everyone. He did and thought it was brilliant they responded to him. Looking good so far....

Marley Hill Sheds as seen from our car park, an interesting
diamond crossing just in view.

Andrews House Station, from the bridge that leads you
over the lines and down onto the platform.

Sir Cecil .A. Cochrane with Agecroft No.1 tucked in for the ride towards
Sunniside

View North

View South

View Indoors, Grandad & Joe

Joe's attempt of me!

Pulling into Sunniside we see Renishaw Ironworks No.6 waiting to haul us
back towards Andrews House Station and beyond to South Tanfield

In Steam, Renishaw Ironworks No.6 waits before
coupling up.

Swop Shop, Sir Cecil takes Renishaws Place right
outside our window as Renishaw begins its
run-around to join our Train

We headed back through Andrews House Station where we passed another of the visiting loco's Class 0-40ST No.7386 'Birkenhead' and after a quick drop off were heading along the tracks adjecent to the A6076 road towards Causey Arch. The line itself is only 7 miles long but as we were on a slight descent we travelled at quiet a pace. We were all throughly enjoying hanging out of the windows by now, taking in the smells and sounds that typify a steam hauled railway. A quick pit stop at the Causey Arch station, which instead of a paved or flagged platform consists of finely cut turf and we snaked through the wonderful Causey Forest towards East Tanfield Station, the other end of the line. Spotting some loo's we decided to get off here and have a look around. This is where we found the Vintage Cars and also Model Boating Clubs and their offerings of the day. We spent around 45 minutes looking at the old cars as the train we'd alighted had now been split in half, with 'Agecroft No.1' taking passengers back towards Sunniside. We even had a drive of some of the Model Boats after making a charitable donation to the RNLI. Happy with our time, more cups of tea were purchased and after explaining to Joe how a Steam Loco works jumped back on board for the run back towards Marley Hill sheds hauled once more by Renishaw Ironworks No.6

Agecroft No.1 after arriving at South Tanfield

Renishaw Ironworks No.6 awaits its next service

Some of the Classic Car Collection

The Model Boat Clubs show off their creations

A very good detailed model of a gas carring tanker

Just like the other 5 year olds, I take my ferry for a spin

And then moor it between two other boats as our train was awaiting!
Good Driving!

Joe after his 'This is how a Steam Train works lesson, thirsty work!

Driver taking a break out of the busy schedule

The office!

Twizzell No.3 a 0-6-0T resident loco pulls into South Tanfield
as we are ready to depart

A Firebox has a ride out

Arriving back here, we knew there was plenty to see and do, as we'd already earmarked the Marley Hill Sheds found just a quick stroll away from the main station. We grabbed some dinner and sat near to the amazing Birds of Prey display that were visiting from the new Beamish Hall BoP Centre about 5 miles east of Tanfield. After snapping some of them (from afar) we headed down to the Engine Shed's and also the carriage shed where the Model Railway and Trade Stands had taken up for the weekend. After a good look around here (the predicted rain had managed to hold on until now) I took the last of the days pictures and videos and we headed for home throughly happily with the day we'd had. Thanks to Tanfield Railway and all of the wonderful staff, who by the way had dressed up for the occasion, for another great Railway Adventure.