NCB No.69

15/03/2026

04/01/2026

It may be a chilly start to the year in North Tyneside, but our volunteers are keeping warm as they continue to make great progress on the restoration of NCB No. 69!

Keep your eyes peeled throughout the year for further updates as the project moves forward.

28/12/2025

Small bits of progress have been going on since our last post in June. So here's a round up!

George has freed the Fireman's side cylinder cover and removed the valve cover to gain access to the cylinders and valves for inspection.

With the existing reverser quadrant being found not fit for purpose, a new one was fabricated and bolted to the frames. As a result, the reverser lever fulcrum bracket could be attached to the quadrant also. A taper pin hole was drilled and reamed for a new taper pin to hold the new reverser level fulcrum pin in place.

And of course, many new bolts and nuts were made on the lathe!

05/08/2025

Get behind the steam 💨 Ever wondered what it’s like to be up close to a real steam engine in action? Now’s your chance. Step onto the footplate of a working steam locomotive, ride alongside the driver and fireman and experience steam travel from the best seat in the house. Vouchers on sale now!
🎫 £30, get your at the museum shop
🚂 North Tyneside Steam Railway
Find out more online: https://bit.ly/4l11xCw

02/07/2025

👀

🚂🚃 Whether you’re a fan of steam or diesel, you’re spoiled for choice this year!

💛 Hopetown Darlington isn't the only place to experience engines up close in 2025. We’re proud to celebrate the north east’s incredible railway heritage in collaboration with this year's Diesel Gala, organised by the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association, taking place on 5 & 6 July at Stephenson Steam Railway.

🎟️ Interested? Check out their website 👇https://stephensonsteamrailway.org.uk/whats-on/diesel-day

🛤️ If this seems right up your track, then make sure you’ve booked your free tickets to S&DR200 Presents Titans of Steam, which is arriving 20 September and departing on 5 October. There'll be a showcase of classic steam locos, including Tornado.

👉www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk/whats-on/Titans-of-Steam-Gala

🤝 Two galas, two locations, countless historic engines – don’t miss out

Stephenson Steam Railway North Tyneside Steam Railway

29/06/2025

What a fantastic way to round off an unforgettable Hunslet Gala weekend!

A huge thank you to everyone at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway for their incredible hospitality and support throughout the entire event — it was truly appreciated.

28/06/2025

Located in Embsay Engine Shed for the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway’s Hunslet Gala. We are delighted to showcase our range of merchandise and some pieces of NCB No.69!

Pop along a say “Hello!” to some of the volunteers who are undertaking the restoration work and are keen to chat all things Hunslet.

23/06/2025

Last week Alfie, Cameron and Robert spent an hour fitting one of two bunker angle supports onto the rear buffer beam.

This works has cleared space within the workshop to enable cab floor supports to be fabricated prior to final fitting in the near future - there is still some outstanding work required to the frames.

Also, the two rear angle supports for the running board were also fixed in place.

15/06/2025

Things are moving along really well with George and the brake rigging.

Heating the cut end of the brake rigging enabled fitting of the new pin ends. Allowing to cool, the cut end can shrink over the pin ensuring a precise and tight fit between the two separate components.

Another task completed, making completion closer.