Recent modifications to the Locomotion No1 replica to improve steaming: 10 inch stainless steel sleeve Inside the existing 17 inch chimney; blast pipe choke from 3” to 2.5”; improved blower ring. Result is a supercharged locomotive with vastly improved performance.

Testing of the replica 1825 train continues at the Weardale Railway concentrating on grades which emulate Shildon to Stockton. Departing Wolsingham Depot tomorrow at 1030 hrs for a 32 mile round trip to Bishop Auckland. Hope the burger van at BA station car park is open!!

RT @jbanningww1: @N323339N @ww1cemeteries @keithbugden @steve220459 @CWGC @WFServicesLtd Here you go Steve. An example from this very after….

Testing of the replica 1825 train continues. A few foibles identified but pretty close to as efficient as we can get it.

Further testing of the 1825 replica train today on the beautiful Weardale Railway. 32 miles in total.

Absolutely brilliant!!!😀.

The Veterans Living History Museum are selling the original Ken Howard painting depicting the presentation of Colours to 4 QLR by HM The Queen in 1979 in Preston. They have written authority to do so. Funds will go towards other projects. DM me if you wish to make an offer.

Testing the 1825 replica train continued today with a 23 mile round trip from Wolsingham to Bishop Auckland, including a stop on the incredible Etherley Viaduct over the River Wear to take in the breathtaking views!

Hope you enjoy this short ‘taster’ for the forthcoming operation of the replica 1825 Train during the Stockton & Darlington Railway bicentenary celebrations.

Today I had the huge pleasure of accepting the Locomotion No1 replica into traffic after an extensive overhaul conducted by Locomotive Maintenance Services (LMS) at Loughborough and running in trials at the Weardale Railway. Andy Meredith (right) did the honours on behalf of LMS

We will be operating the replica 1825 train at the Weardale Railway on a day in May to introduce potential volunteer support crew members to the delights of this amazing creation. If interested please DM me with name, number and email address.

Noticed how some politicians refer to ‘raw materials’ being delivered to Scunthorpe? Can’t bring themselves to call it coal!!!.

We have had a very productive week testing the replica 1825 train. Learnt a lot and a variety of modifications required but all straightforward. The revelation is that the locomotive is very well suited to ‘eco’ coal briquettes!!

The battery compressors, receivers etc etc are all contained within the replica coach. A back-up petrol compressor is fitted inside one of the Chaldron Waggons.

In glorious weather, we have today had the enormous pleasure of starting the testing phase of the 1825 replica train at the Weardale Railway. This project has been over 2 years in the planning and will be the central component of SDR 200 in September.

A great little book - brilliant value at £5!!!.

Celebrations ongoing in Freetown to mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum and the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

RT @tiredverytired: @steve220459 I've still not seen that,!!!!.

LNER A1 Pacific TORNADO now has a fire in her at the Nene Valley Railway. Static steam tests tomorrow and possibly test runs on Wednesday, all in preparation for the main line light and loaded test runs. A long old haul to get to this stage but well worth the wait!!

On 4th Feb 1944 an ammunition train exploded in the vicinity of Catterick Bridge Station. The site is now a caravan sales business and the track bed an access road. A new memorial has just been erected, behind which was the signal box controlling the crossing over the old A1.