North Tyneside Steam Railway

The Association that operates the railway was formed in 1977 as The Monkwearmouth Station Museum Association for the purpose of assisting the then named Tyne & Wear Joint Museums Service to restore railway related items at the former Goods Shed at Monkwearmouth, Sunderland. The first items to receive members' attention were Consett Iron Company's diesel locomotive No 10 and steam locomotive A No. 5.

A deteriorating roof on the Goods Shed necessitated the transfer of the items in 1981 to the former Metro Test Track & Centre at Middle Engine Lane, West Chirton, in the district of North Tyneside which was owned by the Local Authority. The local authority developed a steam hauled passenger service on the 2-mile track between Middle Engine Lane and Percy Main Village. The Association altered its name to reflect this change of venue and purpose. The exhibit hall became known as The Stephenson Railway Museum.

We have a purpose built train shed consisting of a locomotive stabling space, a locomotive workshop and a carriage and wagon workshop.

Additional exhibits have been acquired by Tyne & Wear Museums & Archives (who now operate the site); North Tyneside Council, and ourselves. As well as carrying out restoration and maintenance work on these, our volunteers operate the railway. This includes jobs such as Driver, Fireman, Second man, Guard, and Operations Controller.

All day Wednesday & Saturday are the periods when most volunteers meet to carry out restoration and maintenance work. Train services usually start at Easter and run on most Sundays. Junior members are allowed to join in providing they are accompanied by an adult.