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{{short description|British preserved standard gauge cable railway system (built 1826)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2014}} {{Use British English|date=June 2014}}
{{more citations needed|date=December 2024}}
{{Heritage Railway | {{Heritage Railway |
|name = Bowes Railway | |name = Bowes Railway
| other_name = Pontop & Jarrow Railway | |other_name = Pontop & Jarrow Railway
|image_name = Bowes Railway Museum - geograph.org.uk - 221650.jpg |image_name = Bowes Railway Museum - geograph.org.uk - 221650.jpg
|caption = The Bowes Railway at Springwell Village |caption = The Bowes Railway at Springwell Village, City of Sunderland
⚫ |locale = Tyne and Wear
Gateshead (Postal Address) Although it is within the City of Sunderland . |
|coordinates = {{Coord|54.9236|-1.5580|display=inline, title}}
⚫ |locale = Tyne and Wear|
⚫ |terminus = Dipton Colliery to Jarrow Staith (preserved Springwell - Wrekenton)
| map = |
| mapsize = | |linename =
⚫ |builtby =Robert Stephenson, designed by George Stephenson
⚫ |terminus = Dipton Colliery to Jarrow Staith (preserved Springwell - Wrekenton) |
⚫ |originalgauge = {{Track gauge|4ft8.5in|allk=on}}
|linename = |
⚫ |preservedgauge = {{Track gauge|4ft8.5in|allk=on}}
⚫ |builtby =Robert Stephenson, designed by George Stephenson |
⚫ |era =1975-
⚫ |originalgauge = {{Track gauge|4ft8.5in|allk=on}} |
⚫ |stations = 2 (Springwell & Blackhams Hill)
|originalrack= |
⚫ |length = {{convert|1+1/2|mi|km}}
|originalelec= |
⚫ |originalopen = 1826/1855
⚫ |preservedgauge = {{Track gauge|4ft8.5in|allk=on}} |
|preservedrack = | |closed = 1974
|preservedelec= |
⚫ |era =1975- |
|owned = |
|operator = |
⚫ |stations = 2 (Springwell & Blackhams Hill)|
⚫ |length = {{convert|1+1/2|mi|km}}|
⚫ |originalopen = 1826/1855 |
|closed = 1974|
|stageyears = |
|stage = |
|years = |
|events = |
|years1 = |
| headquarters= |
}} }}
The '''Bowes Railway''', built by ] in 1826, is the world's only operational preserved ] ] system. It was built to transport ] from ] in ] to boats on the ]. The site is a ].<ref>Tyne & Wear Sites and Monuments Record schedule retrieved 25 October 2013 {{cite web|url=http://www.twsitelines.info/Siteline.nsf/SMR/219188C29270410480257B89004EAE38?opendocument |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-10-25 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191823/http://www.twsitelines.info/Siteline.nsf/SMR/219188C29270410480257B89004EAE38?opendocument |archivedate=29 October 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref> The railway is open the first weekend of each month (February - December) and every week Thursday, Friday and Saturday for static display and guided tours. Plus a number of event days throughout the year. The '''Bowes Railway''', built by ] in 1826, is the world's only operational preserved ] ] system. It was built to transport ] from ] in ] to boats on the ]. The site is a ].<ref>{{cite web |access-date=25 October 2013 |url=http://www.twsitelines.info/Siteline.nsf/SMR/219188C29270410480257B89004EAE38?opendocument |title=Tyne and Wear HER(1005): Bowes Railway - Wardley to Lamesley - Details |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191823/http://www.twsitelines.info/Siteline.nsf/SMR/219188C29270410480257B89004EAE38?opendocument |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref> The railway is open every week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Easter til October) as well as on a number of event days throughout the year.


==History== ==History==


===Background=== ===Background===
The ''Grand Allies'', a partnership of businessmen including John Bowes, opened a ] at ] in Durham. A railway was needed to transport the coal to the River Tyne. The plan was to build ]s and use a combination of steam power and gravity to move the coal wagons. The railway was designed by George Stephenson who built the ] which was completed in 1822. The ], a partnership of businessmen including ], opened a ] at ] in Durham. A railway was needed to transport the coal to the River Tyne. The plan was to build ]s and use a combination of steam power and gravity to move the coal wagons. The railway was designed by George Stephenson, who built the ] completed in 1822.


===Construction=== ===Construction===
The railway was built between Mount Moor and Jarrow via ]. The first section to open was between Springwell and Jarrow which opened on 17 January 1826, Mount Moor followed in April 1826.<ref>''The Bowes Railway'' by Colin Mountford p11</ref> When the line opened it comprised four inclined planes: one steep incline from Mount Moor to Blackham's Hill, and one from Blackham's Hill to Springwell. At Blackham's Hill, the ] of both inclines, was the "hauler house", housing ]s to wind the ropes. A long self-acting incline ran from Springwell. Nearly {{convert|5|mi|km}} of locomotive-worked line extended to Jarrow where a final incline served the coal staiths.<ref>''The Bowes Railway'' by Colin Mountford p11</ref> The line was extended across the ] to ] in May 1842.<ref>''The Bowes Railway'' by Colin Mountford p12</ref> The railway was completed in 1854 when a link from Marley Hill to Kibblesworth was connected enabling collieries in Dipton to be accessed.<ref>''The Bowes Railway'' by Colin Mountford p24</ref> The railway was built between Mount Moor and Jarrow via ]. The first section, between Springwell and Jarrow, opened on 17 January 1826. Mount Moor followed in April 1826.{{sfnp|Mountford|1966|page=11}} When the line opened it comprised four inclined planes: one steep incline from Mount Moor to Blackham's Hill, and one from Blackham's Hill to Springwell. At Blackham's Hill, the ] of both inclines, was the "hauler house", housing ]s to wind the ropes. A long self-acting incline ran from Springwell. Nearly {{convert|5|mi|km}} of locomotive-worked line extended to Jarrow where a final incline served the coal staiths.{{sfnp|Mountford|1966|page=11}} The line was extended across the ] to ] in May 1842.{{sfnp|Mountford|1966|page=12}} The railway was completed in 1854 when a link from Marley Hill to Kibblesworth was connected enabling collieries in Dipton to be accessed.{{sfnp|Mountford|1966|page=24}}


===Operation=== ===Operation===


From 1 January 1947 the railway was owned and operated by the ].<ref>''The Bowes Railway'' by Colin Mountford p34</ref> After 1974 no inclines remained working and the line was only worked north east of Wardley. The last day the inclines were used, Friday 4 October 1974, was filmed by BBC and Tyne -Tees TV crews.<ref>''The Bowes Railway'' by Colin Mountford p42</ref> From 1 January 1947, the railway was owned and operated by the ].{{sfnp|Mountford|1966|page=34}} After 1974 no inclines remained working and the line was only worked north east of Wardley. The last day the inclines were used, Friday 4 October 1974, was filmed by BBC and Tyne-Tees TV crews.{{sfnp|Mountford|1966|page=42}}


What was left of the Bowes Railway north east of the inclines was served by a shed at Wardley. The line was reduced in length, until at the end there was only about {{convert|1|mi|km}} in use, and it closed on 10 January 1986, a few days short of the 180th anniversary. This attenuated system the NCB called the ''Monkton Railways'' after the coke works that was its mainstay between 1975 and 1986.<ref>''The Private Railways of County Durham'' by Colin E. Mountford, Industrial Railway Society, 2004 p59-60.</ref> What was left of the Bowes Railway north east of the inclines was served by a shed at Wardley. The line was reduced in length, until at the end there was only about {{convert|1|mi|km}} in use. This last section closed on 10 January 1986, a few days short of the 180th anniversary. This attenuated system the NCB called the ''Monkton Railways'', after the coke works that was its mainstay between 1975 and 1986.{{sfnp|Mountford|2004|pages=59-60}}


==Preserved railway== ==Preserved railway==
{{Cleanup|section|date=March 2023|reason=rewrite and/or update needed}}
] was established April 1975 and took control of the line around Springwell from the National Coal Board through the medium of county council direction. By 1975 Springwell Workshops were building replica locomotives such as ]<ref>http://lateralscience.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/loco.html Lateral Science retrieved 12 November 2013 says"A working replica of Locomotion No.1 was built by Locomotion Enterprises of Springwell and ran at the Cavalcade".</ref><ref>The same information is also given in the Beamish Museum Stocklist retrieved from {{cite web|url=http://www.beamish.org.uk/downloads/StockListSummer2010.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-11-12 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112215550/http://www.beamish.org.uk/downloads/StockListSummer2010.pdf |archivedate=12 November 2013 |df=dmy }} 12 November 2013.</ref> trading as ]. The ] shed of the ] is a former Bowes Railway running shed as are short lengths of the track at Marley Hill. Marley Hill became a preservation base from 1971.<ref>''The Bowes Railway'' by Colin Mountford p162/165/182-183</ref> ] was established April 1975 and took control of the line around Springwell from the National Coal Board through the medium of county council direction. By 1975 Springwell Workshops were building replica locomotives such as ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lateralscience.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/loco.html |website=Lateral Science |access-date=12 November 2013 |quote=A working replica of Locomotion No.1 was built by Locomotion Enterprises of Springwell and ran at the Cavalcade. |date=20 September 2013 |title=Locomotion No.1: Historic Steam Engine & Public House 1825-2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beamish.org.uk/downloads/StockListSummer2010.pdf |title=Beamish Museum Stocklist |access-date=2013-11-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112215550/http://www.beamish.org.uk/downloads/StockListSummer2010.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2013}}</ref> trading as ].


The centre of the preserved Bowes Railway is Springwell Workshops. The preserved Bowes railway, includes Springwell Colliery workshops, a one mile passenger railway and a further mile of rope hauled inclines.
Visitors can visit the Victorian workshops and see engineering and blacksmithing demonstrations. A tour of the railway buildings, see the railway's wagon fleet as well as visit the small museum, cafe and shop can all be done at Springwell.


In the future the railway wishes to restart passenger rides and rope haulage demonstrations for the benefit of the public.
A third Bowes Railway running shed at Wardley is the depot of the .


===Rope Haulage=== ===Rope haulage===
⚫ ====Original system====
{{unreferenced|section|date=January 2017}}
⚫ When the Bowes Railway was in full operation the line employed eight rope-worked inclined planes. Two of these (the Springwell and Birkheads inclines) were operated on the self-acting principle; the weight of descending full wagons hauled up the empty wagons via a rope running around a return wheel at the top of the hill. On the remaining six inclines (the Kibblesworth, Black Fell, Blackhams Hill East and West, Starrs and Allerdene Inclines), the ropes were driven by a stationary steam or later electric haulage engine located at the incline top. This type of railway operation pre-dates modern locomotive-type operations, and was laid down here by George Stephenson in 1826. The line's gradual closure eventually left only four inclines in use, these finally closing on 4 October 1974.
⚫ ====Original System====
⚫ When the Bowes Railway was in full operation the line employed eight rope-worked inclined planes. Two of these (the Springwell and Birkheads inclines) were operated on the self-acting principle; the weight of descending full waggons hauled up the empty waggons via a rope running around a return wheel at the top of the hill. On the remaining six inclines (the Kibblesworth, Black Fell, Blackhams Hill East and West, Starrs and Allerdene Inclines) the ropes wre driven by a stationary steam or later electric haulage engine located at the incline top. This type of railway operation pre-dates modern locomotive- type operations and was laid down here by George Stephenson in 1826. The line's gradual closure eventually left only four inclines in use, these finally closing on 4 October 1974).


====Preserved System==== ====Preserved system====
The line as preserved post-1974 includes two rope-worked inclines. These are the Blackhams Hill East and West inclines. Both are worked by the Blackhams Hill engine; this is a 300 h.p. Metropolitan Vickers engine commissioned on 30 July 1950. This works both the East or Flatt Incline (1170 yards at a gradient of 1 in 70) and the West or Short Bank (750 yards at a gradient 1 in 13). Over these inclines the preserved railway demonstrates one of the oldest and most unusual types of railway operation; it is now the only place in Britain where this can now be seen. However, the inclines are not currently operational, due to vandalism and decline. The line, as preserved post-1974, includes two rope-worked inclines. These are the Blackhams Hill East and West inclines. Both are worked by the Blackhams Hill engine, a 300 h.p. Metropolitan Vickers engine commissioned on 30 July 1950. This engine works both the East or Flatt Incline (1,170 yards at a gradient of 1 in 70) and the West or Short Bank (750 yards at a gradient 1 in 13). Over these inclines, the preserved railway demonstrates one of the oldest and most unusual types of railway operation. It is now the only place in Britain where this can be seen. The inclines are not currently operational, however, due to vandalism and decline.{{sfnp|Mountford|1976}}{{page needed|date=October 2022}}


===Locomotives and brake vans=== ===Locomotives and brake vans===
'''Steam locomotives''' ====Steam locomotives====
*] 0-4-0ST W.S.T. makers Number 2361 built in 1954. Awaiting overhaul. Formerly used at ] and at Cocklakes.<ref>Elliot, John (2000). ''A Guide to the Bowes Railway 175 Years of Railway History''. p22</ref> * ] {{whyte|0-4-0|ST}} W.S.T. Makers Number 2361, built in 1954. Awaiting overhaul; requires new steam pipe and boiler certification. Formerly used at ] and at Cocklakes.{{sfnp|Elliot|2000|page=22}} British Gypsum signed ownership of the locomotive over to the Bowes Railway Company in September 2008.
*Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No 22 (Number 6 Area B Group 85). makers number 2274 built in 1949, for use on the Bowes Railway.<ref>Elliot, John (2000). ''A Guide to the Bowes Railway 175 Years of Railway History''. p. 23</ref> Awaiting overhaul. * Andrew Barclay {{whyte|0-4-0|ST}} No 22 (Number 6 Area B Group 85). Makers number 2274, built in 1949, for use on the Bowes Railway.{{sfnp|Elliot|2000|page=23}} One of the first locomotives on the Bowes Railway in preservation alongside planet. Currently awaiting overhaul and boiler certification.


'''Diesel locomotives''' ====Diesel locomotives====
*] 0-4-0 No 101. Used sometimes on shunting duties and freight trains but not as often as the Hunslet due to its small size. * ] {{whyte|0-4-0}} No 101. The first locomotive to be used regularly on shunting duties and freight trains when the railway entered preservation. Currently in use.
*] 0-4-0 No 6263. Used regularly on freight trains and shunting, the most powerful shunter on the line. * ] {{whyte|0-4-0}} No 6263. Used on freight trains and shunting; the most powerful shunter on the line. Currently out of use needing new brake blocks and a minor overhaul.
*] Class 88 0-4-0 - Restored for use on both passenger and demonstration coal trains. * ] Class 88 {{whyte|0-4-0}} No 476140 "Redheugh". Restored for use on both passenger and demonstration coal trains. Originally used at Redhaugh gas works.
*] Class 165 0-4-0 locos Pinky (1953) and Perky (1954), donated by the Port of Sunderland. Perky is currently operational, Pinky under overhaul. * ] Class 165 {{whyte|0-4-0}} locos "Pinky" (1953) and "Perky" (1954), donated by the Port of Sunderland. They were some of the last operating industrial locomotives in County Durham. Perky is currently operational, Pinky under overhaul.


====Passenger stock====
'''Brake vans'''
*Lambton Hetton & Joicey Collieries Brake van No 1. In use as a passenger vehicle on the trains. * Lambton Hetton & Joicey Collieries Brake van No 1. In use.
*] No 2, built for use in Derby. In use as a passenger vehicle on the trains. * ] No 2, built for use in Derby. In use.
*L.M.S. No 3 Brake van. In use as a passenger vehicle on the passenger trains. * L.M.S. No 3 Brake van. Awaiting repairs.
* B24 - The Queen Mother's wagon. Awaiting repairs and fitting of handrails.


'''Waggons''' '''Wagons'''
⚫ The railway also has a fleet of 45 original Bowes railway waggons dating from 1887 through to 1963, as well as seven similar waggons from other industrial sites in the North East.


⚫ The railway also has a fleet of 45 original Bowes Railway wagons dating from 1887 through to 1963, as well as seven similar wagons from other industrial sites in the North East.
===The Railway Today===
{{unreferenced|section|date=November 2018}}
The museum is based around the workshops at Springwell, this contains the museums, shop, cafe, toilets and guided tours of the buildings dating back to 1826. The buildings such as the Waggonshop and blacksmiths are open during museum open days and guided tours can be arranged.

The site is open the first weekend of each month and every week Thursday, Friday and Saturday for static display and tours. Admission is £2 per adult, £1 concessions. A yearly pass is also available.


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}


==Bibliography==
==Further reading and viewing==


* Colin E Mountford, ''The Bowes Railway'', published by The Industrial Railway Society, {{ISBN|9780901096265}}. Two editions: 1966 and 1976. * {{cite book |first=Colin Edwin |last=Mountford |title=The Bowes Railway |publisher=] |date=1966}}
* Colin E Mountford, ''Rope & Chain Haulage'', published by The Industrial Railway Society, 2013, {{ISBN|978 1 901556 84-1}}. * {{cite book |first=Colin Edwin |last=Mountford |title=The Bowes Railway |location=London |publisher=] and the Tyne & Wear Industrial Monuments Trust |date=1976}}
*{{cite book|title=The Private Railways of County Durham|last=Mountford|first=Colin E.|publisher=Industrial Railway Society|year=2004|pages=26ff |isbn=1-901556-29-8 }} * {{cite book |first=Colin Edwin |last=Mountford |title=Rope & Chain Haulage |publisher=] |date=2013 |ISBN=978-1-901556-84-1}}
*{{cite book|last=Elliot|first=John|title=A Guide to the Bowes Railway 175 Years of Railway History|year=2000|publisher=Chilton Iron Works|location=Houghton Le Spring|isbn=0952367262|pages=32}} * {{cite book |last=Mountford |first=Colin Edwin |title=The Private Railways of County Durham |publisher=] |year=2004 |pages=26ff |isbn=1-901556-29-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Elliot |first=John |title=A Guide to the Bowes Railway 175 Years of Railway History |year=2000 |publisher=Chilton Iron Works |location=Houghton Le Spring |isbn=0952367262 |pages=32}}
* ''Bowes Line'', in ''The Tyne Documentaries'', DVD published by ], Newcastle upon Tyne. * ''Bowes Line'', in ''The Tyne Documentaries'', DVD published by ], Newcastle upon Tyne.


==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{commonscat}}
* *
* *
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{{Heritage railways in England}} {{Heritage railways in England}}

{{authority control}}


] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 18:08, 17 December 2024

British preserved standard gauge cable railway system (built 1826)

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Bowes Railway" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (December 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Bowes Railway
Pontop & Jarrow Railway
The Bowes Railway at Springwell Village, City of Sunderland
LocaleTyne and Wear
TerminusDipton Colliery to Jarrow Staith (preserved Springwell - Wrekenton)
Coordinates54°55′25″N 1°33′29″W / 54.9236°N 1.5580°W / 54.9236; -1.5580
Commercial operations
Built byRobert Stephenson, designed by George Stephenson
Original gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Preserved operations
Stations2 (Springwell & Blackhams Hill)
Length1+1⁄2 miles (2.4 km)
Preserved gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Commercial history
Opened1826/1855
Closed1974
Preserved era1975-

The Bowes Railway, built by George Stephenson in 1826, is the world's only operational preserved standard gauge cable railway system. It was built to transport coal from pits in Durham to boats on the River Tyne. The site is a scheduled monument. The railway is open every week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Easter til October) as well as on a number of event days throughout the year.

History

Background

The Grand Allies, a partnership of businessmen including John Bowes, opened a colliery at Springwell in Durham. A railway was needed to transport the coal to the River Tyne. The plan was to build inclined planes and use a combination of steam power and gravity to move the coal wagons. The railway was designed by George Stephenson, who built the Hetton colliery railway completed in 1822.

Construction

The railway was built between Mount Moor and Jarrow via Springwell village. The first section, between Springwell and Jarrow, opened on 17 January 1826. Mount Moor followed in April 1826. When the line opened it comprised four inclined planes: one steep incline from Mount Moor to Blackham's Hill, and one from Blackham's Hill to Springwell. At Blackham's Hill, the summit of both inclines, was the "hauler house", housing stationary engines to wind the ropes. A long self-acting incline ran from Springwell. Nearly 5 miles (8.0 km) of locomotive-worked line extended to Jarrow where a final incline served the coal staiths. The line was extended across the Team Valley to Kibblesworth Colliery in May 1842. The railway was completed in 1854 when a link from Marley Hill to Kibblesworth was connected enabling collieries in Dipton to be accessed.

Operation

From 1 January 1947, the railway was owned and operated by the National Coal Board. After 1974 no inclines remained working and the line was only worked north east of Wardley. The last day the inclines were used, Friday 4 October 1974, was filmed by BBC and Tyne-Tees TV crews.

What was left of the Bowes Railway north east of the inclines was served by a shed at Wardley. The line was reduced in length, until at the end there was only about 1 mile (1.6 km) in use. This last section closed on 10 January 1986, a few days short of the 180th anniversary. This attenuated system the NCB called the Monkton Railways, after the coke works that was its mainstay between 1975 and 1986.

Preserved railway

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Tyne & Wear Industrial Monuments Trust was established April 1975 and took control of the line around Springwell from the National Coal Board through the medium of county council direction. By 1975 Springwell Workshops were building replica locomotives such as Locomotion No. 1 trading as Locomotion Enterprises.

The preserved Bowes railway, includes Springwell Colliery workshops, a one mile passenger railway and a further mile of rope hauled inclines. Visitors can visit the Victorian workshops and see engineering and blacksmithing demonstrations. A tour of the railway buildings, see the railway's wagon fleet as well as visit the small museum, cafe and shop can all be done at Springwell.

In the future the railway wishes to restart passenger rides and rope haulage demonstrations for the benefit of the public.

Rope haulage

Original system

When the Bowes Railway was in full operation the line employed eight rope-worked inclined planes. Two of these (the Springwell and Birkheads inclines) were operated on the self-acting principle; the weight of descending full wagons hauled up the empty wagons via a rope running around a return wheel at the top of the hill. On the remaining six inclines (the Kibblesworth, Black Fell, Blackhams Hill East and West, Starrs and Allerdene Inclines), the ropes were driven by a stationary steam or later electric haulage engine located at the incline top. This type of railway operation pre-dates modern locomotive-type operations, and was laid down here by George Stephenson in 1826. The line's gradual closure eventually left only four inclines in use, these finally closing on 4 October 1974.

Preserved system

The line, as preserved post-1974, includes two rope-worked inclines. These are the Blackhams Hill East and West inclines. Both are worked by the Blackhams Hill engine, a 300 h.p. Metropolitan Vickers engine commissioned on 30 July 1950. This engine works both the East or Flatt Incline (1,170 yards at a gradient of 1 in 70) and the West or Short Bank (750 yards at a gradient 1 in 13). Over these inclines, the preserved railway demonstrates one of the oldest and most unusual types of railway operation. It is now the only place in Britain where this can be seen. The inclines are not currently operational, however, due to vandalism and decline.

Locomotives and brake vans

Steam locomotives

  • Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST W.S.T. Makers Number 2361, built in 1954. Awaiting overhaul; requires new steam pipe and boiler certification. Formerly used at Long Meg Mine and at Cocklakes. British Gypsum signed ownership of the locomotive over to the Bowes Railway Company in September 2008.
  • Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No 22 (Number 6 Area B Group 85). Makers number 2274, built in 1949, for use on the Bowes Railway. One of the first locomotives on the Bowes Railway in preservation alongside planet. Currently awaiting overhaul and boiler certification.

Diesel locomotives

  • Planet 0-4-0 No 101. The first locomotive to be used regularly on shunting duties and freight trains when the railway entered preservation. Currently in use.
  • Hunslet Engine Company 0-4-0 No 6263. Used on freight trains and shunting; the most powerful shunter on the line. Currently out of use needing new brake blocks and a minor overhaul.
  • Ruston & Hornsby Class 88 0-4-0 No 476140 "Redheugh". Restored for use on both passenger and demonstration coal trains. Originally used at Redhaugh gas works.
  • Ruston & Hornsby Class 165 0-4-0 locos "Pinky" (1953) and "Perky" (1954), donated by the Port of Sunderland. They were some of the last operating industrial locomotives in County Durham. Perky is currently operational, Pinky under overhaul.

Passenger stock

  • Lambton Hetton & Joicey Collieries Brake van No 1. In use.
  • L.M.S. No 2, built for use in Derby. In use.
  • L.M.S. No 3 Brake van. Awaiting repairs.
  • B24 - The Queen Mother's wagon. Awaiting repairs and fitting of handrails.

Wagons

The railway also has a fleet of 45 original Bowes Railway wagons dating from 1887 through to 1963, as well as seven similar wagons from other industrial sites in the North East.

References

  1. "Tyne and Wear HER(1005): Bowes Railway - Wardley to Lamesley - Details". Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2013.
  2. ^ Mountford (1966), p. 11.
  3. Mountford (1966), p. 12.
  4. Mountford (1966), p. 24.
  5. Mountford (1966), p. 34.
  6. Mountford (1966), p. 42.
  7. Mountford (2004), pp. 59–60.
  8. "Locomotion No.1: Historic Steam Engine & Public House 1825-2013". Lateral Science. 20 September 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013. A working replica of Locomotion No.1 was built by Locomotion Enterprises of Springwell and ran at the Cavalcade.
  9. "Beamish Museum Stocklist" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  10. Mountford (1976).
  11. Elliot (2000), p. 22.
  12. Elliot (2000), p. 23.

Bibliography

External links

Heritage railways, museums and preservation societies in England
Operational railways
Narrow-gauge
Standard-gauge
Centres and museums
Planned railways
Closed sites
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