The North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group

Unavailability of Web Site

Appologies to our visitors for the recent break in availability. We had a visit from some low life on or about 12th April who defaced the site and deposited malware.

Alterations to The East Coast Explorer

At very short notice on Wednesday 7th May we were advised that steam cannot be permitted between the Pelaw Metro Junction and Ryhope Grange under the Metro wires as the catenary wires are of non-standard design, and major damage would have ensued if the train had travelled on that route.

In order to make the best of this restriction, the tour has been revised and will now reverse in Tyne Yard and run via Darlington to Hartlepool where we will regain our original route for the day. See The East Coast Explorer for details

The East Coast Explorer

It is planned to run an NELPG sponsored, West Coast Railways operated, railtour using the K1 on Saturday 10th May 2008. The East Coast Explorer  will pick up and set down at Newcastle, Durham, Darlington and Middlesbrough with the highlight expected to be a visit to Boulby. 62005 will be "top and tailed" with a heritage diesel, with over 150 miles of steam haulage.

As of 16th April, the train is fully booked.

J27 65894 Appeal

Following withdrawal from traffic an appeal for fund was launched and as of July 2007 the fund stood at just over £40,000 Many thanks to you if you have already contributed. If you haven’t, but and would like to, then follow J27 65894 appeal link for information on how to contribute.

The J27 moved from Darlington Railway Museum to Hopetown Works on 22nd May. Some cleaning and preparative work on the locomotive is being carried out by the evening working parties. Almost all of the boiler tubes have now been removed.

End of NE Steam

A feature article by Kester Eddy appeared in The Northern Echo on 12th December. A good read, but unfortunately the web version does not contain the picture of Peter Proud, nor the picture of a Q6.

WB Greenfield MBE Photograph Collection

This Collection was bequeathed to NELPG following Bryce Greenfield's death in 1977. A sample of Bryce Greenfield's photographs and the catalogue of the negatives can now be viewed on this web site.

Blue Peter Overhaul

At a meeting on 17th October between representatives of the NELPG, North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Ben and Rupert Drury, a basic understanding was reached whereby Blue Peter is going to be overhauled and, on completion, see use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and on the main line, the latter under the auspices of the NELPG.

J27 65894 Limited edition print

A set of limited edition prints depicting 65894 being prepared for duty on the turntable at York shed are being offered for sale as part of the J27 appeal.;

Q6 63395 hauls VIP special

On 20th July, the Q6 moved under its own steam for the first time for 25 years. After fixing minor snags the locomotive had several running in trips during August.

On 6th September 2007 the Q6 hauled its inaugural VIP Special from Grosmont. This was covered by the BBC "Look North" program and in the Northern Echo.

After a few more running in trips, on 22nd September 2007 the Q6 hauled a special train for all the volunteers who had assisted with the overhaul over the past 21 years from the original rebuilding of the tender at ICI Wilton in 1986. Later that day the locomotive hauled its first revenue earning train since the overhaul.

Working Parties

Take place at Hopetown every Monday and Thursday evening between 19:00 and 22:00. Please contact Terry Newman (Monday) or Fred Ramshaw (Thursday) if you wish to join them.

Some working parties are taking place at Grosmont. Please contact Richard Pearson or Fred Ramshaw if you wish to attend these working parties.