Consett Ironworks Kitson A No 5 of 1881 0-6-0T back in steam

[Rlangham]

Nearly a month since I took these but been busy to put it mildly - Easter saw the wonderful Consett Ironworks A No 5, built by Kitson in 1881, back in steam. Despite appearances it is actually a side tank, not a pannier tank. I can highly recommend a visit to the North Tyneside Steam Railway to have a ride behind this unique locomotive, I think the only 'long boiler' design in steam, at least in the UK? The length of the line is just under two miles, which I didn't realise, and was surprised at



One of those rare locomotives that even looks good from the rear









At Percy Main



'Gronk' at Middle Engine Lane





Returning to Middle Engine Lane











End of the day



Other exhibits in the Stephenson Railway Museum

[auldreekie]

ABSOLUTELY luvverly.

I didn't even know restoration of this machine was in progress.

auldreekie

[ArthurK]

Nice to see the CIC Kitson in steam again. I lived at Swalwell less than a mile from the line from Derwenthaugh to the coke ovens at Winlaton Mill. I saw these locos at work many, many times. My only regret is that I never photographed them. Perhaps they were just too commonplace.

One thing that puzzles me is the choice of livery on the preserved no. 5. Unless my memory is completely wrong the ones at Derwenthaugh were always green livery similar to the NER green with black/white lining.

The only photos that I have are of this one at Marley Hill and numbered 41. Is this now the preserved No.5?

ArthurK