Together again! Saddle tanks Victor and Vulcan reunite on Tyneside

the pair worked an intensive timetable of passenger and goods services between Middle Engine Lane and Percy Main, both solo and double-headed.

Commenting on the event, NTSR spokesman Stephen Thornton told The RM: “It was fantastic to host the reunion of the big Bagnalls for the first time since the locomotives had been together at the West Somerset Railway.

“Our reunion gala had been postponed two years in a row due to Covid-19, and the wait proved to be worth it. Both locomotives looked great together and right at home.

All of our volunteers worked incredibly hard... and we were thrilled to see all of the positive feedback we have had.”

Victor returned to Haverthwaite on May 4, leaving NTSR volunteers free to carry on with other ongoing projects, including the overhaul of Peckett ‘OX1’ 0-6-0ST Ashington No. 5 (1970/1939) and the restoration of Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST No. 69 (3785/1953).

(See also photo on page 55.)

DAVE HEWITT On April 30 visiting Bagnall 0-6-0ST No. 403 Victor leads twin No. 401 (Vulcan) with a passenger service from Percy Main to Middle Engine Lane during the North Tyneside Steam Railway gala.

STEVEN BARKER Right: Nos. 403 (left) and 401 pose side by side on May 2. Both locos lost their original full-length buffer beams in the 1970s at the West Somerset Railway.

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