Railway 200 Gala

Join us as we take part in the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations with our biggest gala yet, featuring five heritage steam and diesel locomotives in action throughout the weekend.

Railway 200 commemorates 200 years of the modern railway, marking the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway’s opening. 

Our museum’s collection – and the history of the North Tyneside Steam Railway – predates even this milestone. George Stephenson’s iconic locomotive ‘Billy’ was built in 1816, and the corridor to the Tyne first saw iron rails with the High Flatworth or Murton Waggonway in 1821. This event will highlight our unique contribution to the Railway 200 story.

In the museum, immerse yourself in early railway history with a fascinating talk held in front of the oldest surviving standard gauge locomotive, the 1816-built ‘Killingworth Billy’. Discover the innovations that paved the way for the birth of the modern railway.

Out on the tracks, we’re pulling out all the stops for our largest showcase to date. Steam locomotives Peckett ‘Ashington No.5’ and Bagnall No.401 will take centre stage, joined by three diesel locomotives for a packed schedule of passenger and demonstration freight trains. Expect non-stop railway action over both days, celebrating the past while inspiring the next generation of railway workers and volunteers. Don’t miss it!