'Harwarden' Headlines 'Legends Of Industry' on the Tanfield Railway - 22/06/2024

The Tanfield Railway in County Durham represents the quintessential northern colliery railway. Operational since 1725, this line carried coal consistently for almost two-hundred and fifty years, before being rescued by a plucky band of local enthusiasts. Almost three centuries later, this little railway has lost none of its rugged, ramshackle charm, and nowhere is that more apparent than during the ‘Legends Of Industry’ weekend.

Having played host to Hawthorn Leslie ‘Marston, Thompson & Evershed No.3’ from the Foxfield Railway last year, another Caverswall Road resident would grace the line this time around in the form of the beefy Bagnall ‘Harwarden’. The engine must be one of the largest 0-4-0ST designs in preservation, and with her eye-catching wasp-striped buffer beams, makes for an imposing and impressive sight. Supporting her would be Tanfield’s Andrew Barclay siblings ‘Horden’ and ‘Stanley’, having made their gala debuts at the previous event. ‘Austerity’ No.49 would also be in action, as well as ‘Sir Cecil A. Cochrane’ and Keighley Gasworks No.2. Even diesel Armstrong Whitworth No.2 found its way out on shunting demonstrations around Marley Hill. Up to seven locomotives could be seen on duty across the three-day gala. What’s more, every engine bore some variation of a green livery!

One full passenger rake was in operation, as well as two mixed sets and a freight consist, including the striking NCB Harton A16 brake van, having recently arrived on extended loan. The timetable was very intensive, with up to thirteen departures from Andrews House on Saturday and Sunday. As the diesel pottered about the yard, the steam engines swapped consists frequently, culminating in a couple of spirited freight runs northbound up the gradient from East Tanfield. The weather was also on the upturn, after a somewhat sluggish start to summer, it was looking ever more likely that the sun would show its face for the weekend. Therefore, enthusiasts from across the country flocked to Tanfield.

I visited on the Saturday of the event. For once, the weather forecasters got it right and sunny spells shone all across the north east for the entire day, bringing with it temperatures of up to twenty-two degrees. Furthermore, the recent spell of rain beforehand allowed the locos to be opened up a bit without risking a lineside fire (although 'Horden' did trigger a small accident near Sunniside in the afternoon!) Days like this are a photographer's dream! Thanks must go to duty manager Pete and crossing keeper Duncan, who gratefully granted me lineside access for the day. All engines looked fantastic, although trains started to run up to twenty-five minutes late by the early evening.

The full lineup consisted of:

Visiting:
Bagnall 0-4-0ST 2623 'Harwarden' (from the Foxfield Railway)

Home Fleet:
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST 1659 'Stanley'
Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST 1015 'Hordon' (ran on Saturday and Sunday only)
Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST Keighley Gasworks No.2
Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn 0-4-0ST 7409 'Sir Cecil A. Cochrane'
Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn 0-6-0ST No.49 (ran on Saturday and Sunday only)
Armstrong Whitworth 0-4-0DE No.2 (on shunting demonstrations at Marley Hill)*

*does not feature in this video.

I hope you all enjoy the video. The Tanfield Railway put on a fantastic show for all visitors whilst the weather played its part in making the day an event to remember. Huge thanks to all volunteers and locomotive owners for their efforts, as well as those who supported me throughout the production of this video. Check us out on Instagram at   / secondvalvesteam   for exclusive behind-the-scenes updates, photos and more. Feel free to comment and subscribe!