Metro drivers’ voluntary work celebrates the age steam

Michael Darling and Rob Kitching give up countless hours of their spare time to driving locomotives at the Stephenson Steam Railway in North Tyneside, where they are long-serving volunteers.

It’s a labour of love for them, who have been enthralled by trains since they were young.

They are happiest in their boiler suit and flat cap, putting their train driving skills to good use at the controls of the museum’s only working steam locomotive, the Ashington Number 5.

Both Rob and Michael are qualified steam train drivers, having completed assessments to get the role.

When they are not at the controls of a multi-million pound Metro train, they can be found on the footplate, gleefully up to their eyes in oil and soot. The hiss of the boiler, the heat from the firebox, and the clank of the wheels offer a true throwback to the heyday of steam trains.

A team of volunteers who run the Stephenson Museum’s heritage railway tours. They give visitors an immersive steam train experience along a two-mile section of disused line at Percy Main.

It’s a big hit with the public, especially kids, and both Michael and Rob are proud to be part of that.

Michael, 36, of Monkseaton, is a Metro driver of 13 years who has been a volunteer at the Stephenson railway since he was 17.

He said: “I’ve always had an interest in trains ever since I was a child. It’s a niche hobby that not many people get to do. I get a lot of pleasure from it. It’s both exciting and interesting.

“It’s such a pleasure to be a steam train driver. There is always so much going on when you’re on the footplate. You have to use your brain constantly because they are sensitive pieces of machinery.

“The heritage tours we run are educational. Steam trains stopped running in our region in the late 1970s. It’s important that people still get to see them, experience travelling on them, and learn about our region’s railway heritage. After all, we gave railways to the world thanks to George Stephenson.

“I think it’s important we are doing what we are doing at the museum, which is entirely voluntary, as it keeps the heritage alive, celebrating steam trains in their heyday. We get visitors from all walks of life and from all over the world.

He added: “It took me seven years to become a qualified steam train driver. I’m now an inspector and do all the assessments for our other volunteers. It’s incomparable to driving the new Metro trains. I love doing both.

“Our steam train rides take in a two-mile stretch of what was the Blyth and Tyne Line. It’s a steep section of line. It was rebuilt for the Metro test track in the late 1970s. When that was vacated it allowed the Stephenson Railway to be created.

“There is a nice link with the Metro, because without the Metro test track the museum may not be there today. We offer an affordable heritage railway experience which families can come and enjoy. They never leave disappointed. It’s a great day out.”

Rob, 35, of Durham, has been a Metro driver for eight years and has been volunteering at the Stephenson Railway for the last ten years.

He said: “There’s always been a family interest in trains and that has passed down to me. I worked at Beamish, driving trains there. That opened the door to my role at Stephenson and helped to pave the way for me to become a Metro driver.

“Steam trains are just amazing. I like the engineering of them, and being able to appreciate something that was been hand built so many years ago and is still working today.

“They are part of the heritage of the North East, and are testament to how our region led the way with this technology.

“I love driving the steam loco. It’s great to see visitors come and enjoy it too. Railways are in the blood of our region. It’s nice to be part of something that celebrates it for future generations.”

Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager, Stephenson Steam Railway, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of Stephenson Steam Railway. Their passion, knowledge and enthusiasm bring the railway to life, they volunteer their time because they care deeply about the railway and its history, and that makes a real difference to the experience we can offer our visitors. We really couldn’t do what we do without them, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything they contribute.”

For information about the Stephenson Steam Railway go to: www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/stephensonsteamrailway