Set in the mid-1980s to the West of Newcastle Central Station along the line towards Scotswood we have supposed the Newcastle & Carlisle line via Scotswood & North Wylam remains open in its entirety. Commuter traffic is returning in larger numbers due to the large number of housing estates that have been built along the line. Armstrong Vickers also remains a good source of freight traffic producing military equipment. Also there is a cement and aggregate works next to the Civil Engineers sidings which sees regular trip workings.
A small loco depot was developed in the 1960s to reduce the large number of light engine movements across the bridges to Gateshead MPD.
Facilities for loco’s are, a refuelling point and a three road shed to provide coverage for the most minor of repairs to be carried out. If repairs are considered more serious the loco is then sent to Gateshead. The depot is merely intended to re-fuel and turn around the loco prior to its next duty to either Liverpool, Edinburgh, Birmingham and the South West or a local trip working.
Dmu’s form the mainstay of passenger traffic with the odd loco hauled train to Carlisle early in the morning and return early evening. Freight traffic is hauled by the versatile Class 37 & 47’s. Though generally anything can turn up especially on the local trip workings.
Forth Banks is still under construction and will be DCC controlled fully signalled with semaphore signals with all locos sound fitted. Once completed it will be shown on the exhibition circuit, its size is 54ft x 16ft.