Metro drivers volunteer to drive heritage steam trains

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 07:48 · Archive

Two Tyne and Wear Metro drivers volunteer at the Stephenson Steam Railway Museum in North Shields, where they operate the Ashington Number 5, the museum's only working steam locomotive. Michael Darling, from Monkseaton, and Rob Kitching, from Durham, both qualified steam engine drivers, run heritage tours along a two-mile stretch of disused line at Percy Main.

Darling, who has volunteered at the museum since age 17 and has been a Metro driver for 13 years, said he has always had an interest in trains. "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," he said. He spent seven years becoming a qualified steam train driver and now inspects other volunteers. Darling said driving steam engines requires constant attention because "they are sensitive pieces of machinery".

Both men emphasise the importance of preserving railway heritage. Steam trains were phased out in the North East during the 1970s. "It's important that people still get to see them, experience travelling on them, and learn about our region's railway heritage," Darling said. Kitching described the locomotives as "testament to how our region led the way with this technology".

How it is being reported

• 'Steam is testament to how our region led the way'Metro drivers Michael Darling and Rob Kitching are also volunteers at the Stephenson Steam Railway.BBC Tyne And Wear · 10 Oct, 07:23
• Meet the Metro drivers who volunteer to drive steam trains at Stephenson RailwayMichael Darling and Rob Kitching share a lifelong passion for steam locomotives, and give up their time to celebrate the region's railway heritageChronicleLive · 9 Oct, 00:08

In this story: Michael Darling · Rob Kitching · Stephenson Steam Railway Museum · Tyne and Wear Metro · North Shields · Percy Main · George Stephenson

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