No. 40 Side Tanks Appeal 2025
As part of the continuing restoration of our steam locomotive 'No. 40', we moved the two side water tanks into the main depot shed, so our volunteers could begin their refurbishment. However initial inspections found that there was internal corrosion of the tank walls, framework and baffles.
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Two engineering firms, Northern Hertitage Engineering Ltd of Darlington and Northern Steam Engineering of Stockton, were approached to perform further detailed inspections and conduct ultrasonic testing of the tanks at Wolsingham Depot. The tanks will need repairing before the rebuild of the boiler that is currently taking place at McEwans is completed, so progress isn't halted.
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As a consequence of this unexpected expense, the Weardale Railway Trust has launched an appeal to raise the estimated £25,000 that is required to repair the tanks.
The total capacity of the side water tanks is 1,500 gallons, which is the equivalent to 12,000 pints. By making a small donation to our appeal (the equivalent of the price of a pint of beer), you could help us bring No.40 back into service.
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By donating from as little as £5 (although if you can donate more that would be very welcome indeed!), we will be able to undertake an engineering assessment and carry out the subsequent works to rebuild the tanks.
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As a registered charity, we are able to claim back the tax that you pay on your donations as gift aid. For example, for every £10 you donate, we could claim an addition £2.50, making your contribution worth £12.50.
No. 40 Side Tank Appeal Form 2025
PDF (475 KB)
Lifting the side tanks for transport to Northern Heritage Engineering.
Photo: John Askwith
Donations can be made by cheque or by BACS transfer.
Please download and send the completed appeal form to the following address:
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​The Weardale Railway Trust
No. 40 Side Tank Appeal
Stanhope Station
Stanhope
Co. Durham
DL13 2YS
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If you are UK taxpayer and your donation is elegible for gift aid, please sign the declaration on the form.​​​
Side tanks in the shed at Wolsingham Depot. Photos: Tom Hatton