Travel back in time to when coal was king at the Stephenson Steam Railway. Take a trip on our 2 mile industrial railway, passing the factories and businesses that it once served. Ride in style in our 1950's British Railways carriages and listen as the locomotives work hard climbing the steep gradients away from the Tyne towards the old coal fields of Northumberland. In the station yard at Middle Engine Lane you can see a large variety of wagons and rail vehicles that were once a common sight on the railways of Tyneside. Inside the museum, see a range of steam, diesel and electric locomotives that each have a fascinating story to tell. Visit the cab of Clio and try your hand at driving a steam engine on our simulator. Learn about George and Robert Stephenson and their influence on the development of the steam locomotive through animations and artefacts from the time. On selected days, you can enjoy light refreshments in the Waggonway Tea Room. In the museum: See Steam, Diesel and Electric locomotives from collieries, steelworks and power stations in Tyneside and beyond. Killingworth Billy - Built by George Stephenson in 1816, it is the third oldest surviving steam locomotive in the world. Tyneside Electric Parcel Van - built in 1904 and beautifully restored at the museum in the 1980s, it is the only surviving vehicle from the Tyneside Suburban Electric Railway. In the yard: See a variety of railway vehicles which were used for all manner of jobs in days gone by. On days when steam trains are running, be sure to visit the water tower to see the fireman filling the tanks with water whilst the driver oils around all of the moving parts of the engine.