<kuid:273129:1537> Newcastle Quayside Branch

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Shortly after the North Eastern Railway's (NER) electrification of the passenger lines on the north bank of the Tyne (see NER Tyneside Electric Multiple Units), it was decided to also electrify the Newcastle Quayside branch. This line was only about a mile long and connected the Newcastle Quayside to Trafalgar Yard near Manors East Station. This short line descended a semi-circle at between 1:27 and 1:30 through three tunnels, and was particularly difficult for steam locomotives and their crews. Ventilation of the tunnels was particularly bad under certain wind conditions. There were also numerous reports of chimney sparks setting light to packing straw in open wagons. This short line also gave the NER an opportunity to study freight operations powered by electricity.

Two '0-4+4-0' (Bo-Bo) electric locomotives (Nos. 1 & 2) were built to operate the branch in 1905. The frames and bodies were constructed by Brush Engineering in Loughborough, who acted as sub-contractors to British Thomson-Houston Co. who supplied the electrical equipment. The track was fitted with a conductor ('third') rail in the tunnels where there was insufficient overhead clearance. It was also used when travelling to/from Heaton shed. For safety reasons, overhead wires were used in the yards at each end of the branch.