Hi Swanley and a warm welcome to the forum. Just a thought re your comment "I live in hope that the Leamside line - on my doorstep - will one day thunder to the roar of passing trains" have you tried the preserved railways close to your area, Obvious one the Beamish Museum, The Tanfield Steam Railway, South Tyneside Railway, Bowes Railway and of course Locomotion Shildon. There are many more further afield. Anyway hope you enjoy the forum.
Regards
phil
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