MORE than 100 steam locomotives are set to converge on an open air museum with the focus on the centetary of the end of the First World War.

The gathering at Beamish Museum near Stanley, from today to Sunday will feature locomotives, traction engines, steam rollers, cars, lorries and motorbikes, many of them in military colours and livery.

Visitors will see an array of transport in action and on display, with almost 30 road steam vehicles and about 90 internal combustion vehicles, including a fire engine.

Steam locomotive Peckett 1370 will be running passenger rides at Rowley Station while Puffing Billy will take visitors on a trip through the Georgian landscape at Pockerley Waggonway.

On the narrow gauge railway in The Colliery Yard, two guest engines, Hunslet Statfold and Jack Lane, will be hard at work, alongside the museum’s very own Samson, built by Beamish volunteer David Young.

Paul Foster, Beamish’s historic events officer, said: “During the four days of our Great War Steam Fair, visitors will have the unique opportunity to see amazing pre-1920s vehicles gathering together in the period setting of Beamish.

“Around the museum you’ll see fantastic steam and motor transport – everything from locomotives and road steam vehicles to bicycles and cars, in action and on display.

“This year marks 100 years since the end of the First World War and we’ll be commemorating those men and women involved in the conflict.”

During the four days of the event military re-enactment groups Durham Pals, Gordon Highlanders, Scots at War, 10th Essex and the 29th Field Kitchen will be taking part, with displays, demonstrations and activities.

Normal admission charges apply.