We delved into the Echo archives for these golden shots and they all come from 1971.
Take a look at the Sir Nigel Gresley as she steams along the track at Philadelphia and the demolition of Newalls chimney.
There’s a shipping scene at Corporation Quay and a reminder of a very familiar pub.
Take a look and then share your own memories of an era we loved.
1. On the right tracks
Stephen Atkinson, 3, was pictured next to the Sir Nigel Gresley which was known to take the occasional trip along the branch line at Philadelphia in 1971. Photo: SE
2. Unloading at Corporation Quay
40 tons of corned beef was unloaded from the cargo ship Clan Macindoe at the Corporation Quay in this photo from February 1971. Photo: SE
3. The end of an era
The last of the four bells which for 81 years measured time for the people of Sunderland. It was lowered from the clock tower of the old Town Hall in Fawcett Street in February 1971. Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Disappearing from the skyline
Newalls Chimney comes down in June 1971. Remember this? Photo: Sunderland Echo