It hasnt had a mention here and not sure of the dates, but just North of Ouston junction, a spur went east off the ECML through what is now the Komatsu plant in Birtley - a bridge crossed the main road and headed North East, reaching the Bowes Railway, cutting through Springwell Estate, underneath the Felling Bypass, continuing down the Tyne, with a junction onto what is now the metro line at Pelaw.
It also split south of Wrekenton and went up towards Kibblesworth and the Tanfield Railway.

I wonder why the trains went all the way around via Gateshead and then Pelaw/Pelton, when they could have taken these lines?