IRISH NEWS
Having played no part in the Dublin ‘Santa’ operations, the ‘Mogul’ is to undergo two trial runs from Dublin Connolly to M3 Parkway and Maynooth on February 7. LMS (NCC) ‘WT’ 2-6-4T No. 4 will be in steam as a standby. RPSI locomotive officer Peter Scott said: “We’re trying to improve No. 461’s steaming and its propensity to stick in centres. Everything from valve events to firebar spacing is under scrutiny.” Gerry Mooney from the Dublin Area Locomotive Department said: “We are trying to increase the airflow through the grate, as it may be that the firebars are too close together. “The valves and piston glands have also been attended to in a joint effort involving ourselves and the team from Whitehead. In advance of the trips on February 7, we intend to run it up and down the yard to check the valve movement. “It is all very puzzling because No. 461 used to be a great steamer, and indeed once took an eight-coach train from Dublin to Rosslare and back.” The RPSI plans to use No. 4 for its second spring trip on March 6, from Dublin to Carrick-on-Shannon, with an afternoon excursion further north to Boyle. Later in the year, the Dublin Area Operations Committee is planning a day trip with No. 4 to Kilkenny. The 2-6-4T, which is passed for 60mph, gives much greater operational scope than No. 461, which is limited to 45mph. Mr Mooney said the use of the engine shed at Dublin Connolly was proving its value in terms of storing and servicing the two engines, and carrying out repairs. He said: “We have invested in this facility and it is paying off in so many ways. Since we were granted the use of the shed by Irish Rail in March 2015, life has been much more comfortable, especially over the winter.”
THE RPSI is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to discover the cause of the steaming problems that have plagued its Dublin & South Eastern Railway 2-6-0 No. 461 since it returned to service in 2011.