NON-STOP ‘INTERNATIONAL’! RPSI PLANS 115-MILE RUN

Compound 4-4-0 Merlin to mark 70th anniversary of Belfast-Dublin ‘Enterprise’

A 115-mile non-stop run from Belfast to Dublin is planned to mark the 70th anniversary of the first ‘enterprise’.

Class V 4‑4‑0 No. 85 Merlin, a former ‘Enterprise’ engine, is booked for the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland tour. The first ‘Enterprise’ ran on August 11, 1947. The re‑creation is planned for September 24. To ease concerns about water capacity, the RPSI is understood to be considering pumping water into the tender from a supplementary tank in the leading carriage. There are also plans for the GNR(I) Compound to haul a ‘Steam Enterprise’ from Whitehead to Dublin, via Belfast, on June 4, with stops at Portadown and Dundalk. Merlin has been receiving attention to its pistons and glands since Christmas, and is due to return to service on April 17, hauling ‘Easter Bunny’ specials from Belfast to Whitehead. ❚❚Northern Ireland Railways ran a 40th anniversary special with Merlin in August 1987. Despite having to slot in between DART electric trains on the approach to Dublin, the train completed the journey without stopping, although speed was reduced to walking pace at certain points.

CATHAL O’BRIEN GNR(I) Compound No. 85 crosses the River Lagan on Dargan Bridge with the 11.30am Belfast Central to Whitehead ‘Santa Special’ on December 17 2016.