‘Portrush Flyer’ under threat in uPdate scheme
New signalling arrangements hamper ‘longest established’ main line steam operation.
A£5.5 million modernisation scheme at Portrush station could put the ‘Portrush Flyer’ excursions “under threat”, warns the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI). The society says it’s vital that existing track layout and signalling arrangements are retained to facilitate the continued operation of the steam-hauled ‘Flyer’. Members and supporters were urged to make their views known in a Translink consultation on the upgrade, with a deadline for submissions of September 1. The society said: “This is the chance to have a say in how the facilities for the world-famous ‘Portrush Flyer’ should be protected as it’s definitely under threat.” The RPSI hoped that the redesign would affect only booking office, waiting room and ticketing arrangements, but sounded alarm bells about the planned changes. The key elements required are a signalling system that allows the ‘Flyer’ to be stabled in the station while service trains operate between Portrush and Coleraine; a run-round loop for at least eight carriages; and watering facilities for steam locomotives, buffet car and toilet tanks on the train. John Glass, Translink’s head of project delivery, said they aimed to complete the upgrade by spring 2019, ahead of the Open Golf Championship at Portrush the following July. He said the designs would include modern waiting facilities for passengers, along with improved passenger information and an enhanced frontage. At present the ‘Flyer’ is the only locomotive-hauled train to use Portrush, but this summer’s operation has already been hampered by new signalling arrangements, meaning that only one train is now allowed on the branch at a time. The RPSI said: “As late as the Thursday before the first ‘Flyer’ on July 30, Translink informed us that only one visit would be allowed to Portrush on the day.” Because of this, GNR(I) Compound 4-4-0 No. 85 Merlin was unable to operate a lucrative afternoon excursion from Portrush to Coleraine and back. Launched over 40 years ago, in 1973, the ‘Portrush Flyer’ is claimed to be the longest established main line steam excursion train in the world. This year the programme was increased to five trains and the six-coach train sold out within a matter of weeks.