‘Q’ SUFFERS ADHESION PROBLEMS ON DEBUT RUN

Rear sanders may be fitted to the RPSI’s newly restored ‘Q’ No. 131 after it slipped to a stand on its inaugural enthusiast run on May 15. The train was delayed by almost 30 minutes as the tenderfirst locomotive stalled several times on the 18-mile Lisburn to Antrim branch, only regaining its grip on the 1-in-106 gradient after the rails were sanded by hand. The Antrim line does not have a regular service but is occasionally used by NIR for driver training and ballast trains. The May 15 special was the first steam run along the branch since 2013. RPSI locomotive running officer James Friel said: “The rusty rail was a big factor as the railhead had not been cleaned by the regular passage of service trains.” He added that the GNR(I) 4-4-0s were not fitted with rear sanders in service: “It’s not immediately obvious how they would be fitted but one possibility would be to fit sanders on the front of the tender. ” The RPSI said: “It was a very frustrating day and naturally the passengers on the packed train were disappointed at the outcome. We apologise to all concerned.” Apart from the Antrim episode, Mr Friel said the RPSI was pleased with No. 131’s performance. It was hoped that the long-awaited approval for 60mph running would be received by the end of June. A key breakthrough came on May 21 when both No. 131 and its sister GNR(I) 4-4-0 No. 171 Slieve Gullion successfully completed ‘First of Class’ TPWS trials at Whitehead.