IRISH NEWS
Steam returned to Ireland’s main lines on August 6 following a steam ban owing to fire risk – but the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s troubles were not over. GNR(I) Compound No. 85 Merlin made its long-delayed debut over Dublin & South Eastern metals on that date with a special to Enniscorthy and Rosslare, but came to grief at Greystones.
The special was halted there by a signal check on the return run, but upon trying to restart on the 1-in-95 gradient, the crew could not move the train.
A diesel was sent to assist the stricken train, which eventually returned to Dublin at 23.33 – four hours late. The passengers were offered complimentary tickets for ‘The Boyne’ railtour on September 16.
The Compound had originally been due to haul a special to Rosslare on July 8 but the train went out diesel-hauled amid fears of lineside fires.
Fire risk precautions also led to the cancellation of a Boyne special, also with No. 85, from Dublin to Drogheda on July 22, and a proposed ‘Steam Enterprise’ from Whitehead to Dublin on July 29.
The only steam operation by the RPSI during July was the Saturday steam train rides at Whitehead, operated by 1919-built Hudswell Clarke 0-4-0ST No. 3BG Guinness.
At Whitehead newly restored ‘Q’ No. 131 was being lined up to haul the two ‘Portrush Flyers’ to Coleraine on August 12 and 19. The ‘Portrush Flyer’ was due to be No. 131’s first 60mph trip and also its first expedition up the LMS-NCC main line from Belfast, although it has already operated to Antrim, Lisburn and Belfast. Having passed braking trials and AWS/TPWS braking tests, No. 131 was accepted by Translink NI Railways for 60mph running at the start of July.