Free-steaming ‘Q’ breaks 60mph barrier on ‘Flyers’
compound merlin also has light engine speed limit raised to 50mph.
Newly restored ‘Q’ No. 131 came through its first 60mph passenger runs with flying colours, proving free-steaming and running. The Great Northern Railway (Ireland) 4-4-0 operated two six-coach ‘Portrush Flyer’ trains from Whitehead to Coleraine on August 12 and 19.
The former LMS(NCC) main line was new ground for No. 131, although classmate No. 135, which was part of the Ulster Transport Authority fleet, did reach Portrush. Translink NI Railways Driver Gary Moore, who was at the regulator for both trips, believed No. 131 could have taken an extra carriage, and Railway Preservation Society of Ireland Locomotive Running Officer James Friel concurred. Mr Friel said: “I’m delighted with No. 131; for its size it’s a remarkable engine and proved remarkably free-running with steam shut off. “Although its boiler pressure is 175lbs/sq. in, compared to 215lbs/sq. in for No. 85, the boiler is our best steam generator.”
Robert Edwards and Peter Scott have designed rear sanders for the engine, resolving the problem that emerged on May 15 when it slipped to a stand while running tender-first on the Lisburn-Antrim branch (SR481).
Permission from Irish Rail is required before No. 131 can return to its home metals of the Belfast-Dublin line.
Said Mr Friel: “We expect this will involve the installation in a small cab of an Irish Rail train radio, which will be challenging because it’s a large piece of kit.” Fellow GNR(I) 4-4-0, Compound No. 85 Merlin, is now permitted to operate light engine at up to 50mph, following brake trials between Dublin and Skerries on the Belfast line on August 12. Joe McKeown, the RPSI’s Dublin operations officer, explained: “It has been very difficult to get a path for a light engine movement in recent years because No. 85 was restricted to 30mph.”
Merlin hauled a railtour from Dublin to Killarney on September 3, organised by the RPSI on behalf of Just Go Holidays, a Cheltenham-based tour operator, on its first trip to Ireland. ‘Jeep’ 2-6-4T No. 4 was booked for other legs of the trip. The Compound has been given a clean bill of health after its hiccup at Greystones on August 6 (SR483). Peter Scott of the locomotive squad said: “No fault was found with the locomotive that could account for the inability to start.”