Dromad restoration now underway in Cumbria
THE Cavan & Leitrim Railway’s Kerr Stuart 0-4-2ST Dromad is on the road back to steam. Before Christmas, the cab and tanks were removed to gain access the boiler, of which a thorough inspection has been undertaken by John Fowler Engineering at Old Hall Farm, Bouth, in Cumbria.
Railway manager Michael Kennedy said: “Overall Dromad is in good order, but requires repairs to the firebox and bearings.”
The firebox has since been removed from the boiler for work to start.
The locomotive was built as Brazil class 0-4-2ST No. 3024 of 1916. Originally named Sir Murray Morrisson, it worked on the Lochaber 3ft gauge system in Scotland.
The Cavan & Leitrim received it as a rolling chassis and funnel, and had it rebuilt in the style of an Irish outline locomotive, complete with Tralee & Dingle-style cab and cowcatchers.
In 1994, Dromad inaugurated the steam service on the heritage line at Dromod, where it became the first locomotive to run there since the original Cavan & Leitrim Railway closed in 1959.
Last steamed in 2001, its restoration brings the possibility of having two Irish 3ft gauge locomotives in steam for the first time in the republic since the County Donegal Railways closed in 1959.
To date £4000 has been raised and spent on Dromad. Donations to its restoration are welcome at https://cavanandleitrim.wixsite.com/home/vintage-train, by email at dromodrailway@gmail.com, or by writing to the Cavan & Leitrim Railway, Dromod, Co Leitrim.
Work has also begun at Bouth to restore the chassis and bogies from Tralee & Dingle carriage No. 7T of 1890. The bogies are currently in the workshop, about to be dismantled for restoration.