Drive a steam train from Donegal to Stranorlar after 63 years... in a replica cab!
IT IS possible to drive a steam train over the 3ft gauge County Donegal Railway from Donegal to Stranorlar once again – after a gap of 63 years. Visitors to Donegal Railway Heritage Centre are getting their hands on the regulator, fireman’s shovel, injectors and brakes in a replica of 2-6-4T Drumboe’s cab.
The real locomotive, which pulled the last passenger train on the County Donegal Railways in 1959, is preserved at the Donegal Town museum. Now museum visitors are learning how to drive the engine over the challenging line through the scenic Barnesmore Gap thanks to electronic technology bringing the past to life in their hands.
The interactive cab simulator was installed at the museum in mid-July by its designers, Mirador Media, of Innishannon, County Cork, and has proved a hit with visitors of all ages.
Heritage centre manager Niall McCaughan came up with the idea after seeing a replica Lough Swilly Railway cab housing a firebox grill at The Railway Tavern in Fahan. Niall presented the concept to The Heritage Council, which came forward with E17,695 of funding, allowing the only installation of its type in Ireland – and, it is believed, on heritage railways and in railway museums in the UK – to be built.
Niall said: “Mirador Media had already provided us with windup machines that play recorded memories of the railway, and it has not disappointed us with our cab, which really does allow you to drive the locomotive by using the interactive, electronic controls.
“It will keep us going until we are able to steam the real Drumboe on tracks in the future.”
Realistic experience
Mirador’s creative director, Mook Vignes, said:“We had to do some research into how a steam engine works to ensure that the electronic controls mirrored the real thing. It was also important to learn about the County Donegal Railways from the heritage railway staff and volunteers, as well as understanding the line northwards from Donegal.
“We are also conscious that the use and supply of coal is an issue for steam railways, and this simulator, regardless of what happens there, will provide visitors with a firm understanding of steam locomotives and how they operated long into the future. That’s very important.
“The interactive cab could also be used for training new steam firemen and drivers before they start on the real thing.
“We can adapt the principles, electronics, and appearance of the Donegal cab to show how any other type of steam locomotive on other railways or in museums works. It’s very important to involve visitors to heritage railways and museums and a hands-on loco cab, such as this is an ideal way to do just that.”
Find out more about Donegal Railway Heritage Centre at http:// donegalrailway.com/