Rare passenger duty for NIR GM 8111 Class locomotive

The three members of the GM 8111 Class continue to see little use. However, No. 8112 was called upon to provide traction for a passenger working on March 27. The RPSI had organised a Mother’s Day Fine Dining Experience at a Magheramorne hotel. As part of the sold-out event it was planned to run a steamhauled train from Belfast Lanyon Place to the Whitehead RPSI base and return, with a road transfer to and from the hotel. However, a crewing issue saw GM No. 8112 used instead to work the train of six Mk.2s. The York Road-based locomotive’s duties on the day required two passenger carrying runs, two light engine trips and two ecs movements. The locomotive also presented the rare sight of a NIR locomotive at the RPSI Excursion station which usually hosts society locos and stock. Steam traction was represented by loco No. 131 which was in steam and on static display at the station platform.

Jay Monaghan RIVER VIEW: GM 071 Class leader No. 071 works the 09.15 Navan (Tara Mines) loaded ore train to Boliden Terminal, Alexandra Road, Dublin on February 13. The train is seen approaching Donabate station at Rodgerstown Estuary.