‘Q’ SPEEDS THROUGH SAFETY GEAR TRIAL
First 60mph trial runs with GNR(I) 4-4-0.
Newly restored ‘Q’ 4-4-0 No. 131 has taken another significant step in its main line commissioning with a successful Train Protection & Warning System trial. The nocturnal run from Whitehead to Belfast Central took place between midnight and 3am on April 29, under a special possession after service trains had finished for the night, and involved allowing the TPWS to bring the five-coach train to a halt after passing red signals. The NIR crew comprised Driver Noel Playfair, Fireman Anto Dargan and Inspector Paul Hoy. The results were being shared by NIR with Irish Rail, whose brake performance test gear was borrowed for the exercise. As part of the test, the GNR(I) locomotive briefly reached 60mph for the first time since it was withdrawn in 1962. This was on the approach to Fortwilliam depot in Belfast, in order to pass a red signal at speed. Special permission had been sought to run the locomotive at this speed to test the stopping distance of the train above 40mph. However, until further electronic testing is carried out, No. 131 will remain restricted to 40mph – including its inaugural enthusiast run, the ‘131 Renaissance’ from
Whitehead to Lisburn, Antrim, Bangor and Belfast, on May 15. The next round of electronic testing was scheduled to take place with representatives of Thales Land Transportation Systems, who were due to visit Whitehead on May 21/22. Provided that all goes well, NIR is expected to issue an operating certificate permitting 60mph running, hopefully by the time the
‘Steam & Jazz’ train season starts on June 15. James Friel, the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s locomotive running officer, said: “We are very grateful to Thales for supporting this project. At Whitehead, the engineers will carry out a series of electronic tests on the aerials fitted under the bogies of No. 131 and its sister GNR(I) 4-4-0 No. 171.” The restoration of the latter engine has taken a back seat while work progresses on No. 131.