ttc0169

Confirmation of the project today from Sean Canney TD I'm very pleased to confirm that the Western Rail Corridor (Claremorris–Athenry via Tuam) is now secured as a targeted priority project in the new Transport Sectoral Plan - scheduled for delivery by 2030, with enabling works able to commence shortly. The plan also includes: • A series of new passing loops on the Sligo line, Westport/Ballina, Limerick–Waterford and the Dublin–Belfast line • A new platform at Limerick Junction to support Galway/Ennis–Waterford services • Additional platforms on Galway and Sligo routes to strengthen rail resilience • Progression of BusConnects Galway (2026–2030) • Galway City Ring Road, to begin construction once planning is secured • Claregalway Bypass and Athenry Inner Relief Road to design and development As the Minister responsible for the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, further measures for the West and North-West are under consideration - including double-tracking between Athenry and Galway and the potential extension of the Western Rail Corridor to Sligo. The plan also designates Galway as a Transport-Oriented Development city, unlocking major potential around Ceannt Station. The Western Rail Corridor is prioritised, scheduled and ready to progress - a major step forward for the West.

I used artists grey card-suitably weathered,worked well for me.

126+152 work the Sligo -Limerick van train crossing 027 which is working the Limerick-Sligo oil/ van train

I have just published the latest photobook in the Irish Railways Line by Line series covering Northern Ireland Railways. The details are attached. This is a larger book than previously with 64 pages and 145 photos. It is priced at £14.50. Although it has photos taken between 1968 and 2011, it concentrates mainly on the period 1975 to 2000 when the network was undergoing great change during difficult times. Details are attached. If you are interested it is available direct from Markle Associates (contact marklejim@aol.com). In Ireland it will be available shortly from the RPSI Bookshop via their website (https://www.steamtrainsireland.com/shop). Thank you. Jim Edgar.

The 50th anniversary of the expressway brand took place this year…to celebrate this the depot foreman at the Tara Junction bus garage arranged for a line up of some expressway liveried M and KE class buses.

Thanks Dave

Under the lights at the Lakeview freight yard. 048 arrives at the Lakeview freight yard with the empty two axle bubble cement liner from Athenry, After uncoupling from the train 048 runs around and heads to the MPD for a FOW exam, Meanwhile 133+156 have arrived from the MPD and will work the laden bubbles back to Athenry when loading has been completed.

37 251 has charge of some NCB open wagons and a bogie brake van on Ashburton grove.

Love the realistic weathering

A CIE nocturnal scene on Tara junction.

A classic

37116 has charge of the empty cartics from Leeds to Liverpool. The three 20s shunt bogie steel coil wagons from the factory sidings to the loop.

Burma road freight on Tara junction. 132+152 work the Sligo-Limerick van train crossing with 027 which is working the Limerick-Sligo van/oil train Thanks to @Past-Avenuefor supplying the goods brake van-seen here at the rear of the van train.

I just had to get the retro HST set….…however it won’t be used on Tara junction -the DC oval of track will be used to test non DCC fitted locomotives IMG_6302.mov

The farmer on his Massey Ferguson 135 heads for the mart complete with his new cattle trailer.

And then there were two…..VT 48 joins sister VT 47 on route 39 around Tara junction. Thanks @Brian Collins Enterprises

Yes-that would be the plan-the current Limerick pilot 071 could be used to work the continuation of a liner from there to Waterford-dropping in on the rear of the liner at Limerick check-or run through to Foynes as well.

Very early days yet-but it’s looking like a Claremorris-Galway or Limerick commuter initially with and Tuam service in the mix-longer term would see a Ballina or Westport to Galway/Limerick.

Derek kindly showed me a sample at the SDMRC exhibition-one word — stunning…!!!!

Three choppers on Ashburton grove…

No comment Andrew….but anything is possible on Tara junction…IE and Translink might well have be watching the trials….just waiting for the phone to ring now

I’m meeting a queen this morning….

*** Watch out there’s a badger on the loose*** 133+174 work the laden oil train from Northwall to Claremorris, 048 works a twelve wagon two axle bubble cement on the Athenry-Cabra empty working.

Sure did-and I was on hand at Grand central for its arrival at 21:00.. it’s back to its normal formation today