Wexford70

Hi guys,

What type of wagon was used for the zinc ore on the Ballybrophy line in the 1980s?

PHOTO 1985 EMPTY ORE TRAIN APPROACHING SILVERMINES CIE 001 CLASS LOCOMOTIVE NO. 033 APPROACHES THE LOADING POINT AT SILVERMINES WITH AN EMPTY ORE TRAIN FROM FOYNES. THE 1.25 MILE BRANCH FROM THE BALLYBROPHY LIMERICK LINE OPENED IN 1966 FOR THE TRANSPORT OF BARYTES AND ZINC ORE TO THE DEEP-WATER PORT AT FOYNES. CLOSED IN 1993 IT DID NOT APPEAR ON MAPS ACCORDINGLY THIS LOCATION IS APPROXIMATE. INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY PHOTOGRAPHER  

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/192880403113?hash=item2ce89162a9:g:RpMAAOSwCJxaAFMo

On 11/9/2021 at 10:20 PM, jhb171achill said:

That will be a Wexford - Rosslare local, probably.

When did these local services end?

14 hours ago, DiveController said:

Well it's a Void Meter of course (slight typo in the post) 

Yes apologies, should have had my glasses on!

Hi guys,

Were these voidmeters ever used on Irish railways?

Any idea what year this photo is? Early 50s?

Also what type of passenger coaches are being pulled? Last seems to be a Tin Van.

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/133868601666?hash=item1f2b30c142:g:Jn0AAOSwpmFhNLsc

On 27/8/2021 at 2:01 PM, gm171 kk said:

Most NIR Enterprises I've seen have been 111/201 + 9-11 mk2s including a genny at both ends. 

Although I did see a photo last night of a 201 + DVT + 6 mk2s + genny. 

Any chance IRM can produce a second genny in the later livery to allow a prototypical rake?

1 hour ago, Blaine said:

Not so sure about that - heres a pair sandwiching a perfect Mk2B formation, the roof exhausts and 3 compartment windows per side are the giveaways for the Gennys - also (need to clarify) some only had grilles on 1 side

Heres a 208 with 2 Gennys, and the aircon grill bar diner, ex BR coach 546, which now runs in the UK. Can happily say I remember this period vividly

Some 1978 livery footage here, watch for the Hunslet chugging away too, possibly one of the last scheduled uses for them on the Enterprise. Interesting that CIE didnt always use their MK2D's on the 'Beller' - probably as the risk of hijacking etc was still high and the Cravens/Park Royals/Laminates were more expendable.... Theres also 1 shot of a long rake of the 7 compartment former first class stock in a much longer rake than normal, probably a GAA/Horse Racing/Concert special 

In the later videos there seems to be two generator vans on each rake. Was this the norm?

How many coaches would have been on the Dublin express when pulled by a NIR110 in the later livery?

52 minutes ago, jhb171achill said:

That BnM thing - how many of those were built? I always thought it was a one off, but I seem to to recall someone telling there were two?

I heard also that BnM has a directors carriage of same size in storage still. 

4 hours ago, jhb171achill said:

Was that coach at Finntown??

Believe so but much work done on it since.

It's a bog discovery site for tourists http://www.lullymoreheritagepark.com/

23 hours ago, airfixfan said:

From photos seen on Facebook the shunter was back in use by the weekend. In that part of the world this Thursday so will double check what they are using. The former Belgian trams were sold off along with the coach bought from Shane's Castle. Nothing left at Fintown except Railcar 18 and the shunter!

Coach went to Lullymore I believe 

Great review of the A Class in BRM magazine.

Pulled 21 coaches with no issue!

Looked amazing in the close ups.

Dear Santa please ask IRM for a AEC Railcar set for me for Christmas......

Some fantastic old footage at a time when cars used be lifted onto the ferries by crane  Prep work for the first France ferry required a ramp to let cars drive on.

https://www.rte.ie/archives/2018/0109/931954-rosslare-gateway-to-europe/

Does anyone know what happened to their plans to run steam?

I read they had an agreement with the SPRS and even paid for some restoration work on their 1899, Andrew Barclay, Sons & Co., Works No.840. Fair Maid of Foyers.

 "I believe it was supposed to go to Ireland but according the the SRPS website, Fintown don't yet have the infrastructure to operate a steam loco yet so its still at Bo'ness. The website also says she has undergone a major overhaul, been fitted with air brakes etc."

https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/fair-maid-of-foyers.299050/

Doubt the Commission for Railway Regulation would be too pleased either.

Interesting update!

Kerry County Council stopped answering my request for clarification some weeks ago.

So I submitted a compliant to the Office of the Information Commissioner and, to my surprise, they have accepted my case and are now dealing directly with the Council to seek answers on my behalf.

It will be interesting to see what comes of this.

Will post any response here.

On 3/6/2021 at 1:25 PM, NIR said:

The axis has tilted from east to southeast. I notice the South Wexford line is still receiving maintenance, so who knows.

A lot of local support for reopening for commuters again to connect rural areas and for freight.

1 hour ago, mfjoc said:

The blue Tara's looked like that for about a week

I will have to bite the bullet and weather them!

 

Nice design but what a vibrant blue alright! Not having the weathering skills I think I may reluctantly pass on this model.

Has anyone any photos of these originals?

I wish to apologise to any reader whose blood pressure, stress or anxiety levels have been adversely affected by my original post! It was not my intention. 

I do agree with most of the comments stated here and believe unless there is a national policy for industrial heritage preservation, even the dream of accessing funds from Europe (which does exist!) will remain out of reach for capital investment.

Seeking funds to subsidise the day to day running costs is a fools errand in any case as any rail venture must wipe its own face financially whether or not it is purely commercial or aided by volunteers.

My limited experience of having interacted with local and national government echoes the experiences previously mentioned here. Sound bites and photos but no action. But be absolutely sure if a group achieve something under their own steam (no pun intended) you will be swotting away elected members like mosquitos as they try to claim political brownie points on the back of others' efforts.

Quiet, selfless individuals giving of their time and resources to the fullness of their individual capacity and interest are invaluable and deserve better. (Now I'm ranting, apologies)

Hi guys,

Can anyone identify the wagon between the loco and the ferts in this photo?

12 hours ago, Georgeconna said:

Was this not build on Standard Gauge formation or is it some deviations near the new roads, Not that I don't believe you but how is it too tight, Around the point areas?

 

The problem is that the track bed is now shared with a greenway! While the track can be moved a away from the station platforms there is less room at Bilberry and Mount Congreve. The main problem though is the Dan Donovan Tunnel. When it was built the motorway builders took the cheapest option and did nit build the tunnel to match the optimal line of the track. This again has been made worse by now sharing the tunnel with the greenway.

As you can see from the map, the radius of the curves are quite tight and I have been advised that while an 0-4-0 (like the diesels) can take these at a slow speed with some flange squealing,  a 2-6-2 like the beautiful 5T would probably not make it safely. 

For reference, last photo of 5T taken in 2017 by RPSI. Not touched since and concerns have been raised over the building in which she is stored.

Surely a risk of bearing damage at least.