thewanderer

I had to head back to Kerry on Monday evening and back early this morning so a couple of pictures from Limerick Jct., Mallow, Rathmore & Killarney to keep you all entertained. http://smu.gs/KwOJDP The Wanderer.

A few photos from Killeen, near Killarney and at Rathmore while travelling back to Laois. http://smu.gs/1bbp3Df The Wanderer.

By the time I was interested in the Irish Rail scene the Park Royal's were a no go in Kerry. Did have a trip on them on the Limerick Shuttle but don't remember much about them. What is the difference between the mainline and suburban versions? The Wanderer.

Pictures from Thurles, Cork, Mallow, Rathmore & Killarney. Includes pictures of Cork's platform 1 and 2 minus the canopy. http://smu.gs/LrAm4L The Wanderer.

Same amount of seats, just a better spread. However the plan has been modified and it will now consist of 25 x 4ICR / 28 X 3ICR / 10 X 5ICR Premier Class. http://www.irishrail.ie/cat_news.jsp?i=4918&ci=5&p=116&n=133&date_from=2013-01-01&date_to=2013-12-31 Changes in train fleet utilisation to save energy costs 09 September 2013 Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail is to implement new energy saving fleet utilisation initiatives to generate fuel savings, which will reduce fuel and maintenance costs by €3.2 million per annum. The range of actions begin this week, focusing on train size for off-peak DART services. Currently, 65% of total daily DART passengers travel in the four hours of either morning or evening peak, with the remaining 35% travelling across the remaining 14 hours of travel. In place of longer trains used currently, the company will increase the usage of 2-carriage DARTs at off-peak times from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, and after 7pm, to eliminate unnecessary energy usage and reduce maintenance costs, while continuing existing service frequency to customers. This approach also allows the flexibility for capacity to be increased on off-peak trains at times of higher demand, such as for major events. Furthermore, the company are continuing to monitor peak train sizes and will increase capacity on one peak service in response to demand, the 16.40hrs Bray to Malahide DART, from 6 to 8 carriages. For Intercity services, Iarnród Éireann is to reconfigure the Intercity railcar fleet. Currently, the 234 carriages in the fleet are configured to form 48 three-carriage trains and 15 six-carriage trains. This has lead to capacity shortages on some services and oversupply on others. The fleet will be reconfigured to form 45 four-carriage trains and 18 three-carriage trains, allowing greater flexibility in train size, with 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 carriage Intercity trains possible as result by combining train sets together. These changes will be implemented on a phased basis by year end. As well as savings in fuel and maintenance costs, the new fleet configuration will ensure train size can be targeted to meet demand, and increase train size and seat numbers on services which have experienced high numbers travelling. The measures are the latest in a range of initiatives introduced by Iarnród Éireann to reduce energy consumption, yielding environmental and cost benefits. Since 2007, energy consumption – the vast majority of which is for diesel and electricity to power trains – has reduced by over one-third in Iarnród Éireann, through actions including: - New trains incorporating improved energy efficiency - Automatic shutdown of train engines to reduce idling - Reduction in DART power supply voltage and competitive tendering of electricity supply - Extension of regenerative braking on the DART - More efficient DART train software - Reduced train sizes where demand has decreased - Implementation of improved lighting, heating and fan controls in depots - Changes to lighting in station car parks - Temperature and lighting control systems in buildings to prevent wastage In total, energy usage in Megawatt hours has reduced from 793,400 in 2007 to 526,800 in 2012, a reduction of almost 34%. The company’s energy bills were €16 million lower in 2012 than they would have been had these measures not been implemented.

Today saw the final passenger run of a 6 car 22000 Class unit. 22040 was pictured at Portlaoise after arriving with the 1810 Heuston - Portlaoise. http://smu.gs/1aXBhPL I've been chasing 22040 over the last couple of days with photos from Killarney and Belfast Central and Great Victoria Street of all places. It certainly got around the country in its final few days as a 6 car unit. These photos are also in the January gallery. The Wanderer.

22040 undertook a trial trip from Dundalk to Belfast for tests over the Bearing Acoustic Monitor at Adelaide. It also went into Great Victoria Street to turn the set. http://smu.gs/KYdHwE The Wanderer.

Afternoon all, Saturday 11th January 2014 was nice and sunny so I ventured out for a few photographs in the Portarlington area. The highlight being 085 on the Steel Train from Waterford to Portlaoise, plus the usual diet of 201's + MKIV's and 22000's. http://smu.gs/19kQy1V The Wanderer.

Evening all, An update to yesterdays trip to Killarney, today has more photos from Killarney and Level Crossing XT150 between Farranfore and Tralee. http://smu.gs/1ajSCWD The Wanderer.

I wouldn't dismiss the Heuston rumour out of hand, from what I've heard.

Evening folks, Some more pictures from this week: Tuesday: Evening time visit to Monastervin with a couple of pictures and videos. Wedesday: A lunchtime trip to Killarney and later that evening I headed back into the station to see the LAST 6ICR set 22040. Sister sets 22038 and 22039 have been converted this week and 22040 will be done early next week. These pictures are now online at: http://smu.gs/1gioQ4Z The Wanderer.

and I was very confused as to the thread title for a minute or two. What's Cork got to do with building a layout. Being from Kerry I suppose.....

Cheers :tumbsup:Long may it continue! Just one photo from today showing 232 stabled at Laois Train Care Depot after it failed on Saturday evening. It went back to Inchicore L.E. at lunchtime today. http://smu.gs/1cIo78W The Wanderer.

Good evening folks, Some pictures from a day trip to Limerick and the Western Rail Corridor to Oranmore. I had planned to go to Galway but late running due to signal fault at Longpavement L.C. scuppered that plan. http://smu.gs/JChK0D Includes pictures of 229 + 232 + MKIV set at Laois Train Care Depot after its overnight stay following the failure of the 1800 Heuston - Cork on Saturday night. The Wanderer.

The aforementioned 1100 Westport - Waterford Timber train eventually arrived into Kildare 219 minutes late with 077 at the helm, after replacing the failed 079. Some videos and pictures from Kildare this evening. http://smu.gs/1cxMLZR The Wanderer.

Afternoon folks, Some pictures from this week: Friday 3rd January 2014: 22051 and lone vehicle 22434 pictured from the public road near Laois Train Care Depot. Saturday 4th January 2014: A wanderer to several locations around the Portarlington area. There had been great plans for today with a 1100 Westport - Waterford Timber service scheduled to operate but 079 failed before departure in Westport and the train eventually departed four hours late. Oh well... Pictures from today start at http://smu.gs/1i52Pbb The Wanderer.

Evening all, 2014 is upon us and I briefly ventured out today to Monastervin Station. For the first time since reopening in 2000 the Station has a scheduled service on a Bank Holiday as a reduced Dublin - Portlaoise Commuter service operated. - 22039 passing through with the 1545 LTD - Heuston and 22004 on the 1530 Heuston - Portlaoise. http://smu.gs/1cnbHTI The Wanderer.

Afternoon all, The last update for 2013 features some photos from the Killarney area over the Christmas period, plus a batch of photos from this afternoon at Portlaoise Station for the landslide victims 22019 + 22054 and Carn Bridge between Portarlington and Portlaoise for the 1320 Portlaoise - Heuston & 1300 Heuston - Cork. In reference to the landslide, this mornings 0605 Waterford - Heuston struck a landslide north of Thomastown Station. Passengers were taxied to their destination. The train later ran empty to Laois Train Care Depot for repairs. The photos are now online at http://smu.gs/1hSuT1p Also, the 2013 Year in Review is now available for viewing at http://smu.gs/1eTpXvj It containes a selection of photos from the past 12 months on the railways of Ireland. Compared to previous years that I have done a year in review, 2013 has turned out to be a bumper year with over 300 images included in this special gallery. Happy New Year! The Wanderer.

Yes I did, very briefly as there was so many people wanting to meet him. I queued for about two hours in the wind and the rain to get my book signed by him. He greeted each and every person with a warm and firm handshake and asked how we were. A pure gentleman. I finished reading his book last night. I would highly recommend it. The Wanderer.

Evening all, A short jaunt up to the Commons Bridge in Portarlington for 073 on the Westport - Waterford Timber today. http://smu.gs/18BtD22 Also, I'm in the process of updating my links page. If you would like a link to your website please drop me a P.M. The Wanderer. Follow me on Facebook & Twitter. http://www.facebook.com/thewandererphotos http://www.twitter.com/wandererphotos

Evening all, DFDS Container & Coillte Timber Trains at Monastervin & Portarlington. Also, in ICR news the first 5 Car ICR, 22035 entered service from Laois Train Care today. Pictures start at http://smu.gs/1cxbnma The Wanderer.

074 brought the Cravens ex Inchicore on Friday evening and was going to bring them to Boston Yard on the Saturday morning, well she wouldn't start and was failed. 461 brought the set over and 073 rescued 074. As for under the roof I thought this thread was referring to 080 bringing the roof down at Pearse late on Saturday evening. Warning: TURN UP the volume for best effect.

Good morning all, Pictures from various locations around Dublin on the Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include: - 073 rescuing failed 074 in Platform 3 at Connolly. - RPSI Steam Santa Specials passing Connolly and Drumcondra. - Retired Astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield at his book signing event in Easons. - RPSI Diesel Santa Special at Pearse and Maynooth. - Video of 080 bringing the roof down as it thunders through Pearse with the Empty Cravens from Boston Yard to Connolly. - Sunday lunchtime at Heuston. The pictures start at http://smu.gs/18u9db7 Enjoy! The Wanderer.

Being a Kerry man here is my selection of the disused Signal Cabins on the "Kerry Line". Banteer Rathmore: Killarney: Tralee: Bonus Photo: North Kerry signalbox at Abbeydorney:

A lunchtime dash to Cherryville Jct. for 229 working the 1130 Waterford - Ballina DFDS Liner. http://smu.gs/1bIGXAP The Wanderer.