hurricanemk1c

If you need any detail photos of the couplings at Stradbally (of all types) give me a shout via PM as I have got them all (I think!)

Last I heard it was luxury coach from Coleraine to the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills. Of little interest until they are approved for NIR running

Currently only one loco (spare would be the standby loco at Heuston/Cork/Connolly/Belfast). Rumours going around that it is late, not got RSC approval and won't operate to Northern Ireland this year. Although 216 is fitted with at least the mounting for the Enterprise DMI

Wrenneire - Yep, into the paintshop next week as far as I know for painting into the same colours as the Mark 3's ---- Evening all, A triple update from me tonight as I have been rather lacking in posting here! The first one is from Stradbally, featuring a number of unusual moves for line clearance and vegitation clearance along the line. Plus the chance to get underneath LM44 / Number 2 and getting a few photos Album link - Back in the land of heavy rail, a quick trip to get the Spray Train returning to Portlaoise Album link - And finally for the moment, yesterday's antics waiting for the Spray Train to head out of Portlaoise, which it did 150 minutes late! Album link - Regards, Kieran

Overall, 1200 Heuston - Cork arrived at Cork +50 minutes. 1300 Heuston - Cork arrived at Cork +5. 1520 Cork - Heuston (next booked working of the 1200 set) departed Cork +20

I'm afraid I know little of what's happening on that side of things (being handled by two others volunteers), but do know some of the operational side, which hsould be different!

7104

It should indeed be a good day - all being well I should be there as well

I don't think the staff are recruited yet - make sure the 'Business name' is Belmond Grand Hibernian, and a list for the following comes up: Steward/Stewardess Housekeeping Supervisor Travelling Technican Food and Beverage Supervisor https://www.belmondcareers.com/career_list.asp Although interviews were supposed to be mid-May and contracts for June 2016-October 2016. So they may have been filled, but would of expected the jobs to have gone from the website!

Morning all, A few shots from yesterday's double excitement In the afternoon there was 216 in the unfinished Belomnd livery (the green is an undercoat to protect the bodywork whilst trials are going on). Having missed it by 5 minutes on Thursday, I was there in plenty of time for it on Monday! In the evening there was the 2045 North Wall - Ballina 27 wagon (54TEU) liner trial (as seen above). It was a great sight to see and hopefully will continue, even though it is likely to result in less liner photos overall! Album link with video - Regards, Kieran

Heard The Flying Snot as well

233 got out oiver the past week or two - kept a low profile. I think it's either the second or third day on passenger work though

Evening all, A double update from me tonight Shots from Thursday at Portarlington from an attempt to see 216 (see The Wanderer's post above). I managed to miss it by 5 minutes due to poor traffic around Portlaoise town. At least there was 3 071's in at the time Album link - ---- And shots from Saturday. Due to the replacement of points MW579 just north of Mallow station, Cork line services were terminating at Charleville, with the result of crossing at Portlaoise. To make things more interesting, both of the Enterprise spare Raccoons were out and about, and luckily managed to cross at Portlaoise during the day Album link - Regards, Kieran

With the re-engining of the 201's near certain now, and Dublin Port remodelling the Tara Mines reception area (removing the length issue of the traverser there), I'd say a lot more freight will go 201 only. I think it has been said elsewhere that these longer freight flows will be 201 only as they are surer footed than the 071s

The HOBS trial recently was only 1300 tonnes not over 2200 tonnes. Class 66's in the UK (geared for 75mph not 100mph, so more suited) start to struggle over 1700 tonnes. Geared for 60 they can just get up to 2000

Evening all, A few shots from today at Stradbally, where we were operating for 2 groups as a private charter. Both groups seemed happy. As there was a considerable time between the two groups, some more work was undertaken on the stored stock and as a result ESB Number 4 'Ellie' moved a considerable distance with rolling wheels, the first time the wheels have fully rotated since 1994. Click on on any of the photos below to view them full size Album link - Regards, Kieran

Afternoon all, A few shots from Ratheven again, this time out for the "Emerald Isle Explorer" special. Album link - Regards, Kieran

Evening all, A quick double update from me, featuring the weekend so far. As always, click on any of the photos for them full size with descriptions A few from Stradbally, Co. Laois whilst volunteering there. We successfully moved the tool van out of the way, allowing LM167 to be moved under her own power in preparation for the final move onto the running line / shed. Plus my first proper drive around! All shots here - ---- Saturday saw the continuation of the Ballast Cleaning programme, this time on the Down line between Mileposts 48 and 50 (Portarlington - Portlaoise). As per normal, Single Line Working was in use between those two stations and with the worksite a nice walk away I went up. Shame about the rain All shots here - Regards, Kieran

How's it running overall so far?

I have no idea Noel!

Thanks Noel. Supposed to be a Common User Livery - intended for use on Enteprise (spare), Cork workings and freight / PWD. Although it hasn't got the Enterprise fit DMI and scoket so it can't actually be used on the Enterprise

Good evening all, Control Car 4007 failed at Cork prior to departing with the 1220 Cork - Heuston. It was initially thought that the loco was at fault (232) so was swapped with Cork standby loco 231. However the fault was later traced to the Control Car. As a result, the stock off the 1000 ex Heuston was used for the 1220 Cork - Heuston (departed around 30-40 late), and the 1320 was started from Limerick Junction using the local set there. I popped down to Portlaoise to see this and a couple of other workings. As always, click on the photos to view them full size Album link - Regards, Kieran

It seems to be the way things are going these days Noel.

Topic bump Just announced for OO gauge as well and available to pre-order http://www.ehattons.com/203071/Heljan_1101_4_wheel_B_tank_3305_in_Esso_black_with_Esso_Petroleum_lettering/StockDetail.aspx

Afternoon all, The last day of May has been one of wall-to-wall sunshine and warm weather, and two hours down in Portlaoise produced some interesting turns, such as 073 light engine and 080 on a loaded materials train. Click on any of the shots to view them full size Album link - Regards, Kieran