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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

About 1840-1845 ish

Afternoon all, Another update, this time from Hazelhatch and Celbridge on Monday 16th May. Due to operational difficulties, the 0900 Westport - Dublin Connolly RPSI "Croagh Patrick" railtour section was terminated short at Hazelhatch and Celbridge, with passengers transferred onto 22010 (1530 Heuston - Portlaoise turned back short). This worked out well personally, as due to college commitments until 1600 there was no hope for a shot, although I just wanted it to run late and not get terminated short! Some interesting conversations in the 2 hours I was there. As always, click on the photos to view them full size Album link, which also features a video of 079 departing with the consist for Inchicore - Regards, Kieran

Evening all, Shots from Saturday, including the RPSI "Croagh Patrick" railtour at the Curragh, Kildare and Portarlington. Click on any of the photos below to view them full size, and the album link at the bottom of the post to view them all Album link - Regards, Kieran

From discussions on the day, attempts were made to get the original shade but failed due to the changes in technology (two pact paint compared to standard paint, and is chemically different) Thanks for the comments folks - was a cracker of a day for a shot!

Morning all, A few shots from Friday including the 071 tour. Photos do also include the normal traffic expected on a Friday. I was on the box at Islandbridge Junction for around an hour, during which time a light engine, the IWT, a Mark 4 set and the tour passed - and people said variety was dead! As always, click on any of the photos below to view them full size or the link at the bottom of the post Album link - Photos from Saturday's steam and engineering works will come at a later point Regards, Kieran

I think all of the 071s have (or will have) the 40 year plates Personally I'm very happy how this shot turned out. The loco is a credit to all involved in the creation of it

Evening all, A double update from me before tomorrow's plans get in the way First off, a couple of shots from the start of this week All shots here - And shots from today at Kildare, watching 079 arrive, run around and depart with the DFDS liner All shots here - As always, click on the photos to view them full size. Regards, Kieran

They look to be on top of the secondary suspension springs, so possibly a guide in until the suspension is properly fitted. If it's also on one of the stored 201's it is definately something limited to the works and not for the mainline

And photos from the same day. The video was taken by a good friend of mine in the same college course. Both the video and the photos were taken during an official DIT tour of the works. Click on any photo or the link at the bottom to view them all full size

Evening all, A few photos from tonight's commute home, including the sight of the RPSI Diesels together for the first time. Click on the photo below to view them all Album link - Regards, Kieran

As far as I know it's a 'Common User' livery, allowing use on both Enterprise and Cork workings. It hasn't had an interor cab overhaul;, however (from reading driver comments)

Evening all, As mentioned earlier, 231 made it's first runs post overhaul yesterday (Tuesday) with a special down to Killarney. Whilst I was in college, I was able to get shots of it prior to departure from Heuston. Photos from the past two days also include the unusual appearance of an 071 class in the station stabling sidings (compared to the former Guinness yard) at Heuston. As always, click on any of the photos to view them full size Album link - Regards, Kieran