Steam Locomotive 131's trip to Dublin

[Rush and Lusk]

I had the pleasure of being aboard the superb trip by the RPSI from Dublin to Dundalk yesterday, behind locomotive 071 diesel No. 074, to meet the wonderfully restored Q Class loco 131 in Dundalk, then coupled to the RPSI Cravens and return to Dublin under magnificent steam. A superb day out, impeccably organised by the RPSI (met lots of nice people plus lovely pints in the bar car). The weather wasn't great, particularly during coupling and departure time in Dundalk, but didn't dampen anyone's spirits. A few very short video clips showing (a) 131 arriving in Dundalk, (b) coupling to the Cravens & (c) pulling away under steam.

George

 

[Patrick Davey]

Those are magnificent videos - sorry folk got drenched but the rain adds atmosphere!!!  Amazing to see 131 steaming past the location where she spent so many years as a static exhibit, sporting those 'Hornby'-esque white wheel rims.  Amazing work by all involved to bring her back to the mainline.  They deserve all the credit in the world.

Am sure Noel Playfair was on the minds of many people yesterday.

Thanks for sharing those fabulous videos!!

[Galteemore]

Friend of mine took this vid at Balmoral. Of note is elderly gent at right. First chairman of the RPSI in 1964 and can actually remember the GNR before blue engines came in!!! 

[Patrick Davey]

Cracking video!!!  Bet the gentleman was a bit emotional  

[seagoebox]

The elderly "gentleman" is indeed just that, John Harcourt, he is a resident in a home near Balmoral.

[Rush and Lusk]

You are very welcome Patrick - thanks also to everyone else who responded - a great occasion.

Another short bonus video 131 rolling up beside 074 in Dundalk, plus resting in Connolly after her exertions ! 

[Patrick Davey]

Nice touch with the headboard - another stroke of genius from an RPSI legend, whoever that was, take a bow!

Super HD quality videos as well.

[Ballinacraig]

Some videos I took on Saturday

 

 

[Patrick Davey]

That scene of the loco steaming through the countryside on the approach to Newry is almost timeless!!  Sensational stuff!

Taking your life in your hands with the others though!!

She's fairly moving up the bank past Fr. Murphy's!

[leslie10646]

Great stuff, Ballinacraig. Thanks for sharing it.