MkIII Push-Pull

[josefstadt]

Construction of the MkIII push-pull fleet began in 1988. To promote the forthcoming introduction of these trains the IÉ float in the Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade that year featured a mock-up of the cab end of a 6100 class control car.

 

The display was mounted on a trailer hauled by Bedford tractor unit BTM 61 (797 WZE). Someone here will probably have a better details of this type of tractor/trailer unit.

 

The display itself consisted of three parts. At the front end of the trailer there was a representation of a station awning under which were an advert for ‘Take a Rail Holiday in 88’ and the front end of a DART unit.

 

In the centre of the trailer, was the mock-up of the MkIII control car cab, which was depicted emerging from a tunnel/bridge. The ‘vehicle’ was shown in a new colour scheme which was being considered at that time for the MkIII push-pull fleet. The orange and green colours were intended to emphasise the outer suburban services' position between main line and DART.

 

Finally, at the rear of the trailer there was a large schematic diagram indicating that the new trains were to be used on the Arklow - Dublin - Dundalk corridor. AFIK they never did operate to Arklow as commuter trains, at least not on a regular basis. There are also a couple of misspellings on the diagram - Rush Lusk should be Rush & Lusk, while Gormanston is shown as Gormanstown.

[Warbonnet]

Absolutely brilliant pictures! The tractor unit is a Bedford TM which I always thought were a bit cool, especially with a Detroit engine under the cab!

[NIRCLASS80]

Great Pics Thanks for sharing

[heirflick]

Good story and excellent pics....it was a great idea for a publicity stunt - well done to IR!

[enniscorthyman]

Great story alright.I have a photo of that mock

up cab in Inchicore works-will have a look for it

later.I wonder where it is now.

[craven1508]

amazing picture! ireland was a differant place back then:o

[Weshty]

What a strange float. Graham Leniham wouldn't have thought of that in his wildest flight of fancy....

[minister_for_hardship]

Bizarre.

I'd be morto if I were one of the unfortunates plonked on that float although they seem to be enjoying themselves.

 

Reminds me of the steam loco float used in Tralee, used to promote the Rose of Tralee and the Blennerville Railway. Think they also used it for Killarney 150th.

Edited February 3, 2014 by minister_for_hardship

[heirflick]

was the livery on the dvt seriously considered at any stage?did it ever go as far as spraying a full car?

Edited February 3, 2014 by heirflick

[BosKonay]

It's quite a nice looking mock up of the cab!

[heirflick]

It's quite a nice looking mock up of the cab!

 

yes it is and the more i see it the more i like it!

[BSGSV]

was the livery on the dvt seriously considered at any stage?did it ever go as far as spraying a full car?

 

124 was painted in that livery. Briefly. I've only ever seen the one photo of it in traffic, not mine unfortunately.

[heirflick]

124 was painted in that livery. Briefly. I've only ever seen the one photo of it in traffic, not mine unfortunately.

 

thanks for that BSGSV. pity about the pic - would love to see it. what logos were on the side of her can you recall?

[BSGSV]

thanks for that BSGSV. pity about the pic - would love to see it. what logos were on the side of her can you recall?

 

ir if I remember correctly, but I wouldn't swear to it.

[heirflick]

thanks:tumbsup: