[89-763-733]

Originally Posted by GM078

Sadly, many types of Irish rolling stock did not survive, (like 1145 and 1146, to name but one unique type now gone forever),

Neither of those coaches had a chance at preservation. 1145 was destroyed in the Buttevant accident and 1146 by a firebomb at Botanic in 1978

The RPSI give me the impression of being anti diesel at times while at others trying to make money from them.

Years ago they had the chance to preserve an MED set and did not take it and the last MPD car sat in their yard for 26 years before being scrapped without being offered to any other body.

There have been several attempts to get an 80 class preservation group organised and none have got very far.

The only realistic place it could go would be Downpatrick and I seriously doubt they want it. Covered accomodation is essential and even when their new shed is complete I think all the space is already spoken for

[I T S]

Update on 450 Railtour -

Translink have been approached by an group of enthusiasts to ask about the possibilities of running a 450 railtour.

In return Translink have made the following statements :

It would not be normal practice to charter trains to individuals and we would normally only accommodate societies or recognised organisations

The Antrim branch is not the recognised route and a significant cost would be incurred for additional staffing. (if permitted to operate over the route by the infrastructure dept.)

The train is not permitted to operate to Dundalk.

We would require at least 6 weeks’ notice (any date would be subject to any other specials operating on the same day e.g. RPSI)



Basically, they are showing little interest of co-operating to run such a tour.

With regards to all of the points above, my opinion stands as :

1. Why does it matter who is chartering a train? A charter is a charter
2. Antrim Branch requires an Inspector & Pilotman to run over this branch. This year, this line has seen trains on 8 different days due to various reasons (Diversons,Staff Training etc)
3. Dundalk - Understandable with the railway we have now but still could be done in theory.
4. Running same day as RPSI, GAA, Rugby? How many charters do we have going to Penzance in June for mazey day amongst those with service trains? And lets face it Penzance is quite cramped but NR & FGW still manage to run their services and charters.

[4SRKT]

Dundalk not a great loss really TBH, as long as a tour could get to Newry. Any tour will need to have some decent mileage if it is to gain the interest of many cranks from over here. Belfast > Newry > Bangor > Belfast or some such won't be enough IMHO. If no Dundalk and no Crumlin then Portrush at least is a must.

[Lad Brookes]

Or Londonderry- though that would be amusing- as I'd love that, whereas I was always filled with dread when I arrived at GVS or Central to change off the Bangor line and saw a 450 (Cattle Class as I used to call them) rather than an 80 there to thump me off through Downhill!

[GM078]

Can't imagine the loss of the Dundalk leg would affect numbers that much (though I suppose some facility to connect to the Beller would be useful for passengers based in the Republic). The Derry option might be interesting, that way it wouldn't be a carbon copy of the 80 class tour. Fair play to those taking the initiative to try organise such a tour.

[I T S]

Shall we just say, the 450s will NOT go away without a tour. Watch this space

[killucan2]

Should start thinking about a fairwell tour to irishrail 2700 unit's as there next to go.

[I T S]

I know a good name for it too Killucan 2 -

The Empty Diesel

[GM078]

I suppose a 2700 tour would have greater route availability than a 450 one...

Probably still issues with driver knowledge though... 2700 to Sligo anyone?

[4SRKT]

Rather than a tour when the 2700s start to go you'd probably get more revenue by letting cranks pay for 5 minutes each with the cutter's torch on the first one to be scrapped!

[jopsuk]

Originally Posted by killucan2

Should start thinking about a fairwell tour to irishrail 2700 unit's as there next to go.

Seriously? They're from the late nineties and being refurbished, they surely aren't going anywhere any time soon?

[I T S]

Originally Posted by GM078

I suppose a 2700 tour would have greater route availability than a 450 one...

Probably still issues with driver knowledge though... 2700 to Sligo anyone?

Not Really an issue considering 2700s go to Drogheda on a regular basis. All Cork,Ballina,Athlone,Waterford,Limerick,Galway,Tra lee,Inchicore & Connolly men still sign for 2700s to my knowledge.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
It has been confirmed that the Portrush branch 450 diagram will now be covered by a C3k. The 450 will not return to the branch.

[4SRKT]

Time for an avatar change. 452 when brand new shot near Eden heading towards Whitehead in happier times in Northern Ireland (well, on the railways at least.... ). Nobody stopping anyone standing on the embankment to take photos like this, indeed nobody minding people using the PW all the way from Eden to Barn as a footpath!

Will revert to the 70 class when the 450s have all gone

[killucan2]

Originally Posted by jopsuk

Seriously? They're from the late nineties and being refurbished, they surely aren't going anywhere any time soon?

All the 27's are ment to be parked up in Dundalk before christmas joining the mk3 there.

[I T S]

I dont know who told you that but I very much doubt it