Was the cause ever discovered?
An inquest was held in June 2006 but an extensive search has failed to turn up the verdict
On to happier matters:
Downpatrick launched an appeal for 80 class preservation on yesterday's tour. The best case scenario is their acquiring a
FOUR car set. The vehicles they would like to acquire are 90 94 752 749 (749 is still at YR)
However the issue has been complicated by the fact that translink might want to use the 80 class sandite for one more season (September to December 2012). Three options are being considered: Apart from the 80 a 450 may be converted to act as a sandite unit or they might convert the never used Gatwick driving trailer 8918. No decision has been taken
I was told that the cars currently at Portadown will be moved back to Belfast soon and this would be a top and tail operation using 450s as the 80s have been drained of fuel and water (Top and tail GM possible but unlikely as 2 of the three are currently based in Londonderry for ballast trains; top and tail 450 and GM plausable as it has been done before) No date known for the proposed move