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NI Thumpers

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GM078

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Historical significance should always come before business case! Although I'm not altogether comfortable with the words 'business case' in relation to a preserved railway.

I'd like to think so, I really would, but in reality there's no point restoring (to working order) something that's going to drain a groups' resources (unless of course you've a wealthy backer!). Think about it, SLNCR 0-6-4T No.27 "Lough Erne" is quite significant as the last new conventional steam loco to be supplied to an Irish railway. But it is probably too big to steam (economically) at the DCDR, yet to small (coal bunker wise anyway) to be of much use on the RPSI's mainline operations. So, while it would be lovely to see it run, and it's a very important loco, it's unlikely (I suspect) to be restored anytime soon.

I know what you mean about being uncomfortable about the term 'business case', but I think the reality is that preservation groups need to keep their heads above the water when it comes to money matters, it's quite the same as making a profit for profit's sake.

MRSI members are currently being balloted on paying for the transport of either 2 or three 80 class cars to Downpatrick. The result of this ballot should be known by the end of next week.

Last night members were told:

There are two suitable hauliers who could move 80s by road, one in England and the other in Dublin. Martran, who move the 4000 cars from Belfast docks to York Road use cranes at each end which would add considerably to the cost while the other operators can deliver vehicles on a roll-on/roll-off basis

The vehicles will be the property of Downpatrick with the MRSI not being part owners. Depending on cost it is hoped two power cars and one driving trailer will go to Downpatrick. If costs are higher than anticipated then it will just be one power car and a DT

While specific vehicles have not yet been targeted it is almost certain that those at Portadown will be in the frame as they were in running order as of last month (69 90 94 752)

MRSI members were told last night that NIR needed approval from the (Northern Ireland) Department of Regional Development to transfer a set to Downpatrick and that they had obtained this approval

Excellent news. :D If this goes ahead, and I hope it does, I think we should all be very grateful to those MRSI members who have offered to donate money towards this project, after all no organisation is under any obligation to do anything at the end of the day.
 
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I T S

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Back to the mainline stuff, the only 450s today were as follows :

455 0810 Larne Harbour/Belfast (Failed before departure at Larne)
459 1648 GVS/Carrick
454 1725 GVS/Larne *First working since 3rd Jan
 
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4SRKT

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You've got a picture of an MPD in yr avatar in the dying days of the DEMUs! :|
 

I T S

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I actually think that avatar photo is Lisburn? Don't quote me...

It has been said that NIR will retain 450s in service until April this year.
 

4SRKT

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It is certainly Lisburn.

Will they still need any 450s by April? Surely another couple of C4Ks will see them totally redundant :(
 

PFX

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Just ex Central headed in the direction of Bangor at about 15mph.

Too far away to get any numbers.

20120122_131209.jpg
 

89-763-733

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(on behalf of ITS)

That set is 453 457 459 (in that order 3 at the Bangor end on the right of the picture) 3 and 7 are withdrawn (3 was not powering) and were being taken to Bangor for storage. 459 should remain in service for a while yet

459 returned to YR Depot passing Holywood 1355. More pictures from ITS later
 
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89-763-733

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Today 454 was the only DEMU out working the 1648 to Carrick

Better tonight with 454 on the 1648 and 459 on the 1725

The fat lady is almost on the last verse with 7 4000 passed for traffic and up to 6 in service in one day There are 7 Larne line diagrams so when 4009 is passed that could be the end. Nobody seems to know when the Portrush branch will finish

Although it is possible that 450 service trains will finish before 18.02 translink have assured the MRSI a set will be kept serviceable for the railtour
 

I T S

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456 has now finished it's time with the Portrush branch and is currently working 1120 Coleraine/York Road empty movement. The last passenger service on the branch was the 1035 from Portrush.
 

4SRKT

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This is all very depressing. We NEED to do a cranks' takeover of the power car on the 16:48 or 17:25 on 17th February, or else I may very well break down in public, which will not be an edifying sight.
 

I T S

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I have doubts of seeing a DEMU out on the 17th February. From Monday 6th Feb, the 2230 Central/Larne runs into the siding at the harbour and detrains passengers at Larne Town while in the morning the 0625x Larne Hbr starts from Larne town and runs from the siding. Therefore it is possible to stable 3x 4000 Class Units in Larne from Monday. The morning services from Larne on Monday could well be the last NIR passenger services with a 450 DEMU.

4001-4006 & 4008 are now passed for service while 4009 & 4011 are on test. 4010 is just arrived from Spain.
 

4SRKT

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Some sort of sabotage of either a couple of C4K sets, or the points at the Larne harbour siding seem in order.
 

89-763-733

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On behalf of ITS:

26.01.2012

459 1648 GV/CS
455 1725 GV/CS

454 failed at Fortwilliam last night while working 2130 ex Larne Harbour due to burned out electrical contacts. It was assisted to Yorkgate by another 450

2230 Central-Larne Harbour was cancelled
 
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89-763-733

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Friday 27th 456 did the 1648 and 455 did the 1725 454 has been repaired but was not out that day
All 7 passed 4000s were in service and 4009 on test




--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
MRSI members have aproved paying for the transport of an 80 class to Downpatrick Further details when available
 
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89-763-733

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translink are aiming to end 450 service trains at the end of THIS WEEK :cry:

It is very likely the railtour will be the last passenger carrying 450

454 and 459 were withdrawn this morning and are now stored in the siding at Belfast Central. However they remain serviceable and could in theory be used again :cry: :cry: :cry::-x
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Better news tonight with 456 working 1648 ex GV and 455 1725 ex GV

458 was seen at the fuel point in YR Depot running
 
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I T S

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Unconfirmed but I overheard today in Central about another 450 joining 4 & 9 in the parcel siding.... This could be 458 if they are planning on this. Will get the mate to check it tonight
 

89-763-733

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458 is due to return to service this evening. It will either be 1648 or 1725 with 455 doing the other one

456 will work the 1600 ex Carrick diagram tonight

Update from ITS: 458 1648 455 1725
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Update 03.02.2012
455 failed at Larne Harbour this morning blocking in 458 Two trains cancelled as a result

456 ran empty from YR Depot and hauled 455 back. 458 later ran empty to YR and later worked the 1648 diagram 456 worked the 1725 diagram

455 had a control defect which is repairable if they feel like it.

Pictures from ITS later. He also got 112 hauling failed 227 from Belfast to Dublin
 
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89-763-733

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455 and 456 are both out on passenger trains this morning
 
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