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MRSI tour, and a busy day at Whitehead

The 19th of May 2007 was a busy day for RPSI volunteers. The train of Mark 2 coaches had been hired to the Modern Railway Society of Ireland for a railtour to Westport, and County Donegal engine No.5 Drumboe moved to Donegal town to be put on temporary display:


Whitehead Works ImageAt Westport, the Mark 2 carriages are watered before departure back to Whitehead. Photo by M Walsh.

Whitehead Works ImageWestport signal cabin is still in situ, although out of use. Photo by M Walsh.

Whitehead Works ImageSemaphore signals are a dying breed in Ireland. At nearly every station a pile of broken posts and twisted arms testified to the introduction of modern colour light signals. Photo by M Walsh.

Whitehead Works ImageThe RPSI Mark 2s rub shoulders with Iarnród Éireann trains at Claremorris. Photo by M Walsh.
Whitehead Works ImageThe train catches the setting sun at Drogheda. Photo by M Walsh.

Whitehead Works ImageThe train, hauled by NIR's 8113, crosses the river Boyne on its return north. Photo by M Walsh.

Whitehead Works ImageWhile some were working as coach marshalls on the train, others were busy at Whitehead to get No.5 Drumboe dispatched to Donegal town, headquarters of County Donegal Railway Restoration Ltd. The engine has had brand new side tanks made and fitted at Whitehead. Photo by N Tee.

Whitehead Works ImageThe first move was to lift Drumboe up and to pull out the flat wagon she has been sitting on out of the way. The smokebox door and the chimney were also made at Whitehead to original specifications - all work on this engine is being done with a return to steam in mind. Photo by J Spencer.

Whitehead Works ImageThe next stage was to roll in the low loader which was to bring Drumboe back to Donegal. Photo by J Spencer.

Whitehead Works ImageDrumboe was then lowered down onto her lorry and secured down. Photo by J Spencer.

Whitehead Works ImageThe motionwork is still missing, as not only were new bearings needed throughout but some new parts had to be forged! Photo by J Spencer.

Whitehead Works ImageDrumboe en route to Donegal, passing Carrickfergus castle. Photo by N Tee.
Whitehead Works ImageThe next morning, Drumboe was craned off her lory for display. Photo by N Tee.

Whitehead Works ImageDrumboe, temporarily back in Donegal town - and looking at lot healthier than she has done for many years! But she isn't staying here for long - there is still much work to be done on Drumboe at Whitehead. Photo by N Tee.

Whitehead Works ImageRailcar trailer No.5 has also been overhauled at Whitehead for County Donegal Railway Restoration Ltd. The trailer was taken home on Wednesday 23rd of May, a few days after Drumboe's move. Here it is about to leave Whitehead with some of the people who allowed the restoration to happen. Photo by N Tee.

Whitehead Works ImageTrailer 5 installed in Donegal. Another overhaul at Whitehead successfully completed! Photo by N Tee.
View our Helping Us Page to see how you can volunteer in Dublin or Whitehead and get involved.

Or, join us as a passenger.


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