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Photonews update of work at our Whitehead depot
Photos taken during early June 2009 by N Lightowler and P Lockett
Work continues on the restoration of No.461. Here, the overhauled
eccentrics are being re-assembled. |
 Also
in the workshop is No.461's boiler and firebox. This view is of work
underway adjusting and assembling the firebox plates. |
3BG ("the Guinness engine") has been receivng some new paint, courtesy
of youth member Nathan. He has completed repainting the chimney and
smokebox door. |
Nathan then turned his attention to the cab where the old paint was becoming
an eyesore. After a lot of cleaning and sanding primer was applied, and
then with the help of Mark and James, Nathan painted the cab in cream undercoat
ready for a coat of gloss paint. This view is looking forward from
the drivers side. |
On Friday 12th of June, we operated the first of four "Steam and Jazz"
trains. The 17:17 service ex-Belfast Central arrives into Whitehead at
17:57 and stables in the siding which is our mainline connection.
Here the set has stopped before the locked gates of our yard. After
the 17:43 ex Larne has crossed with the 17:35 ex-Belfast Central, then
this set moves back out to the platform to form the 18:25 to Belfast. Only
after this has happened is the way clear for our train to leave! |
The train for the "Steam and Jazz" had been shunted together in plenty
of time to allow our catering and on-train crews to load supplies.
Here, Dermot, our shunter and carriage inspector, completes his paperwork. |
To raise steam gently, No.186 had been lit at 08:00 in the morning. Raising
steam slowly isn't only better for the boiler - it means the steamraiser
has plenty of time to make the engine look presentable. Michael and Phil
set to cleaning the brass in the cab. This is the fireman's side
and clearly shows some of his tools - faceplate injector, gauge glass,
lubricator and pressure gauge. Oh yes, and the fire. |
Michael poses at the regulator, looking suitably proud of his cleaning
and preparation work. He has scrubbed up to join the train with his family. |
 Adam's
hard work on the outside of the engine resulted in a shining No.186, ready
for departure. |
 A
final view of the train ready for departure at Whitehead. |
John, one of our volunteer train crew, checks the flags before the train
leaves Whitehead. |
Gary and Noel, the Northern Ireland Railways crew for the evening, clean
and ready at the start of their shift. |
The next morning No.186 needed cleaned out before being coaled up ready
for the next week's operation. 3BG stands on an adjacent siding, complete
with a newly painted chimney. |
 A
small group has been quietly working on Hunslet No.102. They have
successfully started the engine. |
View our Helping Us Page to see how you can volunteer in Dublin or Whitehead and get involved.
