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The Greystones Experience
A photonews report from the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland
On Sunday 23rd August 2009 No.186 ran excursions from Dublin Connolly to Greystones, and from Greystones to Wicklow
RPSI Photonews Image
Due to overcrowding at Connolly following the Malahide incident the normal transfer by diesel of the RPSI set from Inchicore did not take place on Saturday evening.

Unusually the set, seen here near Drumcondra, was hauled by 186 directly to Platform 5 in Connolly for departure to Greystones and Wicklow.

After the trip 186 again hauled the train back to Inchicore.

Picture by Martin Hoey
RPSI Photonews Image
Passing Booterstown.

Picture by B Pickup
RPSI Photonews Image
186 is seen here on Bray Head, heading south,  The train has just passed the twin arch butresses (hidden in the smoke) and is approaching No 3, Cable Rock Tunnel.
The abandoned No 1. Brabazon Tunnel is seen in the far distance and the south portal of No 2.  Brandy Hole Tunnel can be made out in the middle distance.

Picture by CP Friel
RPSI Photonews Image
Blasting along the coast near Newcastle.

Picture by B Pickup
RPSI Photonews Image
Coach 1142, dating from 1921, was next to the engine.  1142 returned to service last year after a meticulous overhaul.

Picture by CP Friel
RPSI Photonews Image
The second generation of professional preserved-steam men were in charge of 186 for the day.  From left to right we have DTEs Lar and Tony, Ken, the driver, and RPSI representative David.

Picture by CP Friel
RPSI Photonews Image
After running round the train at Wicklow, 186 headed home tender first. 

Picture by Barry Pickup
RPSI Photonews Image
At Newcastle once again - this time with the photographer's back to the sea.

Picture by CP Friel
RPSI Photonews Image
Heading north, the train has emerged from the Brandy Hole Tunnel.
The Brandy Hole shingle beach is now covered with boulders to protect the embankment.

Picture by CP Friel
RPSI Photonews Image
Heading north, the train is about to enter the 'new' No 1 diversion tunnel, dating from 1876.
It is passing the curved wall and the site of the trestle bridge from which a train fell in 1867.

The old No 1. Brabazon Tunnel was replaced by a short and a long tunnel.  These 
are regarded as one in the numbering system.  The combined length is 304 Yards.
 

Picture by CP Friel

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