RPSI - Works Photo News

On Tuesday 6th April 2010 a low loader arrived at Inchicore yard to take a little piece of our history further than it had ever been before... Picture by Tony O'Shaughnessy
Irish State Coach No.351 was restored by the RPSI to a very high standard in the late 1990s. The Society was awarded the 'Supreme Champion' prize in the Heritage Railway Association Carriage and Wagon Competion for the year 2000 for its work on the vehicle. Picture by Tony O'Shaughnessy
351 has been in use since then with the Heritage Set of wooden-bodied main line carriages, but now it is en route to a special event in the Netherlands. Picture by Tony O'Shaughnessy
The 'Royal Class, Majestic Journeys' Exhibition recently opened at the Netherlands Railway Museum in Utrecht is exhibiting vehicles used by Royal families all over Europe. Picture by Tony O'Shaughnessy
351 started life as a Royal Saloon, built by the Great Southern and Western Railway specifically for the Royal visit by King Edward VII in 1903. It remained in storage for many years before becoming the Presidential or State saloon in 1961. It has carried many world leaders in considerable style - and, since its restoration by the RPSI, a great many ordinary passengers as well! Picture by Tony O'Shaughnessy
The low loader departed Inchicore at 11PM, taking 351 from its birthplace on its longest journey yet... Picture by Tony O'Shaughnessy (The above photographs can be seen at a higher resolution, courtesy of Fred Andrews, by clicking here.)
Late night motorists may have been surprised by the sight of a carriage (and escort) on its way across Dublin. Pictures by M Hoey
At the port entrance, here was a lane for 'coaches'... but on this occasion 351 probably didn't count. Picture by M Hoey
On the morning of Wednesday 7th 351 could be seen among the shipping containers waiting for its turn to board the ship. http://www.steamtrainsireland.comPicture by M Hoey
Finally, up the ramp into the Stena Adventurer, due to leave at 0840 for Rotterdam via Hull. We look forward to having 351 home in September! Picture by M Hoey