Royal Train (2016)

Queen Elizabeth II, with the Duke of Edinburgh and invited guests, travelled from Coleraine to Bellarena to open the the new station at the latter on 28th June 2016. No.85 "Merlin" and 5 of the RPSI's Mk2 carriages made up the train. Thanks to the UFTM, No.85 "Merlin" carried the headboard/regalia from royal train of 1903, which ran from Dublin to Newtownards carrying King Edward VII.

The royal train all set to go, at Coleraine. (P.McCann)

At Coleraine, the Queen chats with RPSI Chairman, Denis Grimshaw, as Lord O'Neill, the Society's President, looks on. (P. McCann)

Along the beach at Downhill. (J. Hamilton)

A nervous crew at Bellarena. (C. Playfair)

The Queen tells Inspector Micky Hamill that she has left pints for the crew at the bar! Fireman Anto Dargan and the RPSI's Peter Scott are behind. (C. Playfair)

The royal train poses for photos. (P. McCann)

The party is over as everybody (and the train) gets ready to leave. (J. Crawford)

The poster boy for the day!! At Waterside Railway Station. (P. McCann)

No.85 and the Mk2s stable at Waterside Railway Station, having worked the Royal Train. (J. Lloyd)