RPSI 40 (2004)

The Society was 40 years old in 2004. To mark the anniversary, a book "Forty Shades of Steam" by Joe Cassells and Charles Friel was produced. Later in the year a celebratory dinner event was held in the Transport Gallery at Cultra.

Forty Shades of Steam

30/6/2004: The "Forty Shades of Steam" book launch took place at Central Station, Belfast. Here, the men behind the book, Charles Friel (left) and Joe Cassells (right), are with Dr Joan Smyth, the then Translink chairman.

30/6/2004: Among the dignitaries and special invites were many former and current NIR and Irish Rail steam men. Irish Rail's current steam drivers Tony and Dan Renehan are seen here enjoying a pre-launch chat with Charles and Joe.

30/6/2004: The launch itself took place in the appropriate setting of the concourse at Belfast Central Station. Those at the launch are seen here amongst the travelling public.

30/6/2004: Belfast’s Lord Mayor Councillor Tom Ekin (pictured at the podium), to the left are Dr Joan Smyth, Robin Morton and Mal McGreevy (General Manager Northern Ireland Railways).

30/6/2004: Norman Johnston (Colourpoint) said he was delighted to be associated with the book. He praised the authors, noting that royalties and copyright payments were going directly to the RPSI, something which he hoped would be of significant benefit.

30/6/2004: Enjoying some of the buffet lunch laid on after the launch are Ciaran McAteer, HRA Secretary; Sullivan Boomer, former RPSI Chairman and Colin Halliday.

3/7/2004: News Letter.

13/7/2004: Belfast Telegraph.

2/10/2004: No.186 is prepared for the RPSI 40 train to Cultra. It is seen here in Adelaide Yard, Belfast.

2/10/2004: Jeff and Ashley spare a moment to pose.

2/10/2004: The train ran to Lisburn to pick up dinner guests and here the eager participants await its arrival.

2/10/2004: No.186 runs-round her train at Lisburn. She is about to depart for Cultra with the 40th Anniversary train, calling at a number of halts on the route. (A. McKibbin)

2/10/2004: Ashley, Stephen Glass (NIR), Jeff and Noel Playfair (NIR) have a break at Lisburn.

2/10/2004: Heather and Sullivan Boomer looking forward to Dinner.

2/10/2004: Former NIR Locomotive Inspector, Frank Dunlop.

2/10/2004: The tables set up in the Rail Gallery at Cultra.

2/10/2004: The guests and musical quartet.

2/10/2004: Lord O'Neill opens the proceedings.

2/10/2004: The Lockett family (plus a few interlopers).

2/10/2004: Joan Smyth (Translink), Keith Moffatt (NIR) and Robin Morton (RPSI).

2/10/2004: RPSI Vice-President Garrett FitzGerald regales the audience with tales of his youth.

2/10/2004: Phil Lockett puts the views of the younger generation of RPSI volunteers.

2/10/2004: Meanwhile, the locomotive and train wait at Bangor, where Ashley is keeping an eye on things.

2/10/2004: Gerry Mooney explains the Dublin point of view.

2/10/2004: With the speeches and formalities over, Garrett FitzGerald shares a joke with Lord O'Neill and fellow Vice-President Sir Ken Bloomfield and his wife.