DCDR Back on the Telly - Twice!
Monday, 20th February, 2012

TG4's new two-part series Bóithre Iarainn (see earlier bulletin) has dramatic reconstruction scenes shot at the DCDR. The first episode, which aired on 9th February, features the famous 'locked train' which traveled cross -border from Dundalk to Bundoran carrying a mixed bunch of honeymooners, smugglers and Lough Derg pilgrims.

Michael Portillo Drops into Downpatrick
Sunday, 29th January, 2012

Michael Portillo on board No. 3 at Downpatrick

In this week's series of episodes of the latest series of Great British Railway Journeys, Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook, crossing the Irish sea to discover the rich railway history of both the Republic of Ireland and
Northern Ireland, following the unfurling 19th century expansion of the tracks
from Dublin to Londonderry.

Watch out for Wednesday's episode where Michael explores the Victorians' fascination with antiquity, by visiting the amazing Cromlech stones of Dundalk. He reaches for the stars at the Portadown Observatory and travels in style along the steam railway of Downpatrick.

Catch this episode on BBC2 or BBC-HD, this Wednesday 1st February 2012 at 18.30

Irish Language Programme Examines the Old County Down
Sunday, 29th January, 2012

A four part nostalgic documentary series for Irish language channel TG4, "IARNRÓD ULADH", has been airing chronicling the history of Ulster's railways and featuring some fascinating personal stories about events that took place before these lines disappeared forever.

The series tells the story of four railway lines which were once part of Ulster's network including: The Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway, The Clogher Valley Railway The Belfast and County Down Railway and The Ballycastle Railway. Using a mixture of expert interviews, personal stories, narration and beautiful archive we learn about the history of each of these railway lines and how they changed the lives of the communities they served.

The series starts in Counties Derry and Donegal where the story of the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway is illustrated through poignant personal stories and archive. We learn about the impact the railway had on everyday life, the effect the introduction of customs had on a line that crossed the newly formed border, the tragedy of the railway disaster at the Owencarrow Viaduct in 1925. Other stories featured throughout the series include the tale of a clever goat that strayed on to the ClogherValley railway line, The 1945 Ballymacarrett railway accident in Belfast and the impact of the severe snow on the Ballycastle railway in 1947.

The series featuring the BCDR, with large parts filmed at the DCDR and footage from our archive, can be seen tonight on TG4 at 1930 or on the TG4 Player here.

A Scissors At A Snip
Thursday 26th January, 2012

A piece of track goes up into the air for its journey to Downpatrick from Limerick Junction

Last Tuesday and Wednesday DCDR members went "a long way" to Limerick Junction to collect the former Scissors Crossing which was removed from this location in 2010 by Irish Rail as part of a new track and resignalling works in this Tipperary location.

All the important ironwork was secured and we now have enough components on site (if we so wished and geometry allows) to build a complete scissors crossing on our track, as per the original BCDR track layout, although it is currently not in the double-track plan as to try and incorporate it at this stage would complicate an already ambitious project. The components are in excellent condition with little wear.

While we were able to remove a proportion of the sleepers, they were stacked very tightly together, meaning it was slow and difficult in the rain to unpack them for easy loading, so around three-quarter of the load had to be left behind. However it had already been anticipated that this
collection would require a second load.

The timbers are also in excellent condition, and are in such a high number as to address our requirements for some time, and most will see immediate re-use as part of the Double-Track Project.

Saving Your Snaps And Mementos Of The Railway
Tuesday 12th January, 2012

Robert Dowling (right), assistant cashier with the BCDR, with Mr. Evans, Head Cashier, and the office secretary (name unknown) in the offices in Queen's Quay Station.

On the eve of the 62th Anniversary of the closure of the old Belfast & County Down Railway lines on the 15th January, the Downpatrick & Co. Down Railway is relaunching it's annual appeal for artefacts.

Railway volunteer and photo archivist Robert Gardiner explained that it is important that things like photographs are recorded and preserved to show what life on the railway was like before the line was closed in 1950, and used to run from Belfast to between towns like Comber, Newtownards, Downpatrick, Newcastle and Ardglass.

"We're really the first generation that takes photos on a daily basis," he said. "We take photos on our mobiles, we can email them and share them with hundreds of people on the internet".

"But back then taking photographs was not cheap, they were planned and meant to be important records of the people, buildings and trains of the day."

Royal Irish Constabulary officer Stuart Boyd beside a goods train in Belfast's Queen's Quay

"We are also on the lookout for things like uniforms, tickets, posters, anything connected to the local railway. So as people will be in their lofts putting away their Christmas decorations - have a look in that old trunk in the back, or that old album."

He continues, "These things were meant to last, but all too often we find that they don't - the people who took them pass away and families throw them out because they're thought to have no historical value or importance."

"Indeed, everyone in the DCDR and in the wider railway fraternity knows of at least one story where something has been lost, forgotten or binned".

Mr Gardiner recalls one particular story, "There's a story told to us of a man who took cine film of the last train pulling out of Newcastle on January 15th 1950, but never let anyone copy it. He passed away in the 1980s and when people enquired about obtaining the film they found that his wife had skipped it, thinking 'sure nobody would be interested in that'."

"I think everyone gasps in horror when they hear that particular tale," he says.

"However," he adds, "We do know that photos often show loved ones and that people often don't want to part with them which we perfectly understand, which is why we can offer anyone who has railway photographs the chance to have them digitally reproduced by us."

Mr Gardiner explains, "Although we would very much welcome original prints and negatives, we have in a number of instances actually gone round to someone's house and professionally scanned the images at extremely high resolution.

"This means the photos never even have to leave your house - we can provide larger reprints of the resulting scan if anyone wants, and the owners can be safe in the knowledge that their precious images have been preserved by a fully accredited museum for future generations to enjoy - so do have a rummage!"

Mr Gardiner went on to explain that it's absolutely anything with a railway theme, "We also find that people can be very modest about their pictures - they go 'Oh, they're not very good, or they're poor quality' - don't worry about that at all, it's just amazing that the photos exist in the
first place."

Robert Dowling (left) and Fred McClenaghan (right), members of BCDR staff, about to board a "family saloon" train at Newcastle following a staff day-out in the 1920s

"We also find that people think that because there's not a train in shot, that they're of no interest - believe me, photos that show bridges, carriages, railway staff, passengers can be far more important historically as they show people, the human element of the railways that all too often wasn't recorded in official photographs, or long lost structures".

"For instance, we've recently come across a fantastic photo collection taken by one of the BCDR's last cashiers, Robert Dowling, who had a keen interest in photography since the First World War and has recorded some fantastic images of everyday life on the railway. His daughter Rosemary was completely surprised, but delighted that these would have been of interest, and was taken aback that some of the images will form the backbone of our new display in our Carriage Gallery, due to open later this year."

Mr Gardiner also elaborated on a few areas not covered by existing archives that the Downpatrick & Co. Down Railway is keen to fill.

"The BCDR carried thousands of British and American personnel during the Second World War, but yet we don't have a single photograph of any UK or US forces on the BCDR, and nor do any of our sister museums,"

Mr. Gardiner adds, "Another area we're keen to see if anyone has recorded is the Harland & Wolff diesel engine that used to run between Downpatrick and Ardglass during the Forties. There's plenty of it in its later life at Great Victoria Street after the lines closed, but few of
it on its native turf.

"Distance isn't an issue, we can come round to where you are, whether you're in Bangor, Ardglass, Newcastle or further afield!"

"We're also keen to hear from anyone who has a connection to the BCDR -maybe even a member of staff that we haven't met before, we're keen to also record their stories and experiences to provide an oral history of the BCDR," says Mr. Gardiner.

Anyone with any photographs, or any other BCDR items or artefacts, or knows someone who might be able to help is urged to contact Robert Gardiner at downtrains@yahoo.co.uk,
or write c/o Downpatrick & Co. Down Railway, Market Street, Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 6LZ.

Santa Now Arriving at Platform 1
18th November, 2011

Santa welcomes you onboard the 'Lapland Express'

The Lapland Express is arriving this Christmas at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway for four weekends only with a very special passenger - Santa Claus!

And if you come on the first weekend, you can bring your brother or sister for free!

Railway vice-chairman, John Wilson revealed Santa's treat, "If you come down on Saturday 26th or Sunday 27th November with two children, one child goes free! Santa isn't telling anyone to BOGOF!"

He continues, "He'll be travelling in style in Downpatrick onboard his own steam train - the Lapland Express - to greet scores of children on the platform."

Mr Wilson also says that, although the details of his trip are tightly guarded secrets looked after by the Elfin Safety Executive, it is his understanding that kids eager to meet the jolly big man in the red outfit will be invited everyone to join Santa Claus for some festive fun on the Christmas train.

He adds, "Once the Steamer has gotten to the Loop Platform, Santa will invite everyone to join him over in his travelling workshop – the carriage where he makes all the toys for all the little boys and girls. Here, they will get to speak one-to-one with Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas."

The steam train will be leaving the railway station for the following weekends, Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th November; Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December; Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December; Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December. Santa will also be providing his guests refreshments on the buffet coach, and doors open from 2pm till 5pm.

Fares are £5.50 for adults, £5 senior citizen, £8 (including present) children over three years old, and £5.50 under-threes. This includes a present from Santa, as well as the train fare. Special first weekend rate applies to over-three only, and limited to one child per group.

Admission to see Santa in his workshop is also dependant on children having been good throughout the year.

Mr Wilson also advises that it will not be possible to board the train at Inch Abbey Station, due to the route the train will be taking. He also says, "Don't forget, this is an outdoor event so please wear appropriate clothing."

And after Christmas Day is over, you can steam into the New Year with the railway's popular Mince Pie Specials on New Year's Day.

"The Downpatrick & County Down Railway is your guaranteed sanctuary from turkey sandwiches," jokes Mr. Wilson, adding that there is a treat in store for all visitors.

"All guests will receive a free mince or apple pie on New Year's Day while relaxing on board a heritage train coasting through the County Down countryside," he says, "as a well as a wee tipple of mulled wine or punch for those not driving."

Spooky Events At the Railway!
19th October, 2011

The haunted Vikings Grave, illuminated on Halloween Night 2008, with ghosts and spirits rising out of graves

There’s something strange happening at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway this Halloween. There’s ghosts on the platforms and ghouls on the train, it can only be the return of Merlin the Magician on the Halloween Ghost Trains!

"Anyone who visits on Halloween weekend is in for a double treat," says Railway Vice-Chairman, John Wilson.

He explains, "As well as travelling on a ghostly steam train, children who dare to alight at the Forbidden Platform, as well as any brave grown- ups, will be granted an audience with the Great Wizard in his own haunted Grotto train.

"If those who dare to enter Merlin’s domain pass his tests, then the children will receive a mystical gift."

'Merlin' greets some brave visitors

Mr. Wilson adds, "And of course, why not try to turn the tables and scare Merlin by coming in ghostly fancy dress yourself?"

And are you brave enough to visit a Viking Graveyard on Halloween night? Well, the train will be stopping at the grave of King Magnus Barefoot on its travels and be warned as ghoulish things rise out of the ground before your eyes!

Doors open on Halloween nights, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October, from 5pm to 8pm, and on Monday 31st October from 2pm till 5pm for anyone not brave enough to come in the dark - or want to do trick-or-treat later! Admission is £5.50 for adults and teenagers, £7.00 for children over three and just £4.50 for the under-threes - including a present from Merlin. A concession ticket costs £4.50.

Refreshments will be served onboard a buffet carriage at the Loop Platform, and car parking is free.

Mr. Wilson also reminds people about autumn weather, "Don't forget that this is an outdoor event, so please remember to wrap up well."

And also keep an eye out for Santa's visit to the railway this December!

Phil Coulter & Friends Fundraising Concert
19th October, 2011

The DCDR is pleased to present a celebration of Irish music North and South, to mark 30 years of North / South Co-operation between Downpatrick, Co. Down & Listowel, Co. Kerry.

This will be held on Saturday 26 November 2011 Ulster Hall, Belfast at 7.30 PM featuring guests

• The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland
• Leading pianists, Una Hunt
• Traditional group, Kintra
• The king of the accordion, Liam O’Connor
• Compere – Noel Thompson

Tickets cost £25 balcony or £22 ground floor and are available from the Ulster Hall Box Office - telephone 028 9033 4455 or online at www.ulsterhall.co.uk

Cancer Research UK Fundraiser
Monday, 19th September, 2011

The DCDR is pleased to announce another chance to catch the steam train to Inch Abbey, with a special fundraiser train for Cancer Research UK, to run on Friday 21st October. Fares for the day are £10 per person, pay on the day, and includes the journey to Inch, visit to the museum, a look at the new gallery and afternoon tea on the Buffet Car at Inch platform.

The first train leaves Downpatrick Station at 2pm, with the last at 5pm, standard timetable is in operation.

Work on Gallery Construction Complete
Monday, 5th August, 2011

Liam Murphy of Glasgiven Contracts hands over the keys to the new Carriage Gallery to DCDR Project Manager John Wilson

The Downpatrick & County Down Railway marked the completion of construction work of the new £550,000 "Carriage Gallery", as the keys were officially presented to the society by the contractors, Glasgiven Contracts.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and NITB, as well as the railway society's own funds, the new public display area has been delivered on time and under budget.

John Wilson, project manager for the DCDR, explained, ""It has been a lot of work for a lot of people over the last nine months, however we have made it, and under budget."

Mr Wilson continued, "Our focus now shifts to the implementation of the Interpretation plan which is really the whole point behind the exercise. This is to ensure that we have a variety of attractive exhibits to catch the imagination of our visitors, and even more important is the intention to increase the number of our visitors."

"Initial feedback already suggests that the Gallery will be well received. It is a bright, airy and welcoming place to display our exhibits, something which was so desperately needed over the previous years of our existence."

"We also have a lot of track-work to connect the Gallery to our lines, but we have received great assistance from both Northern Ireland Railways and Irish Rail in acquiring the specialised track materials."

Visitors will be able to get to see a sneak preview of the Carriage Gallery this coming weekend, as part of the European Heritage Open Days. Entrance to the new Gallery is free, and the steam train will be running from 2pm till 5pm at a charge, with tickets cost £5.50 adults, £4.50 children or senior citizens, and children aged three years old or below go free. There's no need to book and a ticket lasts all day.

Sneak Preview of Gallery & Exhibition Room
Sunday, 4th September, 2011

Part of the new exhibition that will be "previewed" this coming weekend

There's still time to catch the steam train this weekend at the Downpatrick & Co. Down Railway before the last summer train pulls out of the station.

The Railway is running its last seasonal trip to Inch Abbey this weekend, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September, as part of the European Heritage Open Days, and as well as the chance to sample the atmosphere of rail travel at its most traditional, as part of the province-wide scheme there will be tours of the new exhibition room upstairs in the station, as well as the recently constructed "Carriage Gallery".

Railway Chairman, Michael Collins, said "After this weekend the next time the steam train will be out will be for our Halloween Ghost Trains at the end of the October, so this will be the last opportunity people will have to travel on the steam train before it is infested with ghouls and ghosts at that spooky time of the year!"

"As part of the European Heritage Open Days, you can come down to the see the new exhibition dedicated to the history of the railways in our area in our historic station building, plus a taster of our new Carriage Gallery before it's fully open to the public."

He continues, "If you want a tour of the signal cabin, please ask a member of staff as you will need to be escorted beyond the platform and may have to wear a high visibility jacket," he says.

Mr. Collins adds, "Don’t forget that this is the last week that there will be a Living History Monk at our train's destination at Inch Abbey, provided by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. He'll be explaining life in a medieval monastery, how the monks lived, worked and prayed, and also about John deCourcy who founded the abbey."

Entrance to the new exhibition and under-construction Gallery is free, and the steam train will be running from 2pm till 5pm at a charge, with tickets costing £5.50 adults, £4.50 children or senior citizens, and children aged three years old or below go free. There's no need to book and a ticket lasts all day. And to keep the children entertained the "Thomas the Tank Engine" model railway will be back as usual.

A Great Railway Journey for Portillo
Wednesday, 31st August, 2011

Michael Portillo with engine driver Jeff Spencer and fireman Robert Edwards, examining what Bradshaw has to say about Downpatrick

The former Conservative politician and train enthusiast - turned TV presenter - Michael Portillo visited the Downpatrick and County Down Railway to film an episode of the third series of the BBC2 programme Great British Railway Journeys.

During the series Mr Portillo uses a copy of the Bradshaw Railway Guide from the 1860s to travel the parts of the original railway network that still remain today.

It was compiled by the Victorian cartographer George Bradshaw, who was best known for developing the most successful and longest published series of combined railway timetables.

The latest television series took the presenter to Ireland, where he travelled by train from Dublin, making stops in Drogheda and Newry before stopping in Downpatrick.

On his visit to the railway museum Mr Portillo had a chat on camera with its founder Gerry Cochrane and marketing manager Robert Gardiner. He also enjoyed a train journey in from Inch Abbey to the old station in Downpatrick where he visited the Down Cathedral and St Patrick's Grave, the former is mentioned in the Bradshaw Railway Guide.

The programme is due to be aired on BBC2 sometime in February 2012.

Below is what Bradshaw has to say about Downpatrick, although brief, it is a more substantial account than other towns on the BCDR network attract:

The Signal Box Now Arriving at Platform 1
Sunday, 7th August, 2011

The former Bundoran Junction (North) signal cabin is offloaded late night at Downpatrick Station

If you were travelling between Enniskillen and Belfast yesterday on the M1 you may have seen a very unusual sight - a signal cabin perched on top of a low-loader lorry on its way to its new home at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway.

The cabin used to control the north end of Bundoran Junction in Kilskeery, County Tyrone, which used to be a major junction for the Great Northern Railway (Ireland), where trains diverged to travel to places like Omagh, Enniskillen, Fintona Junction, and of course Bundoran itself, before the entire line was closed by the Stormont government on 1st October 1957.

There were once three cabins controlling the triangular junction in the remote location - one at the three points - North, South and West Cabins.

While Bundoran Junction Station survives as a private dwelling, none of the small signal cabins were thought to still survive - until a chance discussion between a DCDR member with a Fermanagh local on boat in the middle of Lough Erne revealed the location of the former Bundoran Junction (North) cabin - it had been saved to be used as a garden shed in a Ballinamallard home.

The DCDR Signalling team had just recently completed their signalling plan for Downpatrick Station, and had recommended that part of the run-round loop should be controlled by a ground frame or small signal cabin, especially if the proposed St. Patrick's Centre link was built.

Bundoran Junction (North) signal cabin passes the former Clougher Valley Railway station at Augher on its way to Downpatrick

As a result, a new-build structure was proposed, but after learning of the existence of this cabin, a recce party earlier in the year, working with Selwyn Johnston of Headhunter's Railway Museum in Enniskillen, identified the location and approached the owners, who were very keen to see the cabin preserved. Initial inspection revealed that although the base had considerable rot, the vast majority of the structure was sound.

Selywn said "Local railway enthusiasts have always known the location of the cabin, although in the interests of protecting it against vandalisim, its existence and location has remained almost secret. In 2002, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the closure of railways in Fermanagh, a nostalgic bus trip was organised to retrace the route of the GNRI from Enniskillen to Bundoran and in particular to allow former railway employees the unique opportunity to see the North Cabin, which resided under a sprawling apple tree in a Ballinmallard garden."

He continues, "At that time former railway employees and local enthusiasts expressed a wish to protect the cabin for future generations, however no suitable location was ever identified, until DCDR made an approach in 2011. Former railway employees, such as Billy Hawthorne (GNRI Fireman) who worked on the Bundoran branch and now resides in Bolton, were absolutely delighted when he heard that the signal box was going to be moved to Downpatrick and once again become part of a working railway.

"Indeed several former GNRI employees who worked on the Bundoran Branch line are looking forward to visiting Downpatrick whenever the signal box is in position. Headhunters Railway Museum are delighted that the DCDR are committed to protecting the signal box and that a unique part of the GNRI Bundoran Branch is now in Downpatrick. "

The Signalling team worked on creating a cradle for the delicate structure after the recce, and went down to Ballinamallard early morning on Saturday 6th August. A hiab lorry from Tempo-based hauliers M-Tranz, abnormal load specialists, was used to load and transport the cabin to Downpatrick.

The cabin arrived around 9pm in Downpatrick, and was successfully offloaded - although the rotten base was giving cause for concern if it would survive the lift! However all was well, and the cabin is now safe and sound in Downpatrick yard, where the team will work to restore it to its former glory, before it is moved to its permanent home at the east end of Downpatrick platform.

Bundoran Junction North is gingerly lifted from it hiding place in a garden underneath an apple tree to head for its new home

This cabin which is a good example of a GNR(I) small cabin enhances an original plan for a ground frame at the St Patrick's end of the station to control the engine run around and shed exit at that end of the station. A 20 lever frame will enable a working cabin to be commissioned in due course sited at the rear of the platform next to the ramp. A key feature of this cabin will be that it will be at platform height with an entrance directly off the platform.

The sitting of the current main cabin between the tracks at the country end of the station unfortunately means that public access will not be possible during running days and the operating floor steps precludes any form of disabled access. Having a small cabin with its low level windows and easy access will enable visitors to see the signal levers, wires, and controls work. They will be able to have this explained by the porter signalman who will operate the run around and accompanying signals which will be an important part of the museums interperative display of artifacts which can be seen working as intended by their original victorian designers.

Once the cabin is fully restored and resited we would like to include one or two photographs of the cabin in its original context at Bundoran Junction. The restoration team would be particularly keen to locate an old familly photograph of one or more of the original signalmen, preferably either at the Junction or in the cabin for future display as part of the Cabins story.

Who You Gonna Call? If There's Ghosts - Not Me!
Friday, 5th August, 2011

Members of Ghost Searchers Ireland on Downpatrick platform in early Friday morning. Thanks to a camera flash, one DCDR member looks like an apparition already!

The Downpatrick & County Down Railway was visited in the late night of Thursday, 4th August - and the wee hours of Friday, 5th August - by a troup of intrepid Ghost Hunters.

Ghost Searchers Ireland, which was formed earlier this year, came down along with a television crew to search for the paranormal haunting our tracks.

Now, we don't know if they heard of the sightings of the ghosts that haunt our platforms on Halloween night with our Ghost Trains, but they were keen to see if any of our buildings or carriages had any other residents apart from gremlins...

Starting at 7pm, the team investigated the BCDR Railmotor, BCDR 148, GSWR 836, the Signal Cabin, the Loop Platform and King Magnus's Grave.

The team uses a combination of spiritual and scientific methods to gather evidence, and several incidents were recorded. These include a voices in the carriage - one identifying itself as coming from Waterford in GSWR 836 (which was confirmed by us as not an unlikely location!), as well as the sound of someone walking on gravel at the Loop Platform...!

The team have recorded the night's investigation for further analysis, and we're interested to hear further what these are.

But in the meantime, we do know these spooks will once again apparate in front of us on the weekend of Halloween!

Gallery Project on Schedule
Friday, 5th August, 2011

With the rails laid, the concrete is poured over the Gallery floor

Progress in the HLF/NTB funded Carriage Gallery has been largely internal and away from the dramatic scenes of the superstructure being erected to internal fitting out of electrics and the construction of the internal platforms.

Wednesday 6th July saw another milestone with the start of the rails for the three roads being moved in and fitted to the concrete floor.

DCDR volunteers assisted the contractors, Glasgiven, in this area due to our specialised expertise.

This involves setting the correct gauges - both the track gauge, and the distances away from the internal platform edges.

Two types of rail have been used - 95lb flatbottom rail has been used to join up the two shed roads into the old workshed, while 85lb flatbottom rail from Wellington Bridge in Co. Wexford has been used in the "dead road" at the Gallery entrance. It was decided to use this lighter rail here as the gallery curves at this point, and that it would be easier to bend than the heavier rail - given the lack of purchase points on a pre-cast concrete floor. It also will not be joining up with the workshed, which uses the heavier rail. The lighter rail was first used in the "New Tin Shed".

Work on reassembly of the Adelaide turnout to connect the Gallery to the main line

A problem to overcome was the difference in height between the new gallery floor and the existing workshed - this was due to settlement of the old workshop, which created a slight tilt in the floor. Rather than replicate this in a brand new building, it was agreed that the Gallery would be built on the level, and the rails made to fit the tilt. This can be seen on some of the photos on Facebook where wedges have been used to make up the difference in heights - only a few inches at the highest point.

With the rails laid throughout the gallery, the Glasgiven contractors secured the rails to the floor, and today the new concrete floor has been poured to rail height - completing the floor.

Outside, work continues on preparing to connect the gallery to the main line. This has seen the reassembly of the first turnout, acquired earlier from the year from NIR's Adelaide depot, which will be moved to the correct location when the contractors have prepared the trackbed.

We are also indebted to Clive Bradberry and the team at NIR who have released a quantity of concrete sleepers from their Portadown depot to help connect the different types of rail used in this project, and to Andy Irwin of Northern Excavators Rail who organised transport of them to Downpatrick, and once again to Walter Watson for the transport of rail fitting to Downpatrick. These sleepers will be laid in the coming days.

Downpatrick Railway 'Switches' its Attention to Bagenalstown
Thursday, 28th July, 2011

The Irish Rail and DCDR team dismantling and loading the various component parts of the turnout in Bagenalstown Railway Station yard

The Downpatrick & County Down Railway has taken delivery of a specialised piece of railway track - a "switch" or also known as a "turnout" - that allows trains to be guided from one track to another at a junction.

The switch was purchased from Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) in the early part of 2011, and was collected on the morning of 27th July from Bagenalstown in Co. Carlow.

Railway volunteer, Robert Gardiner, who went down fellow Downpatrick railway stalwart Robert Edwards to assist the Irish Rail team in dismantling it, said that they are delighted to have acquired this item.

"If we are to realise our goal of operating trains on both our North Line to Inch Abbey and our South Line to Ballydugan or the Racecourse, we need to remodel the track into Downpatrick Station - which was laid over 25 years ago - to allow this to happen," he says.

"We currently operate under the one-engine-in-steam principle, which means we cannot have more than one train on the same piece of track."

The overall dimensions of the turnout are 90ft long by 15ft wide, therefore a specialised crane lorry was needed to load and transport the materials north. As much as possible was lifted intact, but the majority was dismantled. Sleepers have been numbered to make reassembly easier in Downpatrick

"However," he adds, "should we expand our services we couldn't operate in this way - and we have worked out a comprehensive signalling and track plan which meets statutory requirements to achieve this in anticipation of our extensions opening."

He continues, "We were very lucky to have acquired a number of turnouts from Northern Ireland Railways earlier in the year for the new sidings into our Heritage Lottery funded Carriage Gallery, but we would still be short a number of these turnouts to complete the work on our passenger lines," adding, "So we have been keeping an eye out and our good friends in Irish Rail told us of this one in Bagenalstown which had been removed some time ago when the line had been upgraded."

This turnout is of the older "bullhead rail" type, now largely redundant on modern railways, replaced by the more modern and heavier "flatbottom rail".

Mr Gardiner continues, "It was a sweltering summer's day for a change, and we were all roasted, but we would like to thank everyone in Irish Rail who helped move this turnout 200 miles north!"

It is estimated that the combined track redesign and signalling plan will be complete by 2013/2014.

More Filming at Railway with TG4 History Drama
Thursday, 28th July, 2011

DCDR Chairman Michael Collins looks as if he is about to go on safari with a squad of B-Specials during filming for a new TG4 series

The Downpatrick & County Down Railway will once again grace the small screen, featuring in a documentary about the significance of railways in Irish history that will be screened on Irish language station TG4 in the New Year.

The series is called Boithre Iarainn, and is a six-part series for TG4 about the closure of railways across Ireland, and is due to be aired in January, 2012. Filming took place over two days at the railway, Wed 6th and Thur 7th July.

The DCDR provided location services for two days, where re-enactments of a number of events that happened on Irish railways throughout the 1900s were staged.

These scenes included recalling the tradition of families travelling for their summer holidays to Bundoran on trains, pilgrims making their way to Lough Derg and on board the "Radio Trains" of CIE (Irish Rail's predecessor), the series also looks at the darker side of Irish history with re-enactments of two IRA attacks Cork in the 1920s and in Clones on trains that led to the deaths of many soldiers and civilians.

Downpatrick & County Down Railway chairman, Mr. Michael Collins, said the documentary was one a series of films and programmes to be shot at the railway, which he said was becoming increasingly well known for its film potential.

He said the TG4 crew were delighted and surprised by the wealth of props and trains available to them, with carriages from the 1920s and the 1950s used as authentic trains for the documentary.

He said a number of other film opportunities were also in the pipeline.

"These help our fundraising as an associated fee, they are also very useful for publicity as they spread the word about the local railway," he said.

MP Sees Work at Railway Complex
Wednesday, 20th July, 2011

South Down MP and SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie MLA and DCDR chairman Michael Collins check the guage is right with the newly laid rails inside the Carriage Gallery

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie was given a guided tour of the new gallery under construction at the Downpatrick and County Railway last week.

The MP said she was delighted to visit the Lower Market Street facility to see at ?rst hand the ongoing work on the gallery project which is expected to open for business around Easter next year.

She said the Downpatrick project involves around half a million pounds of capital investment in what she described as an “important tourism project for the Lecale area.

The MP continued: “I hope other projects connected with the railway programme come to fruition such as the link to the St. Patrick Centre and the reinstatement of the bridge at Ballydugan Road

“These are important projects to this area in that tourism heritage is a major contributor to the local economy. It’s important this work is accompanied by the provision of additional bed spaces such as a replacement hotel.”

Miss Ritchie also commended members of the Downpatrick railway project board for their significant work” in bringing the history of the railway in Co. Down back into focus and in making a contribution to the tourism economy of St Patrick’s Country and the Mournes.

PEEP PEEP! Downpatrick Celebrates Thomas Centenary
Wednesday, 15th June, 2011

Under the shadow of "Hermann the German Engine" DCDR Commercial Manager Jenni Munn prepares to cut the birthday cake to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry with Thomas fans Tiernan Rea posing as the controller, Chloe Jones, Seryn Duffy-O'Neill (holding the balloon) and little Ella Valentine.

The Downpatrick & County Down Railway is celebrating the centenary of the birth of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry, the creator of one of the world’s most popular children’s characters, as it opens its doors for its "Summer Steam" season, with trains running every weekend till mid-September.

Born on 15th June, 1911, the Reverend Awdry went on to create a publishing and television legend. The Reverend had a passion for railways which had been instilled in him by his father.

When his own son, Christopher, fell ill with measles, the Reverend brightened up his bed-bound quarantine by telling him stories and drawing pictures about a group of little engines, as DCDR Chairman, Michael Collins explained:

"In 1943, when the Rev Wilbert Awdry composed a bedtime story, the first in what was to become the Thomas the Tank Engine series, to amuse his young son Christopher he cannot have foreseen the wonderful world he would soon open up for generations of children. In fact Thomas did not appear in this first story, Edward and Gordon were on the scene first, but when the lovable Thomas was invented in 1946, he rapidly took centre stage."

Michael continues, "From such humble beginnings grew the whole world of Thomas, his friends and the mythical island of Sodor. The idea of Sodor came to Awdry from the name of the ancient diocese of Sodor and Man. This includes the Isle of Man, but there is no longer a Sodor, so Awdry created a new island of Sodor just off the Cumbrian coast and connected to Barrow-on-Furness by a long bridge. As a result engines could, and were from time to time exchanged with British Railways on the mainland."

The selection of stamps released by Royal Mail to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Rev Wilbert Awdry, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine

Michael admits that his interest in railways was 'assisted' by the little blue tank engine, "I first came across the Thomas books in the 1950s and every generation of children since my time has been fascinated by Thomas and his world. Awdry had to create a complete and consistent geography and history of Sodor and its railways and any inconsistencies were rapidly spotted by his young readers.

"In recent years the TV series, voiced by Ringo Starr, has given a whole new life to Thomas and he is now a major industry with the films, books, models and all sorts of other merchandise devoted to him and the other characters. It would be hard to find today, in the British Isles at least, a child who has not heard of Thomas, Edward, Bertie, the Fat Controller, et al."

He adds, "What is fascinating for those of us operating heritage railways like that at Downpatrick is how for a generation of children half a century removed from steam trains in everyday use, Thomas and steam trains still epitomise the ‘railway’ and how our steam engines (in the case of Downpatrick, all full-sized Thomas's) are quickly christened by our young visitors names such as Hermann the German engine and Harvey the Harbour engine - so long may the magic of Thomas continue!"

The centenary is also being marked by Royal Mail, who have issued a set of special stamps. Issued on 14th June, these include six long-format stamps and a miniature sheet of four stamps. The stamps celebrate the images familiar from the TV series Thomas & Friends, while the mini sheet features original illustrations from The Railway Series books.

Back at Downpatrick's railway, doors open to the public on both Saturdays and Sundays, with the first train leaving at 2 o'clock with the last train returning from Inch Abbey at 5 o'clock.

And while Thomas may not be hauling the train, he will be making an appearance at the railway's model railway exhibition, and there's be plenty of Thomas memorabilia available in the shop, and maybe even Thomas cake in the buffet carriage so you can celebrate Thomas's dad's birthday yourselves.

Fares are £5.50 adults and £4.50 children and senior citizens, while children under the age of three go free!

Eggspress Delivery for Radio Ulster
Saturday, 23rd April, 2011

DCDR chairman Michael Collins appeared on today's BBC Radio Ulster Your Place and Mine programme to talk about the Easter Eggspress train.

BBC Your Place & Mine Saturday 23rd April, 2011 Click HERE to listen

Hop Aboard the Easter Eggspress Train!
Wednesday, 20th April, 2011

George Legge gets his Easter Egg from the Easter Bunny

This April, there'll be 'eggs-travagant' fun at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway with eggs galore on this year's "Easter Eggspress", running over the Easter weekend.

The bunnies are already hopping the rails at the local heritage railway, and the "Easter-Eggspress" is a unique surprise and special treat for kids and a great way to say "Happy Easter!" for all the family.

The steam train will be used for excursions from the town centre from 2pm till 5pm on Saturday 23rd April, Easter Sunday (24th April) & Easter Monday (25th April).

Railway Chairman, Michael Collins, says that children passengers receive a special treat from a special guest who's bounced into the station for this weekend, "Once the train has arrived at Inch Abbey, you'll be greeted by the Easter Bunny who'll be hopping with joy to give them their Easter Eggs."

He continues, "If you bring your camera you might get your child to catch a photograph of this elusive bunny!"

"And as well as fun for the children, mums and dads also get the chance to experience rail travel at its most traditional." Refreshments will be served all day onboard a buffet carriage at Inch Abbey station, car parking is free at both Downpatrick and Inch Abbey and you can board at either station.

Tickets cost £5.50 adults, £5.50 children (including egg), £4 children aged below three years old (including egg), and £4.50 senior citizens. There's no need to book and a ticket lasts all day.

Gallery Project Progresses on Schedule
Wednesday, 20th April, 2011

The interior of the new Gallery takes shape

For any readers who have been folloing the rapid progress of the Carriage Gallery's construction on our Facebook page, you will know how remarkable progress has been since the last update here.

In short, the small loco shed is now structurally complete and weather-tight. The electricians have taken over and power will be installed very shortly

We are also investigating the idea to concrete and roof-over the convenient area between the new shed and the existing Maghera shed to provide useful garage area for small vehicles such as our newly acquired road/rail dumper.

Now for the big story: Our new Gallery has suddenly appeared! It is now structurally complete with cladding and roofing erected. The comment which is most common is "I didn't realise it was going to be THAT big."

Structural steel work being erected recently

Next week the Main Contractor will start the Gallery interior masonry work, and also prepare for the construction of the platforms of our "station" (the entrance is to be designed to resemble a city station with overall-roof. At that stage we as a Society have the responsibility to lay the track inside the Gallery, and also reconnect to the adjacent brown shed.

Accordingly we will assist the main contractor, who will provide plant and labour, with us giving direction and of course supply of the necessary materials.

Up to today, we are on time and within budget, which is the way we intend to continue.

The main contractor informs us that a finish and handover is scheduled for July 2011. Why not come down over Easter to have a "look-see", before July?

Click here to follow the progress
of the Gallery as it happens on our Facebook page

Boost to Gallery Project from Adelaide
Wednesday, 20th April, 2011

The turnouts being loaded at Adelaide Depot in Belfast

The DCDR has taken delivery of four turnouts (or switches or crossings) from the former freight yard at Adelaide, off the Boucher Road in Belfast, which is being redeveloped by NIR to stable and service their new trains currently being built.

As part of the new Gallery project, we need to lay three sidings into the new building, but hadn't enough parts in storage to complete this.

Work began in Adelaide to remove the turnouts on Thursday 7th April, with DCDR people joining the Grahams people on site to provide advice and assistance on dismantling (rather than cutting). Dismantling was complete within a week, and transport was organised with Thomas Herron & Sons to organise three loads over Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd April to lift the turnouts.

The first two loads consisted of two crossing frogs, checkrails, and the longest crossing timbers. The third load then loaded with the four sets of switchblades - all still attached to their sleepers! This prospect had seemed daunting at planning stage, but with our new equipment, we were able to tackle lifts that would have been impossible only a few years ago. Two buffer stops were also loaded, plus loose items such as fishplates and railbolts. One more turnout should become available at the end of the construction work, as it is being retained for temporary trackworks.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us in this project - Michael Graham, Executive Chairman of Grahams, Clive Bradberry, Infrastructure Executive of Translink and their staff - we can now have the materials we need to get items in to the gallery!

Associated Country Women of the World Fund Raiser
Thursday, 24th March, 2011

There are still some tickets available for this coming Tuesday's (29th March) fund raising event for ACWW, a special train will leave the station at 2.30pm to Inch Abbey, with a guided walk around the Abbey, followed by afternoon tea, for a £10 fare (inclusive). For more information contact Jenni Munn via the contacts page.

The members of ACWW, Associated Country Women of the World, who live in rural and urban areas, representatives of many races, nationalities and creeds, believe that peace and progress can best be advanced by friendship and understanding through communication and working together to improve the quality of life for all people through:

• relief of poverty
• relief of sickness and the protection
• and preservation of health
• advancement of education

Working in partnership with its members and member societies, ACWW offers mutual support, friendship and practical help to women and communities around the world.

Doctor Who Star's Debut on Downpatrick's Rails
Tuesday, 22nd March, 2011

Doctor Who star Matt Smith on Downpatrick's platform

In early March eagle eyed viewers of BBC TV couldn't have helped see O&K No. 3 bursting on to their TV screens for the promotional trails of the drama "Christopher & His Kind".

The drama was broadcast on Saturday 19th March and the DCDR provided location filming facilities, along with many other Northern Ireland locations masquerading as pre-Nazi Germany, and our trains feature prominently in the first 15 minutes of the programme.

The current star of Doctor Who, Matt Smith, who plays the Eleventh Incarnation of the Time Lord, was swapping the TARDIS for rail travel.

Co-staring with O&K No. 3, Matt Smith stars in this one-off drama which chronicles the formative years of writer Christopher Isherwood. The O&K was pretending it was back in Germany!

The programme features strong language and content.

Shamrock Steamer Leaving Platform on Thursday
Friday, 12th March, 2011

St. Patrick's Day Carnival Arrives at Downpatrick Station

With carparking at a premium in the St. Patrick's Carnival, the Downpatrick & County Down Railway will be offering a steamy alternative to carnival goers with its St. Patrick’s Day 'Shamrock Steamer.'

In conjunction with Down Community Transport, the railway will be offering a Park'n'Ride service from the Down Business Park on the Belfast Road directly into the heart of the carnival between 10am and 5pm.

Railway Chairman, Michael Collins, says that this St. Patrick's Day boarding at the Inch Abbey terminus is a sure way of beating the traffic and letting you steam into the town for the festival celebrations.

"We know that many people end up parking as far out as the former Abbey Lodge Hotel site and the Down Business Park on the Belfast Road and end up having to walk a fair distance into the town centre," he says. "So many people use our trains to get into the carnival and save the hassle of parking," he says, before adding, "But our Inch Abbey car park is limited, so we've teamed up with Down Community Transport and Down Business Park in order to increase car parking spaces.

"There will be a shuttle bus between the Business Park and our Inch Abbey Station, where you can walk onto a steam train that will take you into the heart of the carnival!” And after a break of two years, there will once again be a traditional music group providing passengers with a “Rail" session on board or at the station.

Mr. Collins, says that there’ll be plenty of crack on board, “As well as sampling railway travel at its most traditional, there’ll be music at it’s most traditional!” But as well as providing a means of getting from A to B on St. Patrick's Day, Mr. Collins suggests a visit to Inch Abbey itself.

“First of all, why not visit a Christian heritage site while celebrating Ireland’s Patron Saint? He adds, “You also get the best view of Down Cathedral, the site of St. Patrick’s Grave, from on board the train.”

From 10am a heritage diesel train will be running the park and ride service between Inch Abbey and the town centre before the steam train takes over at 2pm.

Tickets will be available on board the train, and refreshments will be served all day onboard a buffet carriage while you wait for the train.

Return tickets cost £5 adult, £4 children or senior citizens, while children aged three years old or below go free, and for motorists using the Business Park this includes the cost of the Shuttle Bus and all day parking for themselves and their passengers. Train tickets can be bought at both Inch Abbey and Downpatrick Stations.

Original 1859 Vintage Rails Discovered at Downpatrick
Friday, 18th February, 2011

Michael Collins and the sections of rail uncovered in excavation

An 'amazing' discovery has been made at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway during construction works for a new museum building.

Eight length of wrought-iron 'bridge rail', dating from the construction of the original line from Belfast in 1859, have been unearthed as the foundations were being dug for the £500,000 carriage gallery building, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Railway Chairman, Michael Collins, said, "We're absolutely shocked but delighted by this discovery"

"This rail is a type that was used in the very early railways, it's iron not steel, so was very prone to breaking and was phased out not long after the line from Belfast to Downpatrick was completed," he adds, "therefore we know that these rails have to date from the time when the very first railway track was being laid from Belfast to Downpatrick."

Mr. Collins continues, "Never in a million years did any of us expect to discover such a tangible link between us, and the opening of the line in 1859 - over one hundred and fifty years ago!"

The type of rail was used in a form of railway track known as "baulk road", and was most famously but not exclusively used on Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Great Western Railway line in England.

Mr. Collins says, "The Belfast & County Down Railway used it on all its lines from Belfast to Holywood, Comber, Ballynahinch, Downpatrick and Newcastle. 'Baulk road' was a continuously supported wrought iron rail - a 'U' shaped rail called bridge rail. It has wide flanges that could be bolted to the timber bearer, or a 'longitudinal' baulk. The two rails and their baulks would be tied together with smaller timbers"

He add, "By the end of the 19th Century stronger steel rails began to become available and the Belfast & County Down Railway began to replace all its Baulk Road track with the conventional rails and sleepers we see on our railway lines today."

So how did this rail survive so long? Michael has a theory. "I suspect that when the Downpatrick signal cabin was being built, that these obsolete rails were used in its foundations, which would explain why they were buried so far below the surface of the ground. The were was also a lot of masonry debris around them, and the location fits, so that's what I think."

And what will become of the rails? "We certainly hope to incorporate these into the new Carriage Gallery - this building will have three tracks going into it, and we would hope to recreate a section of baulk road on one as a museum piece in its own right using these rails," says Mr. Collins.

He continues, "It would be just wonderful to have a piece of track that you can point out to visitors as being from the time of the opening of the line to Downpatrick".

A 'Baby Shower' With a Difference
Tuesday, 15th February, 2011

The "Baby GM" arrives in Downpatrick on a snowy Saturday morning

The DCDR is pleased to announce that the official launch of the new "baby GM" at Downpatrick - former Irish Rail engine No. 146, will take place on March 5th.

The event is prebooked only, and is organised by the loco's owners, the Irish Traction Group for what will be the first passenger working in preservation of "141" Class No. 146.

Joining 146 will be fellow diesels (subject to availability) will be 146, A39, "G" Class and Railbus RB3.

A special road coach connection departs Dublin (Connolly Station) at 09:00 and Dublin Airport (Coach Park) at 09:30. Return from Downpatrick at 16:30, arrival in Dublin Airport (Coach Park) approximately 18:30 and Connolly Station approximately 19:00.

Fares: For combined special coach from Dublin and ticket for rail travel at Downpatrick - €25 (Republic of Ireland bookings) or £22 (U.K. bookings)

Downpatrick only ticket - €9 (Republic of Ireland bookings) or £7 (U.K. bookings). (You will be expected to make your own way to and from Downpatrick if taking this option).

Download Booking Form

BBC Evening Extra Talks to Desmond Coakham
Monday, 17th January, 2011

Desmond Coakham (right) and Andy Crockart (left) inspect a copy of the book in the foyer during the Book Launch

The launch of Desmond Coakham's book, "The Belfast & County Down Railway", was covered in today's edition of BBC Radio Ulster's drive-time news programme, Evening Extra.

The event to place on the 61st Anniversary of the closure of the BCDR, and saw the veteran author and expert on the Belfast & County Down Railway made an Hononary Life Member of the Downpatrick & County Down Railway Society for his help to the DCDR and for keeping the memory of the BCDR alive in the public consciousness.

Desmond Coakham was accompanied by those who had helped him get the book to print, namely Andy Crockhart and Dennis Young - who spurred him on to finish the book when it was just a few chapters written many years ago.

A good number of books were bought and signed, to the delight of the author, on what was a damp and soggy day, before the speeches from Michael Collins, DCDR Chairman, Eamonn O'Neill, Down District Council Chairman, and finally Desmond himself.

The train then took everyone to the Loop Platform for refreshments.

BBC Evening Extra Monday 17th January, 2011 Click HERE to listen

Book Recalling Much Loved Railway Launches at Downpatrick
Thursday, 6th January, 2011

The cover of "The Belfast & County Down Railway" by Desmond Coakham

The old Belfast & County Down Railway still manages to capture people's imagination sixty one years after it was closed, and now a new 'definitive' book about this line is to be launched at the BCDR's successor in Downpatrick on the anniversary of the line's closure.

This book is written by Desmond Coakham, who turns 89 years old this month - proving that you are never too old to put pen to paper, or in Desmond's case finger to typewriter.

The Belfast and County Down Railway connected the City to, among other places, Bangor, Newtownards, Donaghadee, Ballynahinch, Downpatrick and Newcastle, with only the Bangor line surviving today.

Few railways have grabbed the public consciousness in the same way as the BCDR has, maybe it was because it did things differently than its bigger rivals at Great Victoria Street or York Road, with it's initials fondly or sometimes mockingly changed to mean "Be Careful, Don’t Rush".

But despite being gone for over two generations its presence still lingers knowingly or unknowingly - whether you refer to the long-gone 'Holywood Arches', or can recall the old slogan of "Bangor and Back for a Bob" the memories are still there under the surface.

Desmond Coakham was one person who fell under its spell when he moved to Bangor in 1942. He grew to know the BCDR like no other and his book combines this first-hand knowledge with detailed research of the BCDR's long history from birth to closure, its personalities as well as its trains - creating what will surely become the first complete history of the line.

The author Desmond Coakham

Having gathered up much information, research and photographs (many taken by himself) since the Forties, it was always an ambition of Desmond's to complete this work, and with the help of his close friends and publisher Colourpoint Books, this book is now the culmination of a seventy year old relationship with the line!

To celebrate the publication of this book, the aptly-styled Downpatrick and County Down Railway, a heritage line setup in 1985 on the BCDR's terminus in the town to preserve the memory of the old line, are hosting a book-signing with the author on Saturday 15th January, which is also a poignant date as it also marks the 61st Anniversary of the closure of the BCDR in 1950.

So if you've walked along the Comber Greenway or the Mourne Coastal Walk at Dundrum, or even if you are old enough to have gone on a seaside trip to either Newcastle, Ardglass or Bangor, or simply looked up at an old stone bridge beside the road and wondered about the railway line that used to run there, then the "The Belfast & County Down Railway" by Desmond Coakham will be indispensible.

Doors open at 2pm, and the DCDR is offering free travel to anyone who purchases a book on the day to be signed, price £25 and published by Colourpoint Books in hardback. Normal fares apply to ordinary travellers, or for anyone bringing their own copy to be signed, at £5 adults and £4 children..