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Timeline – 2010s

In this section:
An overview of the history of the Downpatrick and County Down Railway from our founding to the present day.
2010
March
Facebook page launched

DCDR embraces the new social media era early as our Facebook page is launched.

July
Town masterplan launched
Town masterplan launched
The Downpatrick town masterplan is launched. Railway Chairman, Michael Collins, described the document as ‘extremely encouraging’ and welcomed its endorsement of the heritage railway’s role in the town’s regeneration.
November
Diesel locomotive 146 arrives

The Irish Traction group’s second large diesel locomotive, GM 146, arrives at the railway.

December
Carriage Gallery construction work begins

Ground is broken on the first stage of the construction of our new three-road Carriage Gallery building.

2011
January
The definitive BCDR book is launched

Desmond Coakham’s authoritative book ‘The Belfast & County Down Railway’ is officially launched in a ceremony at our station in Downpatrick.

August
Bundoran Junction signal cabin arrives

The remaining structure of Bundoran Junction North signal cabin is delivered to the railway, ahead of a long rebuild.

2012
June
Unsung hero
Popular and long-serving volunteer John Henry wins the Unsung Museum Hero award.
July
Carriage gallery completed

The carriage gallery building is completed and is opened to the public.

July
O&K No. 1 in steam

O&K steam locomotive No. 1 returns to Downpatrick following overhaul.

November
Steam locomotives depart and arrive

Steam locomotive LP&HC, No. 3, ‘Harvey’, leaves the railway, to be replaced the next day by newly-restored O&K No. 1.

December
O&K No. 1 hauls first train

Still in works grey undercoat, O&K 1 is pressed into passenger service for the Lapland Express.

2013
March
Track project finishes – for now

The first stage of a major track relay project, installing new junctions and preparing for a double track layout, is finished just in time for St Patricks Day.

November
Clean energy pioneer
Solar panels installed for first time at our railway, on the roof of the new Carriage Gallery building.
2014
January
Railway founder receives honour
Railway founder receives honour
Our founder Gerry Cochrane is awarded the MBE in the New Year Honours List.
September
Carriage Gallery officially opened
Carriage Gallery officially opened

Our Carriage Gallery building is officially launched in a ceremony attended by Prince Edward.

September
450 class arrives
450 class arrives

Former Northern Ireland Railways 450 class railcar 458, and the DBSO carriage, arrive at the railway.

2015
July
HRA winner again

The railway wins the HRA award for small groups, in recognition for development of the carriage gallery and its youth team.

2016
April
Railmotor test runs
Vintage steam train crossing a river bridge at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway museum.

BCDR Railmotor 72 successfully completes test runs, operating push/pull with O&K No.1.

2017
June
Downpatrick East signal cabin officially opened

A ceremony is held to mark the completion of the ex-Bundoran Jct signal cabin, now installed at the end of our Downpatrick station platform and officially named Downpatrick East Cabin.

October
TPO arrives
TPO arrives

Former CIÉ Travelling Post Office carriage No. 2977 arrives at Downpatrick, on long-term loan from An Post. It is moved to the Carriage Gallery shortly afterwards where it is accessible to the public.

2018
April
80 class appeal launched
80 class appeal launched
Our Save an 80 class appeal is launched, as Translink/NI Railways offer us four withdrawn vehicles.
May
80 class railcars arrive
80 class railcars arrive

The two 80 class railcars, 69+749 and 90+752, arrive at the railway.

September
Railmotor carries passengers for the first time
Vintage steam train at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway museum.

BCDR railmotor 72 carries paying passengers for the first time when used as part of our vintage heritage rake of carriages for European Heritage Open Days.

2019
February
Railmotor wins award
Railmotor wins award

Beautifully-restored BCDR railmotor carriage No. 72 wins the HRA’s carriage award. The ex-Bundoran Jct signal cabin is runner-up in the signalling award.

July
Themed events start
Themed events start

In an effort to offer new attractions to the public, and boost our revenue, we run our first summer of themed events. The Jurassic Express dinosaur trains start the season, with superheroes, afternoon teas, and more to follow. We set the bar in railway themed events in this country, others were quick to copy!

October
Irish Traction Group celebration
Irish Traction Group celebration

A highly successful diesel gala event is run to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ITG, with every available locomotive making an appearance.

December
Bundoran cabin wins award
Bundoran cabin wins award
The Downpatrick East Cabin project is a winner at the National Railway Heritage Awards.