Station site work commences
ACE scheme starts to help build the perimeter fence around the site and the ‘tin shed’ to house locos and rolling stock.
Yard of Track Campaign
Our famous ‘Yard of track’ campaign starts. With IDB assistance, 300 applications from Japanese TV viewers raise £7,500, a massive sum of money for the fledgling railway.
The Company is formed
The Downpatrick & Ardglass Railway Company Ltd. (DAR) is established at a meeting on 2nd August. The first board was Robert Edwards, William Gillespie, Ciaran McAteer, P Forde, Jim Perry and Gerry Cochrane.
First civil engineering work commences
Work begins on site, with the laying of hardcore for the track and initial work on bridge 164, cleaning off rust and preparing to paint it.
3BG ‘Guinness’ returns to service
The Guinness steam locomotive, No 3 BG, completes the bulk of its overhaul and steams for the first time following a full restoration at Downpatrick, led by Robert Edwards.
First public trains
DCDR operates its first train on 4th December 1987, consisting of E421 and an NCC brake van.
Steam locomotives acquired
Two ex-O&K steam locomotives, built originally for Cómhlucht Siúicre Eireann and abandoned in a field near Ballynahinch, are purchased by the railway and arrive at Downpatrick.
First locomotive arrives
Railway purchases its first locomotive, diesel E421, from CIÉ, funded by our late President William Gillespie OBE, in November. E432 would arrive later, primarily as a source of spare parts.
First carriages acquired
Acquired our first item of rolling stock, BCDR Royal Saloon 153, which had been in use as a hen house. It is moved to RAF Bishopscourt for storage. BCDR six wheel carriage 154 is rescued from a farm and moved to Newcastle Tech for restoration.
Rebirth of a railway
Gerry Cochrane establishes a campaign to build a heritage railway in Downpatrick, with the initial meeting held in Denvir’s Hotel. Approval was obtained in principle from Down District Council.