Railway renamed
We change our name from ‘Downpatrick and Ardglass Railway’ to ‘Downpatrick Steam Railway’
Highway filming
ITV film an episode of ‘Highway’ at the railway for St Patrick’s Day, including filming at the railway. You can see the relevant section of the programme here.
Bangor lever frame recovery
The original BCDR lever frame is recovered from Bangor signal cabin for installation at Downpatrick.
Locomotive naming
Diesel locomotive E421 is named ‘WF Gillespie OBE’ after one of our founders who was instrumental in preserving several of our locomotives.
Steam in the Heart of Ulster
The railway was the focus of a BBC Radio Ulster documentary ‘Steam in the Heart of Ulster’.
New locomotive shed completed
Rebuilding of what we now call ‘the Maghera Shed’ is completed.
O&K loco restoration complete
O&K steam locomotive No. 3 returns following overhaul at Whitehead.
New station canopy
Our Downpatrick station has a canopy installed on the platform, sourced from Maghera on the former Derry Central line.
Quoile Bridge constructed
The new Quoile Bridge is installed – with giant road cranes lifting huge girders into place.
North Line tracklaying begins
The massive project to relay track on the former Belfast-bound mainline towards Inch Abbey begins.