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. Read the Masterplan news article here.
Railmotor carries passengers for the first time
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.
80 class railcars arrive
The two 80 class railcars, 69+749 and 90+752, arrive at the railway.
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.
Railmotor test runs
BCDR Railmotor 72 successfully completes test runs, operating push/pull with O&K No.1.
450 class arrives
Former Northern Ireland Railways 450 class railcar 458, and the DBSO carriage, arrive at the railway.
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.
O&K No. 1 hauls first train
Still in works grey undercoat, O&K 1 is pressed into passenger service for the Lapland Express.
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.
Bundoran Junction signal cabin arrives
The remaining structure of Bundoran Junction North signal cabin is delivered to the railway, ahead of a long rebuild.