1918 was built in Inchicore Works, Dublin, as composite No. 2163 in 1957. It is one of the few remaining ‘laminate’ coaches (which take their name from the laminated wood used in their construction). Originally, it sat 40 in first class and 36 in standard with a vestibule in between. 2163 was renumbered as 1605 in 1970. The ‘laminate’ carriages got to just about everywhere on the system, including the Northern Ireland Railways network.
Conversion to a brake vehicle
In 1971 the carriage was rebuilt as a brake standard, becoming 1918 in the process. It could now seat 50, with a large Guard’s compartment at one end. By this point the vehicle bodies were nearing the end of the intended 15 year lifespan. However, the cash-strapped CIÉ was in no position for full rebuilds or replacements, and so the ‘laminates’ would soldier on in service throughout the 1970s and well into the 1980s.
Withdrawal and preservation
1918 was withdrawn in 1986 due to a hot box. A few others carried on in mainline service until 1988. It was in the latter year that we purchased 1918 for preservation, along with two other CIÉ carriages; 3223 and 2419. These were the first operable carriages acquired by our then-embyonic preservation society. Our first attempt to move the three to Downpatrick from Dublin failed due to the haulier sending the wrong type of lorry. Instead, they were moved by rail to Adelaide yard in Belfast from where they could then complete the journey to Downpatrick by road.
1918 was soon pressed into service, with its first use at Downpatrick being in late 1988. The carriage went on to be a mainstay of our steam train and heritage diesel operations for the next two decades. It remained in passenger use until 2007, when it was converted to a buffet coach with kitchen hobs and a bar counter at the brake end. To accommodate this, the Guard’s compartment was removed and the handbrake was re-sited closer to the vestibule gangway. Though later replaced as the buffet coach by 2419, it remained as part of the buffet set.
Temporary retirement
1918, as with the rest of the buffet set, was taken out of everyday use in August 2018. Railcar 458 took over buffet duties at this time. 1918 remained in use as part of the Santa’s grotto set until the 2019 season. After this it was fully withdrawn as we changed our Santa train format.It remained out of use in Downpatrick yard for the early part of the 2020s, with 80 class power car 69 taking up much of the carriage team’s time.
Restoration begins
As 69 nears completion, it was decided in early 2026 that 1918 would be the next major carriage project. Preparatory work began in January of that year, but there is a long road ahead.
If you would like to contribute towards this carriage’s restoration, you can donate to our appeal here. Your donations, large or small, are very appreciated.
