074 shunting at Portlaoise PWD Depot.

080 brings the LWR train from North Wall to Limerick.

22018 at Connolly.

Night time at Portarlington.

Several photos between Hazelhatch and Clondalkin showing trains operating over the new up line.

On Saturday the 31st October I took to the River Shannon to view the bridge replacement at Drumsna on the Dublin - Sligo line, plus a visit to Dromod to view the Cavan and Leitrim Railway.

A couple of photos from Kilbride Bridge this morning including 22001+22017+22027 on the 0945 Laois Traincare - Heuston.

After New York and London it's time for some Irish Rail Images after a three week break.

Wednesday saw the new IE MPV No. 790 peeking out from behind a building in Portlaoise Per-Way Yard.

Thursday and Friday was spent photographing the IWT and DFDS Liners plus the usual diet of MKIV's and 22000 DMU's.

Locations visited include:
Stacummy Bridge,
Cabra
North Wall
Cloney
Kildare
Monastervin
Portarlington
Cloncoher
Geashill
Portlaoise

A few photos from Saturday and Sunday shows 4004, 4006 and 208.

This Gallery will be used to show progress on the LUAS extensions, construction work started on line B1 in February 2007 and line C1 in June 2007.

A round up of pictures of the LUAS tram system in Dublin. There are presently 2 unconnected lines open the Red Line using 3000 series trams and the Green line using 4000 series trams. This Gallery will be updated soon with other shots from the system.

The Southern Electric Group's Sandilands Spider Tram tour.

Route of the tour was East Croydon - Beckenham Jct (reverse) - Woodside Crossover (reverse) - Elmers End (Reverse) - Sandilands Crossover (reverse) - New Addington (reverse) - East Croydon - Therapia Lane Depot (Depot Tour) - Wimbledon (reverse) - West Croydon - Lloyd Park Crossover (reverse) - East Croydon.

Thanks to the Southern Electric Group and Tramlink driver and supervisor for running an excellent and unusual tour.

A weekend visit to London for the Southern Electric Group's Sandilands Spider Tram tour.

- London Underground on the Central and Northern Lines.
- Gatex Class 460's at Gatwick Airport.
- VSOE at Victoria.
- North London Line Trip from Stratford to Richmond.
- Croydon Tramlink.

Photos from a trip to the U.S.A. cities of New York & Philadelphia.

For more information on the High Line Project in Manhattan please visit the official website at www.thehighline.org

For information on the New York Subway system I suggest logging onto www.nycsubway.org

The Fitzpatrick's Grand Central Hotel is located at 141 East 44th Street at Lexington Avenue.

076 on a per way train at Portlaoise plus a trip down to the south west of the country.

The week kicks off with a picture of the last MKIII stock passenger working, the 1345 Heuston - Cork special passing Portlaoise.

On Tuesday a visit to Connolly was made to see the refurbished concourse, plus a couple of pictures from Newbridge.

Photos of the G.A.A. Specials from Cork and Kerry this morning at Rathpheln & Rosskelton (both between Portlaoise & Ballybrophy) are now online.

A total of 12 specials, plus one service extended to Dublin operated for the All Ireland Final between Cork and Kerry.

The breakdown was as follows:

Four Specials from Cork.
One Special from Mallow.
Two Specials from Killarney.
One Special from Tralee.
0715 Tralee - Mallow extended to Dublin.
One Special from Limerick
One Special fromWestport

In the evening time an 1935 Heuston - Galway special also operated.

This weekend also marks the end of MKIII operation on the I.E. network with the 3 last remaining sets to be withdrawn from service on Monday. It was good to see the fleet go out in fine style by working specials to and from Cork for the All Ireland Final in Dublin.

Monday:

081 on the DFDS Liner at Cush between Cherryville & Athy.

Tuesday:

29008 on the 1205 Heuston - Kildare at Kildare
081 on the 1155 North Wall - Ballina International Warehousing & Transport (IWT) Liner at Kildare followed by 076 on a Inchicore - Portlaoise L.E. move.

22043 on the 1240 Heuston - Westport and finally 219 at Kilbride Bridge with the 1130 Cork - Heuston which was formed of MKIII's.

22044 on its first passenger trip at Portarlington on Monday.

Friday:
207 1615 Heuston - Ballina.
22031 1650 Heuston - Galway
22034 1725 Heuston - Limerick
4002 1630 Cork - Heuston
22042 1745 Heuston - Westport
22044 1750 Heuston - Galway

On Sunday I went to Mullingar to see the RPSI Special from Connolly to Mullingar. Also 207 at Clonygowan on the 1530 Westport - Heuston.

Enterprise Liveried No. 230 was provided to work the 1615 Heuston - Ballina Friday Only service.

141 hauled failed 075 from Portarlington to Inchicore on the Wednesday.

Displaced from the Enterprise service after the viaduct collapse at Malahide 208 worked to Cork on Tuesday evening with the 2000 Heuston - Cork. Is this the 1st time 208 has worked a MKIV in the revised Enterprise livery?

Other photos from the week include 22038 in fading light at Killenard on Thursday, along with several photos from Carn Bridge on Saturday night including:

224 1730 Cork - Heuston.
232 1835 Heuston - Tralee
222 1900 Heuston - Cork
073 Portlaoise - Sallins Per-Way train.

Plus several aircraft from the Lime Tree Airfield near Portarlington, which held their Annual Fly In on the Saturday & Sunday.

Sunday saw Kerry playing Meath in the All Ireland Football Semi-Final at Croke Park. IE provided a special train from Killarney at 0725 to Dublin. This was formed of 216 + 8 MKIII. The 0715 Tralee - Mallow was extended to Heuston also on this day and was formed of 232 + 8 MKIII.

Other bits and bobs seen during the day were:
208 1000 Heuston - Cork
075 stabled at Portarlington on a ballast train.
22003 + 22007 1125 Heuston - Limerick.
226 1800 Heuston - Cork

In the evening 225 worked the 1810 Heuston - Killarney Special and 223 was provided to work the 1910 Heuston - Tralee service which was MKIII's to provide additional capacity.

On Wednesday 19th August 2009 a new rail freight service for International Warehousing & Transport between Dublin Port & Ballina was launched with the loading of the inaugural train in Dublin Port. Staff from IE, IWT and Dublin Port were on hand to witness the loading of the train.

The train leaves Dublin's North Wall at 10.55 on Thursday and is scheduled to arrive in Ballina at 16.58.

Pictures from Portarlington, Hybla, Monastervin and Portlaoise start the week off.

Tuesday saw some late night photos at Kildare with Tamper 741 heading into a TIII possession and 152 hauling new points & crossings tamper 751 from Portlaoise Per-Way yard to Kildare Per-Way Depot.

The week starts off with some per way trains from Thursday in the Portlaoise area.

Sunday saw 22022 + 22007 heading from Laois Traincare to Heuston to form an evening GAA special to Limerick Junction while 232 was captured in charge of the 1345 Tralee - Heuston.

A few photos from Killenard to start the week off with 232 and a MKIII set on the 1630 Cork - Heuston.

Other pictures during the week saw 083 working a Drogheda - Portlaoise Per Way train along with 077 on a rake of former timber wagons on the former Kilkenny Branch at Portlaoise on Thursday.

Sunday saw several specials operating in connection with G.A.A. Matches at Croke Park.
The 0700 Westport - Heuston Special was MKIII's, while Waterford and Kilkenny Specials all produced 2 X 3 Car 22000 DMU's.

A collection showing trains in Waterford Port, Belview. Ireland's only connected rail port.

At the time of writing there are 3 container trains a week from Ballina to the Port operated by DFDS.

Thanks to the Waterford Port Company for permission to use the pictures.

A visit to the Downpatrick and County Down Rail and Inch Abbey on Sunday 2nd August 2009.

The new Cork-Midleton line was officially opened by the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey TD this Thursday 30th July.

The Minister travelled with invited guests and the media on the 1215 Cork - Midleton launch train on the new line, opening the new stations at Carrigtwohill and Midleton itself.

A day of celebration involving the local community and businesses occured at Midleton Station with a giant barbecue. Stilt walkers and face painters there to entertain the children, local Cork band, Bog The Donkey provided the music and local business and food producers showcased the best of local fare.

On Thursday 30th July travel was free between Cork and Midleton.

Two MKIII sets were seen in action west of Portarlington on Wednesday evening in the "post MKIII era".

224 worked the 1940 Heuston - Athlone empty and 232 was in charge of the 1930 Galway - Heuston Galway Races Special.

Monday:

22030 1735 Limerick - Heuston at Deerpark Bridge, Portarlington.

22009 1730 Cork - Heuston at Deerpark Bridge, Portarlington.

Tuesday:

4005 1330 Cork - Heuston at Carn Bridge.

3 + 6 ICR No's. 22046+22040 1445 Heuston - Limerick Trial at Carn Bridge.

Wednesday:

The plan - meet a friend after work and catch up over a few pints and dinner.

That part happened and finished just in time to capture MKIII International coaches No's. 6203 & 6205 leaving North Wall bound for Naas. Managed to photograph them at North Wall, Clontarf Road and on the M50.

Thanks to H Gricer for providing the transport for the chase!

Iarnród Éireann is to undertake major works on the Cork-Cobh commuter line during October and November, to modernise station platforms and other facilities along the route.

The works on the Cork-Cobh line include:

- the upgrading of 11 platforms at 6 stations along the route.

- laying of cable ducting for signalling, electrical and telecoms

- facilitating construction of a new overbridge at Woodhill, including a retaining wall at the approach to the bridge

- coastal defence and landslip protection works at key sites

- installation of a watermain for Cork County Council

- signalling adjustments to facilitate the reopening of the Cork-Midleton line

The works represent an investment of €5 million in the route, and are part of a wider package of investment in Cork’s commuter rail network.

Therefore to see the lines stations in their present format before the upgrade, I spent a couple of hours at different locations between Cork and Cobh.

Meanwhile work is well advanced on the reopening of the 6 1/4 mile Glounthaune-Midleton railway. The first sections of track & signals have recently been laid at Glounthaune and work on the new stations at Carrigtwohill and Midleton is progressing nicely. The Glounthaune - Midleton railway is due to reopen in 2009.

**UPDATE DECEMBER 2008**

A update to this collection from December 29th 2008 sees the upgraded stations at Little Island, Glouthaune, Carriageloe, Rushbrooke and Cobh, plus the latest work on the Glouthaune - Midleton reopening project.

**UPDATE JULY 2009**

A long overdue update to this collection, showing the completed work on the branch. I had planned to spend most of the day in the area but due to some unforeseen circumstances I didn't arrive until late afternoon. Pictures of 175 on the driver training at Waterrock Level Crossing and Midleton, plus 2600 & 2700's class DMU's at Glounthaune.

A couple of pictures from the Portlaoise area to start the week off and one picture from Galway on Sunday.

Monday:

226 on the 0915 Galway - Heuston and 087 on the 0755 Waterford - Ballina timber.

Saturday:

232 on the 0915 Galway - Heuston at Ballinasloe and Heuston. This service will become 22000 operated from next week.

Sunday:

With Kildare playing Dublin in the Lenister Football Final the Kildare Commuter service was increased in capacity to 8 cars. A couple of photos of 29025 + 29027 at Newbridge Ballast Pit and Kildare.

Also some photos from Cloncoher between Geashill and Tullamore showing 22041 on the 1805 Westport - Heuston and 224 on the last loco hauled 2005 Heuston - Athlone empty stock.

A short break in London with a day trip to Paris via Eurostar.

On Saturday 27th June 2009, Majella Foley (from Banteer, Co. Cork) and Kieran Gallagher (from Dungloe, Co. Donegal) were married in St Furseys Church, Banteer, Co. Cork on Saturday 27th June 2009.

To transport the 190 Wedding Guests from Killarney to Banteer for the Wedding and afterwards back to Killarney for the reception at the Malton Hotel, Killarney they hired a 3 car Intercity Railcar from Iarnrod Eireann. The train had been specially prepared at Laois Traincare for the happy occasion.

Here are a couple of pictures from the event.

Pictures from this week include:

Monday:

224 on the Ballina - Waterford timber.

Tuesday:

079 on the last Tullamore cement plus 22032 and 22037 on Galway line passenger services.

Wednesday:

Photos from Sallins to see early morning services plus the last Tullamore cement which was hauled by 079.

Thursday:

085 hauled the bogie cement wagons from North Wall to Limerick for use on the Limerick - Waterford cement flow and 073 on an engineers train from Birdhill to Portlaoise.

Friday:

22013 went from Laois Traincare to Cork to work the Wedding Train on Saturday. Plus 083 worked the relay train back to Portlaoise from Birdhill.

Saturday:

Photos from Connolly, Limerick, Thurles and Portarlington.

Sunday:

Specials at Kildare.

A day tour using Mark III equipment as these carriages approach the end of their working life with Iarnód Éireann.

Planned Route: Connolly - Ballybrophy - Nenagh - Limerick - Tipperary - Limerick Jct - Thurles - Connolly.

Locos were 152+171 throughout. Sadly 171 suffered a hot engine at Thurles and shut down. The train was declared a failure and cancelled. Passengers were transferred to alternative Dublin bound services. A sad end to what was a good day out.

A selection of Photos from the Bord na Mona systems in Co. Offaly.

Monday:

Pictures from Carn, Ballykillane and Geashill showing 201 + MKIII's on Athlone and Cork services, plus MKIV's and 22000's at Carn.

Tuesday has 22037 at Cloncoher between Geashill and Tullamore.

Wednesday has pictures from Cloncoher, Tullamore, Rosskelton. Lisduff, Templemore, Rathphelan.
Highlights from Wednesday include:

080 on the 0720 North Wall - Tullamore cement with 9 bogie bulks.

229 1530 Cork - Heuston, 8 MK III.

234 worked a 1230 Inchicore - Mallow and 1545 Mallow - Inchicore MKIII / MK IV trial train to compare ride comfort levels between the two fleets as part of the ongoing effort to improve the ride comfort of the MKIV fleet.

Photos of the test train at Rosskelton, Rathphelan and Mallow Station. Thanks to Loco 089 for the Mallow photos.

A bumper collection kicks off the week with an early morning trip to the Curragh to see the Tullamore - North Wall cement. Alas no cement ran due to operational issues but plenty of 22000 DMU's forming early morning passenger and empty stock workings.

A surprise return to the scene this week is the Weedspray train making its 2nd appearance for 2009. On Monday it went Portlaoise - Inchicore and returned to Portlaoise on Tuesday. I managed to photograph it at Ratheven, outside Portlaoise.

Late afternoon and early evening included a trip to Tullamore to see 224 stabled with the cement train, plus 234 on the 1710 Heuston - Afternoon at Portarlington. Finally an hour at Carn was spent in glorious evening sunlight to see 215 on the 1900 Heuston - Cork with a MKIII rake and the usual diet of MKIV's and 22000 DMU's .

Wednesday's photo is of 224 with the Tullamore Cement and Thursday has photos from Kildare showing 082 and 6101 which is on a wheel skate.

Saturday was a Dublin Suburban ramble from Sallins into Heuston, then Connolly - Howth Jct - Greystones - Connolly and then back out to Sallins.

A busy end to the week on Sunday with 082 and 6101 going from Kildare to Inchicore in the morning. Managed to photograph it at Kildare, The Curragh, Sallins and the Iron Bridge, Sallins. In the afternoon I took a spin to Thurles for the G.A.A. Waterford - Limerick Munster Hurling semi-final.

Two pictures of the last Push / Pull operated 1710 Heuston - Athlone at Shanderry start the week off on Tuesday.

On Wednesday the Push / Pull returned to Heuston with the 0915 Galway - Heuston. This was the last MKIII Push / Pull passenger service, the set being withdrawn upon arrival at Heuston.

Also a couple of pictures of 22041 at Portarlington are included.

Thursday evening was a bumper couple of hours with all remaining MKIII sets in operation.

The following services were MKIII operated today:
0800 Heuston - Cork
1130 Cork - heuston
1710 Heuston - Athlone

0705 Athlone - Galway
0915 Galway - Heuston
1500 Heuston - Cork
1830 Cork - Heuston

0715 Cork - Mallow empty
0800 Mallow - Cork
0930 Cork - Heuston
1300 Heuston - Cork
1630 Cork - Heuston
2000 Heuston - Cork

1350 Heuston - Galway Gaeltacht special.
1740 Galway - Athlone Volvo Boat Race special.
1852 Athlone - Heuston empty.


Two photos from Friday morning sees 177 hauling the 0600 Limerick - Inchicore Wheel Carrier and one photo from Sunday showing 22041 at Killenard with the 1130 Galway - Heuston.

One picture of the new Clongriffin rail station from the air on final approach to Dublin airport and a few photos from Portlaoise, Cork and Rathmore on the Friday.

Day 5, the last day of the UK trip got off to a bad start. Due to an incident at New Milton, outside Bornemouth, all Weymouth / Poole - London services were suspended until further notice. Decided to hop onto the 0933 Southampton - Brighton Southern 377 to Fareham to get moving and then got a 444 on a Portsmouth - Waterloo via Eastleigh to Winchester. A short taxi ride later found me in Alresford station on the Mid Hants Railway for a spin to Alton and back again behind GWR 5205 Class No. 5224

Got the bus back to Winchester and then off to Southampton Airport for the flight home. The final photos of the weekend are from the air showing Southampton Docks and Eastleigh Works.

Day 4 sees a trip along the south coast from Southampton to Brighton to visit the Volks Electric Railway, the world's oldest operating electric railway.

After visiting the VER, it was time for a quick dash to London on a pair of FCC 319's through the Thameslink tunnel to West Hampstead Thameslink. A short walk down West End Lane to West Hampstead North London Line station for a trip to Richmond on a LORO Class 313. After Richmond, it was a trip through home turf via Twickenham to Staines on a SWT 450 for a SWT 455 to Woking and the final trip of the night on a SWT 444 to bring me back to Southampton.

Knights Rail Services, in association with The Railway Magazine, held an open weekend at the former BR Eastleigh Works, to mark the centenary of the plant in the Hampshire town.

Day 3 of the UK trip stays local around Southampton with a trip to Eastleigh for the open day and in the afternoon to Brockenhurst to see the DRS 37's pass through the station with the wessex man railtour.

Day 2: An early start from Holyhead on the 0532 Holyhead - Cardiff WAG express, followed by a trip on the Cardiff Bay shuttle and one of the Valley branches. Then it was onto Taunton with the FGW loco hauled service. Voyager to Exeter, 159 to Salisbury and after a long day a 3 car 158 to Southampton.

Day 1: A jaunt on the North Wales Coast from Holyhead to Chester and back again.

A couple of pictures from Portarlington and Connolly on Thursday.

The RPSI's Irish Railway Hertiage weekend entered its final day on Monday with No.4 going from Westport to Whitehead with a layover in Connolly. Pictures of the railtour in Portarlington and passing Cherryville Junction.

Also, a couple of images from Dun-Laoghaire and Tara Street of EMU's and 29000's.

The latter half of the week sees images from Cork and Kerry.

The Listowel Ballybunion Railway opened on 1st March 1888; it ran the ten miles between the two towns and was remarkable because it was the first monorailway in the world.

The monorail employed on the Listowel-Ballybunion line was invented and developed by a French Engineer by the name of Charles Lartigue, hence the name Lartigue Monorailway by which the line was best known. Lartigue had built a prototype monorail in Algeria, it was about 90Km in length and was used to carry esparto grass across the desert.

After an exhibition in London it was decided to adopt the Lartigue system for the railway between Listowel and Ballybunion. The Railway was opened in 1888 and it ran for 36 years until it was closed in 1924.

1988 saw the centenary of the opening of the Lartigue and several initiatives were taken to celebrate the event, From this time a feeling emerged that a restoration of the Lartigue should be attempted in some form. As a result, in the mid 1990's a Lartigue Restoration Committee was set up to raise funding to restore an working example of the monorail. After much work and fundraising by the committee, work started on the building of the new Lartigue on the site on John B Keane Road in November 2000.

The railway has about 1000 metres of monorail track, three switches, two turntables and three platforms representing Listowel, Lisselton and Ballybunion. There is one engine, which is an exact reproduction of the original engines, save that the present engine is diesel driven. There are two third class carriages, which are as closely modeled on the originals as is possible using photographs and the memory of those who traveled in them.

For more information on the Lartigue Monorailway please visit http://www.lartiguemonorail.com/

A round up of other pictures from the tour on Friday plus several pictures of the Carrowbeg Railtour from Dublin to Westport on Saturday.

As part of the RPSI's 40th Irish Railway Heritage Weekend on Friday 8th May 2009 the RPSI ran a diesel railtour from Dublin Connolly to Waterford, outward via Carlow and returning to Dublin Heuston via Limerick Junction.

Loco 078 worked the train to Waterford, where locos 141+171 took over for the trip back. The pair of locos had been specially positioned in Waterford from Limerick earlier in the week and a big thanks must go to all I.E. staff concerned in getting 141's to work the tour.

Rolling Stock for the tour was the RPSI MKII set, normally based at Whitehead.

Wednesday saw a quick spin to Connolly and Drumcondra.

Thursday was a flying visit to Rosskelton.

Sunday sees several pictures of the Waterford & Lismore Diocesan Pilgrimege to Knock special train between Waterford and Limerick Junction, plus some MKIV's and 22000's at Limerick Junction.

An excellent start to the week with a grice of the Weedspray train which operated from Limerick Jct to Portlaoise via the Nenagh line. The train only sprayed as far as Ballybrophy, the section between Ballybrophy and Portlaoise will be sprayed at a later date.

Managed to catch the train at several locations over the course of the day at Woodfarm, Birdhill, Cappadine, Cloghjordan, Borris-in-Ossory, Ballybrophy and Rosskelton.

Other stuff seen during the day included 088 on the 1015 Limerick - Waterford Cement near Killonan and 079 and 077 on the DFDS (Norfolk) liners at Portarlington.

Good to also catch up with several familiar faces over the course of the day.

A few other bits added to the collection on Wednesday showing 224 on the Waterford - Westport timber and 4008 on the 1830 Cork - Heuston.

Thursday's photos show 142+144 on the 0830 Tralee - Portlaoise Weedspray, plus a few other misc shots.

Sunday was an interesting day.

218 worked the 0925 Waterford - Heuston with 8 MK3 and was photographed at Cherryville.

212 returned the Cork based MKIII set to Cork after working an 0815 Cork - Heuston relief due to heavy demand from Cork and Kerry this morning.

234 worked the 1210 Heuston - Galway again with the 4 car Push / Pull set and 228 provided power for the 1130 Galway - Heuston with the 5 car Push / Pull set.

222 failed at the Curragh with the 1400 Heuston - Cork and was rescued by 218, which hauled the failed train back to Newbridge for passengers to detrain and join the 1500 Heuston - Cork. After detraining 218 worked the train empty to Heuston.

Monday:

214 1750 Heuston - Galway at Portarlington.

4002 1730 Cork - Heuston at Kilbride.

Friday:

234 & 6105 1735 Limerick - Heuston at Deerpark.

Saturday:

234 & 6105 1325 Heuston - Limerick at Carn.

4003 1230 Cork - Heuston at Carn.

Sunday:

The biggest update of the week sees:

222 0925 Waterford - Heuston at The Curragh.

22008+22019 1125 Heuston - Limerick at Monastervin.

22037 1035 Limerick - Heuston at Monastervin.

4002 1030 Cork - Heuston at Killenard.

083 at Portarlington on a empty ballast train.

229 1200 Heyuston - Cork passing Portarlington.

234 & 6105 1210 Heuston - Galway at Portarlington.

232 & 6101 1130 Galway - Heuston at Portarlington.

232 & 6101 1615 Heuston - Galway at Clonygowan.

216 1425 Westport - Heuston at Clonygowan.

234 & 6105 1615 Galway - Heuston at Portarlington.

214 1530 Westport - Heuston.

234 is still allocated to the 1710 Heuston - Athlone job after already completing several days working it.

22013+22046 worked the 1925 Portlaoise - Heuston, this being unit 22046's 2nd passenger working. It worked the following services on Monday:

1640 Laois Traincare - Heuston empty
1805 Heuston - Portlaoise
1925 Portlaoise - Heuston

Friday was a rather Good Friday with 232 appearing on the 1325 Heuston - Limerick with 4 Push / Pull (6101) and 218 worked the Waterford - Ballina empty timber.

Monday saw two MKIII sets on Cork line duties covering for unavailable MKIV sets. The following services were MKIII operated.

0900 Heuston - Cork
1230 Cork - Heuston

1200 Heuston - Cork
1530 Cork Heuston
1900 Heuston - Cork

Tuesday's highlight was capturing 2720+2721 on a transfer from Drogheda to Limerick. Thanks to Rail Scene Ireland for the tip.

Wednesday's photos have two from Portlaoise showing 22005 with two styles of numbers and then several photos from Heuston in the evening time.

Thursday sees 075 stabled in the down siding at Portarlington.

Friday has two photos from Heuston including 22009+22013 on a passenger special from Laois Traincare to Heuston.

Sunday saw a second MKIII Push / Pull in traffic compared to the usual one set plus a couple of spare vehicles. This was due to a rough shunt in Waterford last weekend with a rake of MKIII coaches which seems to have led to a MKIII shortage.

A 6 car Premier Class set (22034) was based in Heuston over the weekend and worked the 1700 Heuston - Cork, 2030 Cork - Portlaoise, always a solid MKIII turn during KRP engineering works. The 6 car set was released from its more normal duties by 2x3ICR's including the 3ICR set normally allocated to the 1210 Heuston - Galway service, hence the scratch rake Push/Pull set being pressed into service.

Photos from Monday include:

087 and 205 on the DFDS Liners.

220 1500 Heuston - Cork.

Plus various 22000 DMU's.

Photos from Tuesday include:

219 1430 Cork - Heuston.

22026+22016 1640 Laois Traincare - Heuston & 1805 Heuston - Portlaoise.

217 1500 Waterford - Heuston.

22013+22018 1505 Galway - Heuston.

216 1710 Heuston - Athlone.

Ballast Cleaner No. 780 at Portarlington.

22014 1735 Limerick - Heuston.

221 1700 Heuston - Cork.

Photos from Wednesday include:

Odds and sods from Portarlington.

075 on Ballast Train at Portarlington.

234 1710 Heuston - Athlone.

Photos from Thursday include:

220 and 231 on Cork services.

234 1710 Heuston - Athlone.

075 with its Ballast train.

217 1750 Heuston - Galway.

22035 1705 Heuston - Ennis.


Photos from Saturday include:

083 on the steel train.

215 and 220 on Cork services.

204 1710 Heuston - Athlone.

Several photos from St. Patrick's Day showing:

234 0735 Waterford - Heuston

22037 0730 Heuston - Waterford

2726+2723+2711+2712 0925 Waterford - Connolly GAA Special.

22015+22021 1010 Waterford - Connolly GAA Special.

212 1130 Heuston - Waterford.

Photos from Thursday include:

224 1700 Heuston - Cork

234 1710 Heuston - Athlone

22034 1725 Heuston - Limerick

22035 1705 Heuston - Limerick

Photos from Friday include:

22018+22008 1125 Heuston - Limerick.

29007 1140 Heuston - Newbridge.

A few odds and sods including 22028 on a trial run and 077 on the 1640 Ballina - Waterford Timber.

Photos on Thursday include:

- new automatic ticket barriers being installed at Heuston.

- 22031 on the 1435 Heuston - Galway.

- 077 on the 1220 Waterford - Ballina empty timber.

Photos on Saturday include:

224 1400 Heuston - Cork.

22015+22021 1310 Galway - Heuston.

2613+2610 0740 Manulla Junction - Connolly empty.

22038 1435 Heuston - Galway.

Photos on Sunday include:

232 + 6 MK III Push/Pull 6105 1130 Galway - Heuston.

22017 1210 Heuston - Galway.

The first upload of photos from this week is from Thursday with several locations visited during the day.

Highlights from the day include:

209 and 085 at Connolly.

Dublin Buses new Airlink liveried VG48.

"HST Paddington style line up" of 22000 DMU's at Heuston.

078, plus MKIV's and DMU's passing the new Clondalkin / Fonthill station.

Kildare Route Project work at Clondalkin / Fonthill & Hazelhatch.

A suprise end to the day was the news that the 1835 Heuston - Thurles and 2100 Thurles - Heuston would be worked by a loco hauled MKIII set vice a 22000 DMU following an failure in the morning peak. Loco 218 was used to work the service and the MKIII's used were 7607 7167 7410 7112 7105 7119 7148.

A few photos from Heuston on Tuesday night starts the week off.

On Wednesday evening, The Wanderer' Irish Rail Photos and Rail Scene Ireland teamed up for a few hours in Kildare. Just the usual diet of 22000 DMU's and 201's on passenger work.

Thursday saw 219 and a MKIII set work the 1300 Heuston - Cork in place of the booked MKIV's and 2719+2722 were transferred from Inchicore to Cork.

Saturday produced 22003+22008 on the 1025 Limerick - Heuston Rugby Special, 144 passing the Curragh L.E. to Inchicore and 081 on the Waterford - Portlaoise Steel Train, plus the other usual bits and bobs.

Tuesday evening sees 22015 and 22019 in Heuston and on Thursday the 22000 class spread their wings to the former Dublin and South Eastern route with 22026 working the 0600 Gorey - Connolly.

Another milestone in the Class 22000 history happened on Saturday when the first passenger working took place on the Limerick - Ballybrophy via Nenagh route. 22002 performed the honours by working a 1415 Limerick - Ballybrophy special. It returned to Limerick at 1650 hrs. Also of note the 1725 Heuston - Limerick formed of 3 car unit 22018 was diverted via the Nenagh branch involving a complicated shunt move at Ballybrophy to access the branch line.

All these special movements were as a result of Engineering Works taking place between Heuston and Mallow. Train services out of Heuston to Cork,
Limerick and Tralee were disrupted on Saturday 21st February
through to Sunday 22nd February 2009.

These works were to facilitate the installation of a new crossover at Kyle L.C. near Limerick Junction, an underbridge installation near Charleville and a bridge demolition near Dublin.

Pictures from this week are from several locations around the Country.

A short break in Kerry at the start of the week enabled me to visit several locations in Munster, while on Thursday afternoon I had an appointment in Dublin. With a bit of spare time of my hands I finally managed to visit the new Phoenix Park Station and take a spin out to Drogheda.

A few snow shots in Portarlington on Monday 02nd February 2009

For many years, over several decades, the RPSI has been very fortunate to have had the services of a true ‘steam man’ - Tony Renehan. Tony has been a stalwart supporter of the RPSI and over the years has ensured that many of our operations went without a hitch. Unfortunately, the time has come for Tony to retire from Iarnród Éireann and from the regulator of RPSI locomotives.

To acknowledge the invaluable assistance from Tony over the years, a special out of season operation will take place over the weekend of 31st January / 1st February 2009. The “Top Link” with No.4 and the Society’s MK2 set will run from Dublin to Cork on the Saturday (with a connection off the early Belfast - Dublin Enterprise), and then Cork - Dublin - Belfast on the Sunday. This operation will be a chance for all supporters of the RPSI to acknowledge the Tony’s contribution to the success of the RPSI. It will also give the opportunity of travelling from Cork to Belfast in one day with steam.

Monday photos are from Castlebellingham between Drogheda and Dundalk showing 208 on the 1520 Dublin - Belfast Enterprise.

Tuesday sees a trip to Kilkenny to photograph the "Waterford Push / Pull" set on what is expected to be its last week in service on the Waterford route before the diagram is taken over by a 22000 DMU.

On Wednesday a 3 car 22000 set No. 22027 had to be hauled from Heuston to Laois Train Care after suffering some sort of damage while in traffic. No. 175 did the honours in hauling her down.

Saturday sees photos from various locations while on the grice for the Top Link Railtour.

The week starts with a couple of pictures in Heuston on Tuesday night.

204 on the 0915 Galway - Heuston and 167 hauling failed 084 on Saturday.

We round up the week on Sunday with a loco hauled theme showing 216 on the 0810 Heuston - Tralee, 205 on the 0930 Heuston - Waterford, 210 on the 0925 Waterford - Heuston and finally 204 on the 1130 Galway - Heuston.

An unusual sight on Monday 12th January was 210 hauling 7615, 7167 and 7413 from Heuston to Thurles for a staff training exercise.

On Thursday the 15th January the 1830 Heuston - Tralee service was turned over to 22000 class operation.

The first update of the week sees 205 on the Tullamore cement service with the Bogie Bulk Cement wagons, plus several shots from a Tuesday evening in Heuston.

Thursday saw some empty stock movements between Cork and Dublin. The Push / Pull set in Cork, made redunant since it was replaced by a 22000 Class DMU returned to Heuston, leaving Cork at 0900. It operated via Limerick Junction Direct Curve to turn the set the correct way for Dublin based Push / Pull sets.

Also 2605+2616 returned to Cork from Inchicore Works. following attention.

On Saturday I took a trip to Killarney, Mallow, Cork and Limerick.

The final update for the week sees the Bogie Cement wagons in Tullamore on Sunday.

The last Wanderings of 2008 sees 22030 enter service in the Cork / Tralee area with the 1000 Cork - Mallow and 1125 Mallow - Tralee.

On New Year's Eve a visit to Waterford sees the two rakes of MKIII and MKIII Push / Pull stock in storage at the station, plus 204 in Portarlington with the Friday Only service from Dublin to Ballina.

After a short break, we kick off with several photos of 218 and the Push / Pull set on the Mallow - Tralee line. The daily operation of Push / Pull stock on the Tralee line is expected to end very shortly as 22000 DMU No. 22030 has now been allocated to Cork, transferring from Laois Traincare to Cork Depot on Tuesday 23rd December to Limerick Junction and onwards to Cork the following day.

It is expected 22030 will be placed into traffic from Cork on Monday 29th December 2008.

Some pictures from a short weekend break in London.

The first update for December starts off with Laois Traincare Depot and two pictures from Connolly.

Wednesday sees several pictures from Heuston Station including 205 on the 0930 Cork - Heuston with MK3's instead of the MK4 and ICR 6 car 1st class set no. 22033 worked the 1705 Heuston - Limerick, the first night ICR's have worked this service.

Its really hitting home now with the continued roll out of the 22000's how few and far between traditional loco hauled trains are becoming. For example, during the evening peak in Heuston between 1700 and 1900 hours only four loco hauled departures remain (excluding the Cork line MKIV's) these being:

1710 to Athlone.
1750 to Galway.
1825 to Waterford.
1830 to Tralee.

The Revolution is well and truly rolling on....

Thursday sees another trip to Dublin with photos from Heuston, Connolly, Clontarf Road and Portarlington.

Saturday's update sees 081 working the Belview Port - Portlaoise Per-way yard steel train and 142+144 with a MKIII railtour which I photographed at Kildangan and Rosskelton.

The final update for the week sees 076 hauling the last scheduled Sunday freight working on the IE network, the 1220 North Wall - Waterford Timber. The timber traffic from Sligo is scheduled to finish on Wednesday 10th December with the final North Wall - Waterford train being on the following morning, Thursday 11th December 2008.

The Dublin Bus GhostBus Tour

Let Dublin Bus put you at your unease on the world's only Ghostbus, and introduce you to the dark romance of a city of gaslight ghosts and chilling legends.

The bus itself is a unique attraction, it is a mobile theatre decorated in the gothic style and features a live storyteller who takes you on a spellbinding trip through Dublin. Once onboard, they will take advantage of this atmospheric setting to spirit you away to a world of felons, fiends and phantoms and put you in the mood for being both charmed and spooked at the same time.

For more information on the Dublin Bus Ghost Tour click on:

http://www.dublinbus.ie/sightseeing/ghostbus.aspx

UPDATE: Photo of RH31, the 2nd Ghost Bus in the fleet now added to the collection.

Monday sees photos of Ballybrophy Station, the up and down main lines through the station are currently being renewed. Also the Cork cement flow is in its last week of operation and today 212 worked the 1045 Cork - North Wall empty cement.

Thursday sees some early morning photos from Portarlington and early evening photos from Heuston.

Saturday saw a transfer of Withdrawn MKIII and MKIII Push / Pull coaches from Inchicore to Waterford for storage. 231 worked the late 1000 Heuston - Cork also.

6 Car 1st Class set 22034 entered service on Monday evening, working the 16:50 Heuston - Galway, the first Intercity DMU service to offer a full meal sitting.

The 07:15 Galway - Heuston & 16:50 Heuston - Galway services are now formed by these 6 car units. It is planned to get a few more internal shots of the first class and buffet area in the next couple of days.

Wednesday and Thursday sees 204 and 202 working the 1750 Heuston - Galway service with some night time shots at Portarlington. Also on Thursday 146 worked the wheelcarrier from Limerick to Inchicore.

Saturday saw a trip around the Dublin Suburban system with several locations visited. Highlights of the trip include NIR C3K units on rugby specials from Belfast to Dublin, 076 on a RPSI stock transfer from Inchicore to Connolly for driver training out on the Maynooth Line. EMU 8119 was in Drogheda DMU Depot for wheel turning but wasnt in a position to be photographed.

2707 + 2708 and 227 + 6101 start the week off in Waterford.

201 is seen at Portarlington on Thursday.

A visit to Lough Owel, near Mullingar on Saturday produced 29012 and 22022 on Dublin - Sligo services along with 076 on the 1151 Sligo Quay - North Wall.

Finally, 22009 worked the All lack Special to Limerick on Sunday.

This weeks collection so far:

226 with 4 Push / Pull on a transfer from Dublin to Cork.

8311 at Connolly.

4008, 29027 & 22032 at Dublin Heuston.

146 hauling 22036 from Laois Traincare to Limerick to start outroad commissioning trials.

Plus the usual 22000's on some Limerick services.

Weekend travels to Mallow, Rathmore, Heuston, Ballina and Manulla Junction.

Tuesday sees 22032 entering service with the 0630 Portlaoise - Heuston, while the final loco hauled 1625 Heuston - Waterford was worked by loco 201 + 7 MK III (7411). For good measure 203 was also captured this evening at Portarlington in charge of the 1750 Heuston - Galway, 6 MK III (7405).

The last update for this week sees:

6101 and 6102 lined up at Heuston.

The first peak 22000's (22012+22013) to work the 1625 Dublin - Waterford seen before departure at Heuston.

22033 on its first trip to Galway seen at Portarlington before departure.

205 on the 0940 Portlaoise - Tralee seen at Rosskelton.

22029 + 22001 with the 0825 Limerick - Heuston at Rosskelton.

22008 at Rosskelton bound for Mallow.

079 at Athy with the Sunday Timber for Waterford.

219 and 22003 + 22025 crossing the Barrow Bridge in Monastervin.

A couple of photos showing the new 6 car 1st class unit 22033 in service and photos from Kildare and Heuston showing the Bulk Cement and a carriage transfer from Inchicore to Heuston. The final update of the week sees 222 on the Sunday timber from North Wall to Waterford.

A couple of pictures from Heuston on Wednesday afternoon and a weekend down in Cork and Kerry.

Photos from Portarlington on Tuesday evening showing 22033 heading for Laois Traincare.

Thursday sees 175 working the wheelcarrier from Limerick to Inchicore while the final upload of the week sees various shots from Geashill, Stacummy Bridge, Hazelhatch and Kildare.

A couple of pictures from a very dull Saturday in Co. Laois.

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Dundalk GNR(I) works closure in 1958 the RPSI ran two special trips to Dundalk on Sunday 28th September 2008, one from Belfast and one from Dublin.

Sadly due to the failure of NCC No. 4 early last week, it was unfit for traffic so NIR provided one of their 111 Class locos, No. 112 as a substitute.

While in Dundalk the opportunity was taken to run two shuttle trips to Drogheda, the first using 112 + RPSI Cravens and the 2nd using No. 186 + RPSI MKII's.

Pictures from Dundalk showing the stored MKIII's and several photos of the Norfolk Liners on Friday from various locations in Kildare, Laois and Offaly.

A selection of photos from a recent trip to New York.

A quite week with only 2 photos from Portarlington on Thursday lunchtime.

Photos from this week include:

Thursday evening in Portarlington saw 074 hauling MK4 set 4001 and a failed 215 back to Dublin from Limerick Junction and 207 on the 1650 Heuston - Galway.

On Friday a set of MKIII's were scheduled to be transferred from Inchicore to Dundalk for storage. The train operated via Pearse station for loco 177 to run-around. Sadly due to operational problems the train was returned to Inchicore instead of going to Dundalk. Thanks to Josefstadt for allowing me to host the pictures.

For the record the MKIII's were:

7601, 7101, 6308, 6305, 7156, 7171, 7140, 7401.

On Saturday the 0700 Westport - Heuston was delayed in Westport before departure so 2608 + 2607 which were due to be transferred from Ballina to Drogheda were used in passenger service from Ballina through to Heuston in the path of the 0700 Westport - Heuston from Manulla Junction. Has to be one of the DMU workings of the year. Also seen in Portarlington on Saturday was Enterprise loco 233 working the 1050 Galway - Heuston.

*****SCROLL DOWN PAGE FOR IMAGES*****

Two pictures from Limerick Junction and Portlaoise start off the week.

On Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September there was a major engineering blockade between Thurles and Charleville with the renewal of the Multeen Bridge, near Limerick Junction and track renewal in Limerick Junction Station. For this blockade a special timetable was introduced for the Saturday and Sunday morning with many service altered and cancelled. One benefit of the blockade was an enhanced service between Limerick and Ballybrophy via Nenagh, the staple diet of two trains a day was increased to five. As a result, DMU's would be crossing in Roscrea, once in the morning and the second crossing in the afternoon. This is possibly the first time that modern DMU's have crossed in Roscrea?

The following is an overview of the service alterations which will apply from 19.00hrs on Friday 5th September, all day Saturday 6th September and on the morning of Sunday 7th September:

FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER

All services on all routes will operate normally EXCEPT:

Heuston to Cork

19.00hrs will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Charleville, Mallow and Cork.

20.00hrs will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction, Mallow and Cork. Bus transfers will also operate from Thurles to Limerick.

21.00hrs will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction, Mallow and Cork. Bus transfers will also operate from Thurles to Limerick.

Cork to Heuston

19.30hrs Bus transfers from Cork (19.30hrs), Mallow (19.50hrs), and Limerick Junction (20.20hrs) to Thurles, train from Thurles (21.25hrs) to Heuston. Bus transfer will also operate from Limerick (19.55hrs) to Thurles.

20.30hrs Buses transfers from Cork (20.30hrs) and Mallow (20.50hrs) to Thurles, train from Thurles (22.25hrs) to Heuston


Other Cork, Kerry & Limerick services

21.55hrs Cork to Tralee deferred to 22.50hrs

21.15hrs Tralee to Cork - departure times at some intermediate stations changed

19.50hrs Limerick to Limerick Junction: cancelled

21.05hrs Limerick to Limerick Junction: cancelled

22.00hrs Limerick to Limerick Junction: cancelled

20.32hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick: cancelled

21.48hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick: cancelled

22.48hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick: cancelled


SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER

Heuston to Cork (including connections to Limerick)

07.00hrs: will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction, Mallow and Cork. Bus transfers will also operate from Thurles to Limerick.

08.00hrs: cancelled

09.00hrs: will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction, Charleville, Mallow and Cork.

10.00hrs: cancelled

11.00hrs: will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction,Charleville, Mallow and Cork. Bus transfers will also operate from Thurles to Limerick.

12.00hrs: cancelled

13.00hrs: will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction, Charleville, Mallow and Cork. Bus transfers will also operate from Thurles to Limerick.

14.00hrs: cancelled

15.00hrs: will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction, Charleville, Mallow and Cork.

16.00hrs: cancelled

17.00hrs: will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction, Mallow and Cork.

18.00hrs: cancelled

19.00hrs: will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction, Charleville, Mallow and Cork. Bus transfers will also operate from Thurles to Limerick.

20.00hrs: cancelled

21.00hrs: will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction, Mallow and Cork. Bus transfers will also operate from Thurles to Limerick.

Cork to Heuston (including connections from Limerick)

05.15hrs: cancelled

06.30hrs: Bus transfers from Cork (05.45hrs), Mallow (06.00hrs) and Limerick Junction (06.35hrs) to Thurles, and by train from Thurles to Dublin Heuston. Bus transfers will also operate from Limerick (06.35hrs) to Thurles.

07.30hrs: Bus transfers from Cork (07.00hrs), Mallow (07.00hrs) and Limerick Junction (08.00hrs) to Thurles, and by train from Thurles to Dublin Heuston, with an additional stop at Ballybrophy.

09.30hrs: cancelled

10.30hrs: Bus transfers from Cork (09.45hrs), Mallow (10.05hrs) and Charleville (09.40hrs) to Thurles, and by train from Thurles to Dublin Heuston, with an additional stop at Ballybrophy. Bus transfers will also operate from Limerick (10.10hrs) to Thurles.

11.30hrs: cancelled

12.30hrs: Bus transfers from Cork (11.45hrs), Mallow (12.00hrs) and Limerick Junction to Thurles, and by train from Thurles to Dublin Heuston, with an additional stop at Ballybrophy.

13.30hrs: cancelled

14.30hrs: Bus transfers from Cork (13.45hrs), Mallow (14.00hrs), Charleville (13.40hrs) and Limerick Junction to Thurles, and by train from Thurles to Dublin Heuston, with an additional stop at Ballybrophy.

15.30hrs: cancelled

16.30hrs: Bus transfers from Cork (15.45hrs), Mallow (16.00hrs), Charleville (15.40hrs) and Limerick Junction to Thurles, and by train from Thurles to Dublin Heuston. Bus transfers will also operate from Limerick (16.10hrs) to Thurles.

17.30hrs: cancelled

18.30hrs: Bus transfers from Cork (17.45hrs), Mallow (18.00hrs), Charleville (17.40hrs) and Limerick Junction to Thurles, and by train from Thurles to Dublin Heuston. Bus transfers will also operate from Limerick (18.10hrs) to Thurles.

19.30hrs: cancelled

20.30hrs: Bus transfers from Cork (19.45hrs), Mallow (20.00hrs) and Charleville (19.40hrs) to Thurles, and by train from Thurles to Dublin Heuston. Bus transfers will also operate from Limerick (20.15hrs) to Thurles.


Heuston to Limerick

The following schedule will operate instead of the normal Saturday schedule:

10.25hrs Heuston to Thurles, bus transfers Thurles to Limerick.

12.25hrs Heuston to Thurles, bus transfers Thurles to Limerick.

13.25hrs Heuston to Thurles, bus transfers Thurles to Limerick.

15.25hrs Heuston to Thurles, bus transfers Thurles to Limerick.

17.25hrs Heuston to Thurles – customers for Limerick, change at Ballybrophy to connect with 18.55hrs Ballybrophy to Limerick.

Limerick to Heuston

The following schedule will operate instead of the normal Saturday schedule:

06.10hrs Bus transfer Limerick to Thurles, train Thurles to Heuston.

06.44hrs Train Limerick to Ballybrophy, change at Ballybrophy for train to Heuston

07.35hrs Train Limerick to Ballybrophy, change at Ballybrophy for train to Heuston

12.15hrs Train Limerick to Ballybrophy, change at Ballybrophy for train to Heuston

14.15hrs Train Limerick to Ballybrophy, change at Ballybrophy for train to Heuston

16.45hrs Train Limerick to Ballybrophy, change at Ballybrophy for train to Heuston

Dublin/Cork to Tralee & Tralee to Dublin/Cork

The following schedule will operate instead of the normal Saturday schedule:

06.30hrs Train Tralee to Mallow, bus transfers Mallow to Thurles, train Thurles to Heuston

18.35hrs Heuston to Thurles, bus transfers Thurles to Charleville and Mallow, train Mallow to Tralee

06.15hrs Cork to Tralee

08.25hrs Cork to Tralee

12.15hrs Mallow to Tralee

14.15hrs Mallow to Tralee

16.15hrs Mallow to Tralee

18.15hrs Mallow to Tralee

20.15hrs Mallow to Tralee

21.55hrs Cork to Tralee

22.05hrs Mallow to Tralee

05.25hrs Tralee to Cork

06.30hrs Tralee to Mallow

08.30hrs Tralee to Mallow

10.30hrs Tralee to Mallow

12.30hrs Tralee to Mallow

14.30hrs Tralee to Mallow

16.30hrs Tralee to Mallow

18.30hrs Tralee to Mallow

21.15hrs Tralee to Cork

Limerick to Limerick Junction, & Limerick Junction to Limerick

The following schedule will operate instead of the normal Saturday schedule:

08.46hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick

10.32hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick

12.32hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick

16.32hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick

18.32hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick

07.55hrs Limerick to Limerick Junction

09.55hrs Limerick to Limerick Junction

11.55hrs Limerick to Limerick Junction

15.55hrs Limerick to Limerick Junction

17.55hrs Limerick to Limerick Junction

Limerick to Ennis & Ennis to Limerick

The following schedule will operate instead of the normal Saturday schedule

06.00hrs Limerick to Ennis

10.10hrs Limerick to Ennis

11.45hrs Limerick to Ennis deferred to 12.10

14.20hrs Limerick to Ennis

16.20hrs Limerick to Ennis

18.45hrs Limerick to Ennis

06.45hrs Ennis to Limerick

07.30hrs Ennis to Limerick

10.55hrs Ennis to Limerick

13.20hrs Ennis to Limerick

15.15hrs Ennis to Limerick

17.10hrs Ennis to Limerick

19.30hrs Ennis to Limerick

Limerick Junction to Waterford / Waterford to Limerick Junction

Services operate normally, except

09.35hrs Waterford to Limerick Junction departs at 09.40hrs

08.50hrs Limerick Junction to Waterford departs at 09.40hrs

18.45hrs Limerick Junction to Waterford departs at 19.35hrs

All other services on all other routes will operate normally.

SUNDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER

Heuston to Cork

10.00hrs will operate to Thurles only with bus transfers from Thurles to Limerick Junction, Mallow and Cork. Bus transfers will also operate from Thurles to Limerick.

All other services from Heuston to Cork on Sunday 7th September will operate normally.

Cork to Heuston

08.30hrs Deferred to 09.30hrs, serving Mallow (09.54hrs), Charleville (10.09hrs), Limerick Junction (10.31hrs), arriving in Heuston Station at 12.25hrs.

10.30hrs Bus transfers from Cork (09.45hrs), Mallow (10.00hrs), Charleville (09.40hrs) and Limerick Junction (10.40hrs) to Thurles, and by train from Thurles to Dublin Heuston, with additional stops at Templemore and Portlaoise.

All other services from Cork to Heuston on Sunday 7th September will operate normally.

Limerick to Heuston

08.35hrs Bus transfers from Limerick (08.15hrs) to Thurles, train Thurles to Heuston

09.50hrs Special service: departs Limerick (09.50hrs), serving Thurles (10.35hrs), Templemore (10.43hrs), Ballybrophy (10.55hrs), Portlaoise (11.10hrs), Kildare (11.30hrs) and arriving at Heuston at 12.15hrs.

10.35hrs Bus transfers from Limerick (10.15hrs) to Thurles, train Thurles to Heuston

All other services from Limerick to Heuston on Sunday 7th September will operate normally.

Heuston to Tralee

08.10hrs is brought forward to 08.00hrs, and operates to Thurles only. Bus transfers Thurles to Limerick Junction, Mallow and Cork. Bus transfers also operate from Thurles to Limerick. Customers for stations from Banteer to Tralee will connect with a train from Mallow to Tralee, departing Mallow at 11.30hrs.

17.45hrs Tralee to Heuston - bus transfers from Tralee and Farranfore to Killarney, train Killarney to Heuston.

Cork to Tralee & Tralee to Cork

08.10hrs Tralee to Cork – operates to Mallow only

08.36hrs Mallow to Cork – deferred to 08.55hrs

08.30hrs Cobh to Tralee cancelled

07.55hrs Mallow to Tralee operates

11.30hrs Mallow to Tralee operates

12.10hrs Cork to Tralee operates

13.25hrs Mallow to Tralee cancelled

All other services to and from Tralee on Sunday 7th September will operate normally


Limerick Junction to Limerick, & Limerick to Limerick Junction

10.12hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick cancelled.

11.43hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick cancelled.

09.30hrs Limerick to Limerick Junction cancelled.

10.55hrs Limerick to Limerick Junction cancelled.

All other Limerick/Limerick Jn services on Sunday 7th September will operate normally.

Limerick to Ennis & Ennis to Limerick

07.00hrs Limerick to Ennis operates normally

09.00hrs Limerick to Ennis advanced to 08.20hrs

10.50hrs Limerick to Ennis deferred to 11.10hrs

12.30hrs Limerick to Ennis deferred to 13.05hrs

07.50hrs Ennis to Limerick operates normally

09.45hrs Ennis to Limerick advanced to 09.05hrs

11.45hrs Ennis to Limerick deferred to 12.00hrs

All other Limerick/Ennis services on Sunday 7th September will operate normally.

Sunday morning sees a few of the G.A.A. Specials which operated for the All Ireland Hurling Final at Croke Park.

A new daily commuter rail service was launched for the first time between Nenagh and Limerick on Monday 1st September 2008.

The new service, developed in a unique initiative between Iarnród Éireann and Ireland's first Community Rail Partnership, "The Nenagh Rail Partnership", sees new services operating which will enable commuters living in Nenagh, Birdhill and Castleconnell, and working in Limerick City, to switch to the railway.

Full timetable available at http://www.irishrail.ie/your_journey/printed_timetable_pdfs/2008/Dublin%20Limerick%20via%20Nenagh%2008.pdf (copy and paste link into your browser)

Photos of the Specials and Regular services which operated for the double header at GAA HQ: Croke Park

A couple of pictures from the 49 Milepost on the Dublin - Cork line starts the week off with 6 Car Unit 22032 on a trial train from Inchicore to Charleville.

Some photos from Sunday's All Ireland Hurling Semi Final at Croke Park with Waterford -v- Tipperary.

A selection of pictures from Portarlington, Killenard and Cherryville.

Photos of the Specials and Regular services which operated for the double header at GAA HQ: Croke Park

A selection of photos from Tuesday evening starts the week off with:

22028 + 22023 on the 1903 Carlow - Laois Train Care empty.

215 1730 Cork - Heuston.

22005 + 22015 1925 Portlaoise - Heuston.

228 1915 Heuston - Galway *Push / Pull set*

083 1940 Heuston - Athlone empty working.

Later in the week sees 228 and 22003 + 22019 passing Port later in the week.

Private Collection

Round up of the week so far:

175 + 187 employed on Freight Train Trials between Portlaoise and Ballybrophy.

Pictures of the new Parkwest & Cherry Orchard Station.

Evening Peak services through Portarlington.

A couple of picts early in the week from Heuston, Portlaoise and Portarlington.

On Monday 28th July, the new Park West & Cherry Orchard Station will be open for business. This will replace the existing Cherry Orchard Station which will be closed from that date.

As I have no pictures of Cherry Orchard station, today was my last opportunity to record the station in its penultimate day of operation. I spent a few hours travelling on the Kildare Commuter services with pictures from Newbridge, Sallins, Clondalkin, Cherry Orchard and Heuston.

All trains which currently serve Cherry Orchard Station will serve Park West & Cherry Orchard Station from Monday 28th July, with departure times unchanged.

The final update of the weeks sees a couple of photos from a trip to Thurles to see the Waterford - Wexford and Cork - Clare matches in Semple Stadium.

MINISTER of State with Special Responsibility for Equality, John Moloney TD officially opened Laois Traincare Depot, Iarnród Éireann's new €69.5 million facility for maintaining the Intercity railcar fleet, on Friday 25th July 2008.

The new €400 million Intercity railcar fleet is currently being rolled out across the network, and the state-of-the-art facility on the outskirts of Portlaoise, just off the main Dublin-Cork line, will ensure the highest standards of maintenance will be delivered.

The Laois Traincare Depot is one of the most sophisticated and environmentally friendly maintenance facilities of its kind in Europe.

The Intercity railcar fleet to be maintained at Laois Traincare Depot will be the backbone of the Intercity network in the coming years. The €400 million fleet began entering service on the Sligo line last December, and currently operates services between Dublin and Sligo, Westport, Galway and Limerick. The fleet will also be introduced to the Waterford & Kerry lines in the coming months.

The week starts off with a selection of photos from Clonkeen in Co. Laois showing a selection of afternoon trains including 083 hauling unit 22037 from Laois Train Care to Limerick.

Saturday shows a couple of pictures from Portarlington and Thurles while the week is rounded off with a glorious Sunday evening with photos from Kildare, The Curragh and Cherryville Junction.

Enjoy!

The week starts off with 076 on the 1245 Cork - North Wall Bulk Cement and 202 on the 1710 Heuston - Athlone.

Tuesday sees 141 hauling newly delivered 22035 from Belview Port to Laois Train Care.

The last picture for the week shows 22013 in Heuston before working its first passenger service, the 1725 Heuston - Limerick.

A few photos from Clonkeen, Co. Laois on Tuesday.

A bumper week so far with over 80 pictures uploaded.

A sample selection of photos included:

233 and 202 on Gaeltacht Specials.

Passenger flow improvements at Pearse Station.

The elusive wheel carrier liner at Portarlington.

A bus trip to a far flung place on the Dublin Bus network.

Interior shots of Push / Pull Buffet 6402, the former HST TRUK 40513.

Nightfall at Kildare.

Several photos of the ongoing rebuilding work at Hazelhatch Station for the Kildare route project.

Thursday evening departures from Heuston captured at Hazelhatch and Newbridge.

The Friday doubles to Ennis on the 1705 Heuston - Ennis.

On Saturday a private RPSI steam charter operated from Connolly to Mullingar for the Narina Experience in Belvedere House and Gardens, Mullingar. More details of this event can be found at http://www.belvedere-house.ie/docs/A%20Knight%20to%20Remember.pdf

On Sunday I sampled 22000 & 29000 DMU's on the Galway route. It is expected that the only 29000 Class DMU diagram on a Sunday will be replaced with a 22000 Class in the next couple of weeks.

A selection of photos from May 2005.

The week kicks off with 076 on the Ballina - Waterford Timber.

Sunday has several pictures from around the Iron Bridge (Sallins) and Cherryville.

Pictures from Wednesday 18th June 2008 on a trip to Nenagh, Sixmilebridge, Crusheen and various locations between Gort and Athenry.

The week kicks off with the 22000's taking over another Galway line service plus pictures from Killenard with 076 on the Timber and a few odds and sorts pictures from the middle of the week.

A spare 90 minutes on Friday evening saw me heading out to a few locations around Portlaoise and Portarlington to capture the evening workings ex Dublin.

Saturday & Sunday shows my pictures from my travels from Portarlington to Killarney via Cork and Cobh and return!

Some pictures from a trip to Ennis in April which I never got around to putting up.

A couple of pictures in and around Co. Laois on Thursday afternoon.

Friday sees 076 on the 1640 Westport - Waterford timber at Portarlington.

The 1210 North Wall - Waterford Timber was cancelled on Sunday due to operational problems on the Waterford line early last Friday morning. This resulted in the empty 0625 Waterford - Sligo timber being cancelled. Therefore it was a chance to explore some locations I hadn't visited in a while to photograph the 1210 Heuston - Galway and 1130 Galway - Heuston.

A few railway pictures from a non-rail weekend in the Capital City of England.

A round up of pictures from Kildare, Currragh, Cherryville Junction, Portarlington and Portlaoise.

A round up of pictures from the UK Trip with images from such places as Reading, Wareham, Isle of Wight, London and Wrexham.

The Swanage Diesel Gala and Beer Festival was held over the weekend 9th to the 11th May 2008. The following locomotives were in action over the course of the weekend:

Visiting Locomotives:
Class 20 locomotive No .20 096 from: Barrow Hill
Class 37 locomotive No. 37 275 from: Barrow Hill
Class 37 locomotive No. 37 906 from Severn Valley Railway
Class 07 locomotive No. 07 007 from Eastleigh
Class 73 locomotive No. 73 107 from GBRF Eastleigh
4 car VEP unit No. 3417 from South West Trains

Resident Locomotives:
Class 33 locomotive No. D6515 Stan Symes
Class 47 locomotive No. 47 635
Class 08 locomotive No. 08 436

The Wanderer attended the Friday and Saturday of the gala. Well done to everybody for a fine weekend.

A few pictures of the new and spartan Rosslare Europort Station.

A few bits and bobs from this week including the Knock Special from Waterford to Claremorris on the Sunday.

A Saturday afternoon in the Curragh.

A bit of an International Theme this week showing several images of the International set in at Heuston on its final working plus transfer to North Wall for storage.

Wednesday saw the final weekday Westport loco hauled service with 214 bringing the curtain down. Also 22016 + 22021 entered passenger service with the 1745 Heuston - Westport on this day.

The remainder of the week consists of Photos of the MK3 Internationals in their final days of service along with a few other bits and bobs from around the place.

On Monday 14th April 2008, the Rosslare line will be closed to the commissioning of a new computerised signalling system on the Rosslare line. On Thursday 10th April, I travelled down the Rosslare line to see the ongoing preparations before the shutdown.

Highlights from this week includes:

085 at Portlaoise

22030 on Test runs between Heuston and Connolly.

The last movement of MK2's on the I.E. network with the last set transferring to Inchicore.

The launch of 22000 Intercity DMU's onto the Westport route.

Blue Thunderer Charter at Connolly.

Saturday afternoon in Laois.

Pictures from this week include:

Farmers Bridge near Portarlington.

Portarlington Station.

Cherryville Junction.

Highlights include:
Monday: 202 on the 1630 Spl ex Galway with MK2's.
Sunday: 078 and 224 on some of the final MK2 workings.
Sunday: 076 on the North Wall - Waterford Timber.
Sunday: 220, one of the last loco to carry the original 201 livery.
Sunday: 214 + MK3's on the 1400 Heuston - Cork vice MK4.

Pictures from this week are from 1 hours gricing in the Wednesday evening sunlight (of course the sun went in for the MK2's!!) and some various pictures from around Dublin and Waterford.

This album will be used for the arrival of the 22k's to the Iarnrod Eireann Network.

First pictures are of the ship MV CHONG MING arriving into Dublun this afternoon.

12 Vehicles were delivered to Dublin in the first delivery with six being unloaded and hauled to Drogheda for static testing on Tuesday and the second batch of six unloaded on Wednesday and hauled to Dundalk for short term storage.

UPDATE 01ST JUNE 2007:

On Friday 1st June 2007 another 12 vehicles of the 22000 Class DMU's were delivered these being sets 22005, 006, 007 & 008.

Sets 22005 + 22006 were hauled by 184 from the Alexandra Road to East Wall Yard where the locos were swapped for 146+149 and these worked the 1830 North Wall - Limerick deparing North Wall just over 60 minutes late.

Sets 22007 + 22008 were transferred to Inchicore late Friday night and will be transferred to Limerick early next week.

UPDATE 14th august 2007:

The next delivery into North Wall was on Tues 14th August with sets 22009 and 22012. The unloading operation was very slick and all vehicles were on the rails by 1300 hrs. The vehicles moved to North Wall's Point yard for overnight storage before being transferred to Limerick the following day.

UPDATE 16th February 2008:

The first six car set arrives on IE metals on Saturday 16th February 2008. Again unloading of the 2 sets, 22031 and 22032 was fast and the first movement was ready to transfer to North Wall at approx 1500 hrs, 22032 followed 2 hours later at 1700 hours.

22031 & 22032 were moved from North Wall to Laois Train Care Depot (LTD) on Monday 18th February 2008. 082 did the first movement departure North Wall just after 1400 hours with set 22031. 082 then returned L.E. to Inchicore. 152 took the second set 22032 to LTD leaving North Wall at approx 1830. It was noted in Kildare at 2044.

Units 22033 & 22034 were delivered to Dublin Port on Saturday 15th March onboard the MV SZYMANOWSKI. The units were lifted onto IE metals on Tuesday 18th March when 141+185 were used to transfer both units from North Wall to Heuston Guinness Yard. The following day 22034 was transferred to Laois Traincare Depot (LTD) by 175 departing Heuston at 1115 hrs. It is expected 22033 will transfer on Thursday.

The week starts with pictures of 208 in the new Enterprise livery at Connolly. This is the 7th different livery to be carried by the class since introduction in 1994. The different liverys are:

IE Orange
NIR Blue
IE / NIR Enterprise
IE Intercity
IE Orange Revised (Full Yellow End)
IE / NIR Enterprise Revised (Full Yellow End)
IE / NIR New Enterprise

Tuesday saw 209 make a return to traffic after a stint in Inchicore Works. Unusually, instead of transferring to Connolly to take up work on Enterprise services it was used on several Heuston based services, these being 05.05 Heuston - Carlow Empty, 06.30 Carlow - Heuston, 12.40 Heuston - Westport & 18.05 Westport - Heuston. The use of Enterprise liveried locomotives on services ex Heuston has decreased dramatically since the end of December 2007, coinciding with the introduction of TPWS in Northern Ireland. Only six Class 201's are fitted with the TPWS equipment, therefore they rarely tend to stray from Dublin – Belfast Enterprise duties.

Other pictures from later in the week include early morning cement at Portarlington and a visit to Belfast over the St. Patrick's weekend.

Photos from this week include pictures from Heuston, Athlone and Portarlington.

On Sunday the 1210 North Wall - Waterford timber was cancelled, but 124 + 134 ran a 0945 Waterford - Portlaoise "steel train" so that more than made up for the lack of timber.

The week starts off with 124 + 134 still in Portarlington and 087 working a very late 0410 North Wall - Cork Bulk Cement.

Pictures from later in the week include Friday evening in Heuston and Saturday in Portarlington, Thurles, Mallow and Cork.

Pictures from a cold and foggy night in Kildare on Monday and the old girls in Portarlington on Saturday evening.

Went out on Sunday afternoon for a few shots in and around Kildare and saw the usual diet of 201's & DMU's plus 076 on the 1325 Heuston - Limerick.

The bits and bobs from this week include a few photos from around Heuston and NIR 113 in Connolly after working the 1030 Belfast Central - Connolly. The loco and stock then returned empty to York Road.

Photos so far of 22014 + 22015 in Thurles and 124 + 134 heading back to Portlaoise on an empty rail train from the Western Rail Corridor.

Extracts of the Iarnrod Eireann Press Release:

Minister of State at the Department of Health & Children Dr Jimmy Devins TD joined with Iarnród Éireann in Sligo to officially launch the new €400 million Intercity railcar fleet on Monday 4th February 2008.

The first trains in the 183-carriage fleet, funded by the Irish Government under Transport 21 and the European Regional Development Fund, have entered service on the Sligo-Dublin and Limerick-Dublin lines. Already, Sligo-Dublin passengers have benefited from a major increase in frequency, with the service increasing from 5 trains each way daily to 8 trains each way daily from January 21st.

Frequency improvements will be delivered across all routes, when all trains are in service by the end of 2008. The official launch was attended by business, community and elected representatives from along the Sligo-Dublin line, as well as Iarnród Éireann project staff, who worked on the commissioning of the new fleet.

The fleet was ordered from Mitsui of Japan, in partnership with Rotem of the Republic of Korea (where the fleet was constructed) and Tokyu Car Corporation of Japan. Today’s celebration was also attended by representatives of the manufacturers, and His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Cho and His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan, Mr. Urabe.

Together with a previous order of 67 carriages now operating hourly services on the Cork-Dublin route, the new fleet will transform Ireland’s Intercity rail fleet from the oldest in the European Union to the newest.

Sligo route investment
The new fleet is the latest phase in the transformation of the Sligo-Dublin route.

Since 1999, over €150 million has been invested in Sligo services; including the total renewal of track along the route; resignalling, level crossings, platform lengthening and other safety investment. This also includes investment in the existing railcar fleet introduced in December 2005 on the route, which delivered an increase in services from three each way per day to five each way per day.

Together with the route’s best ever punctuality, consistently over 95%, these improvements have resulted in the Sligo-Dublin line being the national network’s fastest growing route, with more than 1.25 million passenger journeys in 2007 – representing a huge increase of over 30% in just two years.

With the new fleet, and increases in services delivered in January, growth on the Sligo-Dublin line is set to continue into the future.

This week sees some shots of 171 + 167 at Lisduff, Snow shots from Rathmore in Co. Kerry on Friday and recently introduced 22014 + 22015 working the 1525 Heuston - Limerick on the Sunday.

From 25th January 2008 to Tuesday 29th January 2008 I was in the UK on a Rail Holiday.

Arriving in London early on Tuesday morning the trip was nearly over. The only thing left to do was the 0900 London Euston - Holyhead for the Ferry home.

Routes covered on the Tuesday:

London Euston - Rugby - Crewe - Holyhead.

From 25th January 2008 to Tuesday 29th January 2008 I was in the UK on a Rail Holiday.

After enjoying the run up to Fort Bill in the early morning it was time to get some breakfast (after the train had been shunted of course!) in the cafe, located in the supermarket across the road. After a quick walk around the town it was time for a bus trip to Inverness which takes you along the shores of Loch Ness, sadly I failed to spot the monster!

To kill time, a run out to Aviemore was had on Scotrail's excellent Turbostars, a nice suprise coming back to Inverness was exiled South West Trains 158789 leading 170393.

Later that night the Sleeper was done back to London Euston.

Routes covered on the Monday.

Edinburgh - Polmont - Gartcosh - Springburn - Westerton - Dalreoch - Crianlarich - Fort William.

Bus Fort William - Inverness.

Inverness - Aviemore - Inverness - Aviemore - Perth - Dunblane - Falkirk - Edinburgh - Carstairs - Preston - Crewe - London Euston.

From 25th January 2008 to Tuesday 29th January 2008 I was in the UK on a Rail Holiday.

Sunday morning was again spent doing some very early London Underground Gricing, which did get us some rare track over the Piccadilly Line's Kings Cross Crossover and a Crossover at Baker Street, which was in use due to engineering works. Preserved 86101 was sampled again from Kings Cross to Doncaster and then we did 91125 back to London for a spot of Docklands Light Railway.

Sunday evening found us in Euston awaiting the departure of the 2000 London Euston - Fort William / Aberdeen and Inverness Highland Sleeper. I must say the trip from London to Fort William has got to be one of the best trips to do in the British Isles.

Of note: By Sunday afternoon I and Railcar Gricer 1 had managed to clear every type of London Underground Passenger Rolling Stock on this trip: i.e.

A stock
C stock
D Stock Unrefurb
D Stock Refurb
67 stock
72 stock
73 stock
92 stock
95 stock
96 stock

Routes covered on the Sunday:

Kings Cross - South Kensington - Earls Court - Westminster - Baker Street - Kings Cross - Angel.

Angel - Euston - Kings Cross - Doncaster - Kings Cross - Bank / Monument - Tower Hill / Tower Gateway - Shadwell - Bank - Canary Wharf- Lewisham - Waterloo East.

Euston - Rugby - Aston - Bescot - Stafford (sleeper diverted off Trent Valley) - Preston - Carstairs - Edinburgh.

From 25th January 2008 to Tuesday 29th January 2008 I was in the UK on a Rail Holiday.

After some London Underground Gricing early on Satuday Morning, it was time to head up to East Anglia to travel behind Cl. 90's and view some freightliner action at Ipswich.

Routes covered on the Saturday of the trip:

Angel - Bank - Waterloo - Baker Street - Queens Park - Willesden Junction - West Hamstead.

West Hampstead Thameslink - St. Pancras International (EMT platforms) - Angel - Liverpool St - Colchester - Colchester Town - Colchester - Ipswich - Norwich - Lowestoft - Saxmundham - Ipswich - London Liverpool St - Holborn.

Russell Sq - Kings Cross - Angel.

From 25th January 2008 to Tuesday 29th January 2008 I was in the UK on a Rail Holiday.

The two main objectives for the Friday were to travel on the 57 + 390 on the North Wales Coast and the recently introduced Cl. 86 + B&G MK3's on Hull Trains services between Doncaster and London Kings Cross.

Routes covered on the Friday:

Holyhead - Bangor - Crewe - Manchester Piccadilly - Doncaster - London Kings Cross

The round up of pictures this week includes:

072 on passenger duties, then finding its self on more mundane EMU transfer work te following day.

Delivery of Refurbished 8100 Class EMU's.

A saturday afternoon near Portarlington waiting on 085 to appear with a crippled Mk2 coach, also seen were 2 Mk3 P/P sets and 2606 + 2615 on the Manulla Jct - Connolly DMU transfer.

The 2nd week of 2008 opens with a few more shots of the Intercity DMU's with 22004 + 22003 captured on their 2nd working in passenger traffic arriving at Connolly.

I spent Friday Lunchtime standing on "The Box" at Islandbridge Jct to observe the comings and goings in Heuston, which produced the unusual sighting of a 3 Pce Hauled Push / Pull to Limerick.

Sunday morning wasn't to bad weather wise so I headed out to Cherryville Jct to catch the 1210 North Wall - Waterford Timber which was hauled by 075. Other 071 sightings included 071 on the 1130 Galway - Heuston. 201 class locos were also photographed at Cherryville and Portarlington along with the 22000's.

The new year opens with shots of 202 on the 1325 Heuston - Limerick with Mk2d's, plus a few photos of Portarlington station showing the ongoing upgrade works which are in their final stages. The line speed through Portarlington was raised to 50 mph, from 25 mph in the week leading up to Christmas.

Wednesday had an interesting line up in Connolly Yard when C3K 3003 stabled in the yard on Tuesday night after failing earlier in the day covering for a failed DD set. It returned to Belfast at lunchtime. Finally the 22000's operated their first evening peak diagram with a well loaded 1705 Connolly - Sligo.

Thursday, I and several mates did a Dublin Heuston to Dublin Connolly trip via Ballybrophy, Limerick, Ennis, Thurles, Limerick Junction, Waterford, Rosslare Europort and Dublin Connolly.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday comprise some shots from various places, mostly of the Intercity DMU now in service on Limerick services.

The last Wandererings for 2007 includes the following:

New Enterprise livery on the 90xx, 91xx and 94xx type vehicles.

Various Portarlington area photos.

22000 unit passing Porterstown Level Crossing.

Irish Enterprise South is now available for purchase at the Making Tracks online shop. Go to www.makingtracks-online.co.uk to see more.

Over the next several weeks it is intended to upload screenshots from different parts of the route to highlight the fantastic job the team at Making Tracks have done.

The first upload is of Drogheda Station and the Depot.

The 2nd upload is of Dunleek, Beaparc, Platlin and Drogheda Navan Branch side (Navan and Tara Mines to follow).

Photos in this collection show 22006 + 2202 on their 2nd day of operation on the Sligo line, again with the 1105 departure from Connolly on Thursday.

Friday shows some mid-morning activity at Heuston.

With the start of an era last Wednesday on the Dublin - Sligo route, another era came to a close on Sunday 23rd December, when locomotive hauled passenger services ceased on the line after an Indian summer since March 2007, caused by the opening of the Docklands Station. 081 and 7 Mk2's (5203, 5106, 5159, 5227, 5102, 5403, 5602) made the final trip on the 0855 Sligo - Connolly. I travelled to Dublin early this morning and caught 22006 + 22002 working the 0805 Connolly - Sligo (a pleasant surprise) to Dromod where a quick dash over the icy footbridge was necessary to pick up 081 on her final Passenger working on the Sligo route. There were only about 10 Irish enthusiasts on the train, most of them joined at Sligo, also several enthusiasts were observed out photting the final working. All in all the end of an era for Connolly as its 35 year association with Mk2's comes to a close and today also marked the end of regular slam door operation into the station.

At 1000 on Wednesday 19th December 2007, the Minister for Transport and Chairman of C.I.E. launched the Cl. 22000's into Passenger service. The first train was the 1105 Connolly - Sligo formed of 22006 + 22002.

Let the Revolution begin.....

The new IE timetable was introduced on Sunday 9th December. There is one additional service into Heuston, this being a 0630 Portlaoise - Heuston, Pictures of the Push / Pull on the first working can be found in the Gallery.

Monday afternoon in Connolly provided a few hours entertainment. Coach 9208 in the new Enterprise garb was on the 1320 to Belfast, shortly after that left 083 arrived hauling an Enterprise rake plus a very dead 207 on the rear. This had been working the 0935 Connolly - Belfast and it failed at Dundalk. As a result of this 111 plus 4 Mk2f (Gatwick) + Mk2B Gen Van made an appearance on the 1230 Belfast - Connolly, returning empty to Belfast at approx 1835. 233 replaced the failed 207 and went back on to diagram with the 1520 Connolly - Belfast. Shortly after the Gatwicks arrived No. 171 arrived into Connolly with an EMU transfer ex Fairview

The week starts with a shorth visit to Heuston in the early afternoon.

Tuesday was an interesting day, It was dark, miserable and sometimes wet and it stayed like that for the day with one exception. The sun decided to peak out from behind the clouds for 087 to pass on the Norfolk line.

Locations visited were:

Curragh, Newbridge, Monastervin, Kilberry, Kildare, Killenard and Portarlington.

The close of the week shows 2 night time photos at Portarlington.

A quite week so far with only 29021 at Docklands on Tuesday and 084 working the 1215 North Wall - Waterford Timber on the Sunday.

A collection of photos from Connolly on the Wednesday with visting NIR Class 3000 DMU's and 071 on the Sligo loco hauled diagram.

Friday saw 233, back in action after its recent failure arrive into Connolly with a stock transfer from Inchicore.

An engineering blockade during Saturday night / Sunday Morning saw the first of 2 crossovers and turnouts installed for the new Laois Train Care Depot.

These short days and long nights do limit the scope for photography but I did manage to grab a shot of 22002 arriving into Connolly on a Enfield - Inchicore trial early on Thursday evening.

After a short break the wanders return with 078 on the 1640 Westport - Waterford Timber on Monday 5th November 2007 and a few Dublin City shots on the Tuesday including 185 on a EMU transfer from Pearse to Inchicore.

On the Thursday, 22009 operated a 0915 Connolly - Rosslare Strand trial.

Over the weekend of 10/11 of November due to engineering works at Connolly all Maynooth / Longford / Sligo services had to operate vai Platform 7 at Connolly then via Newcomen Bank and the MGWR line to Glasnevin Jct. This resulted in the rare chance of getting a locomotive hauled train up the tortuous Newcomen bank into Connolly with the loco hauled 0855 Sligo - Connolly. The train then had to go empty to Pearse station to run around.

Private Collectoin for the 102 Party.

The week starts with a few photos from Howth Junction as C3K's 3002 + 3010 worked the 1320 Connolly - Belfast Central.

As part of the joint IE / RPSI driver training program, steam loco 186 along with 4 Mk2's, including refurbished examples 5225 and 5235 have been sent to Dundalk to take part in Driver Training runs between Dundalk and Drogheda. It is pictured at Connolly while running around the 0900 Inchicore - Dundalk ety working.

A quite week this week with the wanders of this week starting with an early evening at Heuston on the Monday, while on the Wednesday 233 did a turn on the Enterprise service and is seen leaving Connolly.

A varied selection of photos from Portarlington, Heuston, Connolly, Cherryville and Killenard.

Photos this week are from Connolly, Heuston, Portarlington and Cork.

On Thursday 27th 22004 operated a Gauging trial between Greystones and Rosslare, departing Connolly at 0930. Also on Thursday, due to operational problems, MK4 set 4002 operated as a 6 car set instead of the normal 8 vehicles.

Photos from my 2 day trip to London with photos from various locations in West London.

Photos from my 2 day trip to London of the London Underground network with a particular focus of the East London line which will be closing in December 2007 for 3 years for conversion into the forthcoming London Overground network.

Photos this week from Connolly, Heuston, Portarlington, Thurles, Killarney and Cork.

Photos of the Evening Kerry Specials from Dublin Connolly to Killarney and Tralee from Cherryville Jct and Monastervin.

Monday was somewhat a hauled push/pull day with the 6102 set having at least 2 hauled turns, one to Portlaoise and the other to Thurles.

Other weekly wandererings include:

- An Thursday afternoon Co. Kildare grice.

- Portarlington upgrade latest.

- Evening at Cherryville.

Photos from this week incl:

209 at Portlaoise.

Wandererings at Heuston and Portarlington.

Major engineering works are being carried out at Portarlington on Saturday night with the new down platform coming into use and track slewing. The Wanderer was on hand to record the last train to use the old down platform. Portarlington will never be the same again.

The week kicks off with some photos of the ongoing Portarlington works and a Mk2 sunset along with some wandererings from various locations during the week.

On Sunday the 26th August, I.E. ran Specials to Cobh in connection with a visit of a cruise liner to Cobh. With a large volume of people needing to be transferred to Cork a 5 pce Push / Pull set was provided to supplement the DMU service. All services in the afternoon were loaded to capacity and fair play to I.E. for providing the extra capacity when it was needed.

All in all a very interesting day was had on the Cobh line with unusual traction and rolling stock over the line.

Photos from this week include an afternoon wander to Cork and Thurles and a few early morning Dublin photos.

Sunday evening pictures are from a wander to different locations in the Portarlington area.

A selection of photos from the past week.

Sunday 05th August 2007 saw Waterford and Cork battle it out in Croke Park again in Croke Park in the Quarter Final reply, while Kilkenny and Wexford played in the semi-final.

The Wanderer went to the Portarlington and Cherryville areas to catch the evening return Spls.

For the record:

Kilkenny 0-23 -v- 1-10 Wexford

Waterford 2-17-v- 0-20 Cork.

Sunday 29th July 2007 saw Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Cork battle it out in Croke Park. The Wanderer went out to Stacummy Bridge, The Gullet, Phoenix Park Tunnel and Connolly to view the Special and Regular traffic into Dublin.

For the record:

Limerick 1-23 -v- 1-16 Clare.

Waterford 3-16 -v- 3-16 Cork.

Waterford and Cork will have to do battle again next Sunday in Croke Park in a reply, which means more G.A.A. Specials!

A few pictures from an afternoon in Portlaoise on Monday afternoon.

On Wednesday the King of the Railcar gricers and I went on a EMU grice to Greystones. Pictures from Connolly, Lansdowne Road, Killiney, Greystones and Bray.

A varied week so far. Pictures on Monday show two generations of EMU at Dublin Pearse Station.

On Wednesday, business took me to the Midlands. This enabledme to do some evening photography at various locations between Portarlington and the Curragh. It was a wonderful sunny evening, certainly a change from recent weeks.

On Thursday I headed out to Maynooth to catch 087 working the 0855 Sligo - Connolly. Late that afternoon a fellow enthusiast texted me saying he was going DART gricing in the evening (a new low I ask?). With it being a Sunny evening and needing pictures from a number of Northside DART stations I decided to head out also. Also I fancied the whine of the GEC DC Traction Motors on the 8100's. It reminds me of my BR Southern Region days.

"The Hybrid" set No. 2609 + 2716 has finally been released into traffic. After months of commissioning tests at Drogheda DMU Depot the unit was released into traffic on the night of Tuesday 17th July, when it went ety 2030 Drogheda - Connolly. It then stabled in the carriage sidings off platform 7 until Friday lunchtime before forming the 1330 Connolly - Inchicore Ety. Pass. It is believed the Hybrid is bound for Cork and will be used on the Cobh - Cork - Mallow services. 2609 has been out of service since 17th June 1994 when it was swapped with car 2613. 2716 has been stopped since 3th June 2000 after suffering collision damage.

Saturday, I spent a couple of hours around Portarlington and got a few photos. Sadly, I missed the Hybrid unit on its way to Cork by a matter of minutes.

Intercity DMU No. 22004 operated a 1910 Inchicore - Mullingar via Connolly Gauging Trial on Monday evening, The train departed Connolly at 2117 running 62 minutes late.

Later in the week 22004 was stabled in Connolly during the day and is seen keeping company with a loco from another era, The RPSI's No. 4.

To start the week I have a few photos from my trip back to Dublin early on Monday morning.

Late on Wednesday evening, I took a ramble down to the Cherrywood area to see some of the construction work for the LUAS Line B1 (see LUAS Construction Gallery), I also managed to find Brides Glen viaduct with views from the top, plus some ballast from the long gone railway line.

Friday evening I found myself near Portarlington so I took a detour to the station to see the latest on the upgrade works. Just missed the 1830 Cork - Heuston pushed by 207.

To kick start the week 081 at Connolly on the Sligo Mk2 diagram and Brides Glen Viaduct on the former Harcourt Street - Bray line.

Saturday evening found me at Heuston heading to the Kingdom in shorts and a t-shirt for the weekend. Sadly, while the weather in Dublin was roasting by the time we arrived into Mallow it was pouring rain and rather cold. Killarney wasn't much better. Must check the weather forecast before hand!

I took a wander on Sunday to photograph the G.A.A. Special from Cork to Killarney producing 074 + 7 MKIII CityGold. Also out and about was 234 on the 0810 deferred to 0830 Heuston - Tralee and 2707 + 2708 + 2723 + 2723 on the 1115 Tralee - Cork.

Photos from my 3 day trip to Venice.

Photos taken from in and around Venice St. Lucia station during my recent visit to Venice.

We kick start the week off with Monday lunchtime at Connolly, which threw up several interesting workings:

3010+3020 1030 Belfast Central - Dublin Connolly and 1320 Return.

087 + 8MK2d on a 1310 Heuston - Connolly transfer. The Connolly allocated Mk2 set has transferred to Inchicore this week for modifications to be carried out. Its place has been taken by a Heuston based set comprised of 5607 5212 5231 5155 5156 5152 5226 5101.

An 8 car 2800 DMU, the first recorded 8 car 2800 set since Dec 2004, was in service all day today formed by 2803 + 2804 + 2801 + 2802 + 2817 + 2818 + 2811 + 2812.

082 worked the 1207 North Wall - Sligo Quay Timber on Tuesday and returned the following day working the 1145 Sligo Quay - North Wall Timber. After leaving the timber train in North Wall 082 was sent to Connolly Shed and it was photographed on shed shortly after 1700 hours.

082 working the Sligo timber is the first outing on the Connolly side for the new livery.

Not to be outdone by the antics of its sister, 081 decided it wanted a trip to Sligo so on Friday it worked the 0625 Waterford - Sligo empty timber as far as North Wall (as booked). It then went L.E. to Connolly shed and was allocated for the 16.00 Connolly - Sligo F.O. service. So 081 has the honour of working the first passenger service in its new livery on the Connolly side.

A collection for non-train photos.

Pictures of the Wexford Opera Special which operated from Connolly to Wexford on Thursday 31st May. The Opera Festival has been brought forward from its more usual October slot. In a bold move the festival's home, the Theatre Royal, is being demolished and rebuilt from 2006 to 2008. Upon re-opening, it will provide the festival with a modern venue with a 36% increase in capacity by creating a 750-seat theatre.

In 2007, the festival will take place in the summer in an outdoor venue in the grounds of Johnstown Castle, a stately home roughly 5 miles from the town centre.

On Sunday the 3rd of June I.E. run Specials to Cobh in connection with a visit of a cruise liner to Cobh. With a large volume of people needing to be transferred to Cork a 5 pce Push / Pull set was provided to supplement the DMU service. All services in the afternoon were loaded to capacity and fair play to I.E. for providing the extra capacity when it was needed.

All in all a very interesting day was had on the Cobh line with unusual traction and rolling stock over the line.

A round up of pictures from the week including:

Refurbished 8100 EMU's at Pearse.

Docklands.

2800's on non Rosslare duties.

Lunchtime at Connolly.

Irish Railway Record Society tour at Kilcoole.

The MRSI operated another of their wonderful railtours on Saturday 19h May. Entitled "The Mayo Explorer" the tour departed Whitehead RPSI at the early hour of 0515 and operated over the following route: Whitehead RPSI - Belfast Central - Drogheda - Connolly - Portarlington - Athlone - Claremorris - Westport. The tour then returned to Whitehead via the same route.

Locos on the tour were:

111 Whitehead RPSI - Connolly.
149+146 Connolly - Westport - Athlone.
147+144 Athlone - Connolly.
111 Connolly - Whitehead RPSI.

The loco change was scheduled to take place at Athlone on the outward trip but 147 failed to start due to flat batteries. However 147 was in better health on our return to Athlone and CTC (control) had re-organised the loco change for then. With only 2 minutes in the schedule at Athlone for a crew change the locos needed to be changed sharpish to ensure we didn't lose to much time against the onward rush of traffic leaving Dublin in the evening peak. Thankfully everybody was on the ball and we departed Athlone only 13 minutes after we had arrived with 147+144 at the helm. We were approx 25 mins late passing Portarlington after crossing the 1650 Heuston - Galway at Clara (instead of Tullamore) and the 1710 Heuston - Athlone at Clonnydonnin (instead of Portarlington).

As we were late we caused a bit of congestion at Portarlington with the 1745 Heuston - Westport waiting the road in the station while the 1750 Heuston - Galway was already at the Portarlington home signal. The 1800 Heuston - Cork wasn't to far behind that.

Arrival into Connolly was about 20 minutes late, the latest arrival into a station during any part of the tour, in fact the tour ran early during some parts of the tour.

Overall a great day out and many thanks to I.E. / N.I.R. staff for the planning and operation of the tour and to the R.P.S.I. for delivering an excellent set of carriages. Of course we can't forget the team in the M.R.S.I. who without this tour wouldn't have operated.

The RPSI Irish Railway Heritage Weekend kicked off today with a tour from Whitehead to Dublin Connolly using Steam Loco No. 186 + 5 RPSI MK2. However it didn't go to plan with 186 being failed at Whitehead before departure. NIR 113 was sent to the rescue and worked the tour throughout to Connolly arriving approx 1 hr and 20 mins late. 113 returned L.E. to York Road as soon as the Mk2's were released.

On Friday No. 4 worked a tour from Connolly to Limerick Jct where deisel locos 184+189 took over for the run to Limerick and back to Dublin via the Nenagh branch. I was unable to see or photograph this tour leaving Dublin but I did get 134+171 passing Connolly in the afternoon with a ballast train from the DSE line to North Wall.

On Saturday the Garavogue tour went from Connolly to Sligo and I got pictures of it at Kilcock and Enfield.

The tour returned to Dublin on the Sunday departing Sligo at 0935 with 152 + 190 as far as Mullingar where Steam Loco 4 took over for the run to Bray and back to Connolly with the 1850 ex Bray. The Special was photgraphed at Salthill and Killiney along with some other DMU and EMU workings.

It's been a busy weekend, the first of three busy weekends for railtours.

During the first week of May I had a week's holiday in the London area. To get the London I took the classic and relaxing way of travelling, by ferry from Rosslare and train from Fishguard to London.

In London I did the following rail related activities:

Monday:

Fishguard to London Paddington.

Tuesday:

Early morning visit to Clapham Jct. and Vaxhall.

London Eye with its superb views of Charing Cross and Waterloo.

LUL District Line shuttle to Kensington Olympia.

Docklands Light Railway including a visit to see the orginal, now closed Island Gardens Branch.

A short North London Line trip.

Wednesday:

LUL Waterloo and City Line and Central Line.

Thameslink Cross City Line.

Another short North London Line and this time West London Line trip.

Thursday:

An afternoon visit to Ipswich and Felixstowe.

Evening trip on the former Northern City Line now part of the First Capital Connect service from Moorgate to the northern suburbs and the LUL Northern Line to visit the interesting station at Angel.

Friday:

Home time - travelled London Paddington to Fishguard via Cardiff Bay to sample the heritage bubble car.

On Wednesday 25th April refurbished 8100 EMU's Set No. 8124 + 8113 + 8107 entered passenger service. The units were placed onto a evening peak link and worked the following services:

Ety. 1640 Fairview - Malahide.
1705 Malahide - Bray.
1828 Bray - Howth.
1945 Howth - Greystones.
2130 Greystones - Howth.
2255 Howth - Bray.

The refurbished units are reported to be working the following services on Thursday 26th April 2007:

0540 Bray - Howth.
0700 Howth - Bray.
0825 Bray - Connolly.

I travelled on the 1945 Howth - Bray on the Wednesday evening. I must say the units are good as new and look brilliant. Very much like a 85xx unit with the bright airy interior, yellow grab rails but they retain the best feature of a 8100 unit, the nice comfy seats!

The unit gricers out there will be delighted to know that the units retain their classic GEC traction motor whine, some people have made the comment that its actually louder than an unrefurbished unit.

Photos from the last week in April include:

Monday: Points failure in Connolly results in an unusual departure platform for the 16.50 Connolly - Belfast Central.

Tuesday: A quick trip on the DSE but only produced 1 photo at Arklow.

Wednesday: Evening rush hour at Tara Street including the newly opened peak hours only entrance / exit at Townsend Street. Finally a quick spin to Drogheda on the 2045 Connolly - Belfast with a superb 206.

Photos from Connolly, Fairview, Pearse, Heuston and Adamstown so far this week.

Highlights include 085 on the 1200 Cork (didn't get very far), 088 on the 1705 Sligo and 177 heading to Limerick with 22001 .

A weekend jaunt to Kerry and a few DMU pictures from the Kerry and Cork area.

I paid a visit to Adamstown station this morning to see the fist train and customers to use this new station.

Adamstown is the first fully privately-funded station on the Iarnród Éireann network, which will serve Adamstown, Ireland's first Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). SDZs ensures development and infrastructure are provided hand in hand.

A few photos of what remains from the long closed railway between Waterford & Tramore.

After the necessary Sunday dinner, I took a trip out to Kilmeaden to visit the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway (W&SVR).

The W&SVR is a heritage narrow gauge railway follows over 6km of the route of the abandoned Waterford -Dungarvan line. The track runs mostly along the picturesque banks of the River Suir between Kilmeaden and Waterford offering panoramic views of the River Suir, rolling farmland and mountains.

The rolling stock includes a restored Simplex 60sp locomotive with a Perkins diesel engine and two Edwardian style carriages.

For more information on the W&SVR visit their website http://www.wsvrailway.ie/

One photo so far this week from sunny Co. Wexford.

Pictures from the ITG Tour on Saturday 31st March.

The Route was:

Connolly - Clonsilla - Docklands - Clonsilla - Connolly (233 + 5 MK3 P/P (6103)).
Connolly - Kilkenny - Waterford - Limerick Jct - Connolly (190 + 152 to Lim Jct for 146 + 189 back to Connolly with 7 Mk2's).

A quite week on the scene with only a few Friday afternoon photos from Heuston to show from the week.

On Saturday 17th March I and a number of Dublin based enthusiasts paid a visit to the Downpatrick Railway.

I would like to express my thanks to the team at Downpatrick for a superb day out and the warm welcome we received. Many thanks must go to Norman for taking the time to show us around the railway and even walking out to the King's Halt with us.

If you haven't been to Downpatrick yet - if you only do one thing in 2007, make sure its a visit to Downpatrick!

10 out of 10 from the Wanderer.

Note: All trackside photos taken with permission.

A few evening photos from around the North Starnd area on Monday evening, while on Tuesday a wanderer to Drogheda bagged 079 and 085 in the station plus a few creative photos of trains passing the station.

Photos from Wednesday include 149 + 184 on a EMU transfer to Inchicore and 078 on the 1705 to Sligo.

Docklands Station, the first new "City Centre" station in 116 years was opened today by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern who constituency covers the Docklands area. The station was built in less than 9 months and has opened 3 months early and under budget.

Docklands station is built on the site of the old North Wall Midland yard.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!

First pictures of the week are 113 working the 1610 Belfast Central - Dublin Connolly and 1900 return with 4 MK2F's ( Gatwick) + Mk2B Van.

Finally two pictures of 230 at Portarlington with a Limerick bound train on Saturday.

Iarnrod Eireann's new Docklands station is due to open on Monday 12th March 2007. Trains will run from Docklands to Clonsilla every 30 mins during peak hours and hourly off peak on a Mon-Fri basis.

Here are some pictures from late this afternoon, 5 days before Docklands goes live.

This collection is called freight week!

Pictures of Empty Timber at Portarlington on Monday,

North Wall & Newcomen Wanderings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Thursday produced the sighting of the week as 113 worked the 1610 Belfast - Dublin and 1900 return. I travelled on the 1900 to Dundalk and got the 2010 ex Belfast back to Dublin.

A few pictures from Laoise & Kildare to kick off the weekwith 085 on the Norfolk and passengers trains passing a dark and murky Monasterevsn.

Other photos from the week include 079 on the F.O. service to Sligo and some various DMU workings.

A very warm welcome to the new collection for this week. Winter and its early nights allows you to go out and take some artistic photos of the railway. So on Tuesday night instead of heading up to Heuston I got the call from a gricing friend that the double Spanish and Jap combination were working the 1759 Bray - Malahide.

I found myself in the Sunny South East over the weekend and 215 was working the 1130 Heuston - Waterford & 1500 return. Unusually there was no locomotives stabled in Waterford yard.

On Sunday 11th February 2007 Ireland hosted France in the Six Nations Rugby Contest. This was also the first "Foreign" game to be played at Croke Park.

Railway wise NI Railways operated 3 Specials from Belfast to Dublin:

- 0935 Belfast Central - Connolly: 232 + 8DD.
- 0950 Belfast Central - Connolly: 3002 + 3006
- 1035 Belfast Central - Connolly: 3001 + 3005

Photographs were taken in the Gormanston and Laytown areas.

Various photos from in and around the Dublin area this week including:

- Peak time evening shots taken from Westland Row to kick off the week.

- Lunch time photos of the loop line bridge.

- Night time photos at Bray & Heuston including 233 on the 2000 Cork service.

- Photos of a new DART combination this week. 8535 + 8536 + 8203 + 8205 have been made up into a 8 car formation.

- Photos from around the Killiney area.

A few other misc pictures from my trip to cover the Wessex Electric farewell tour.

Dedicated staff in South West Trains organised a final farewell mini-railtour on Saturday 3rd February 2007 to say their goodbyes to the Class 442 "Wessex Electrics".

The Wessex Electric EMU's were introduced in May 1988 by Network South East and quickly earned the nickname "Plastic Pigs" from Staff which did result in some disciplinary measures being taken by the company! Despite this nickname the units did settle down to become the workhorses of the South West Mainline for 19 years until their premature withdrawal by South West Trains to "increase capacity" (??) The UK railway has gone truly mad!

To mourn the passing of these MK3 based express units a "Control Special" was arranged which took a unit off the beaten tracks to the South West Suburban lines. The route covered was:

London Waterloo - Putney - Twickenham - Windsor & Eton Riverside - Twickenham - Shepperton - Teddington - Wimbledon - London Waterloo.

A charity collection was done through the train to raise money for the Woking Homes. A grand total of £265 was raised from the 70 odd people on the tour.

Many thanks to the members of staff for organising the special in their own time.

A few night time shots from around Dublin.

A few pictures from the Kingdom and the journey back to Dublin.

After the guts of 2 years since the first units left these shores 8107 + 8307 has returned home looking as good as new. Here is a few pictures of it in and around the North Wall Area on its delivery back to Fairview Depot.

The 2nd unit to return; 8113 + 8317 returned 2 weeks later on the 2nd November. Here is a few pictures of it in the Stena Line terminal before transfer to Fairview.

The 3rd & 4th units to arrive back into Ireland 8124+8324 & 8131+8331 arrived on Thursday 26th January 2007. With construction work to extend the Eucon container terminal underway it wasn't possible to reunite the unit with their bogies on the Coastal Extension, therefore it had to be done on the Alexander Road. Quite a sight!

Images of the week include photos of an 8 car 8100 EMU which has only recently been permitted following the timetable change.

Also included in a change from normal this week is a few images from Dalkey and Donnybrook Busn Garage of Dublin Bus vehicles.

Friday Morning I took a trip on the 0600 Gorey - Sligo, which is the longest DMU operated service on the IE network from Lansdowne Road to Maynooth to cover the recently reopened Newcomen Junction - Glasnevin Junction line which goes undeneath the Canal End stand of Croke Park. In fact you go under the stands of the two major sporting venues in Dublin, Lansdowne Road & Croke Park.

Also included is a few images of some EMU's in the Booterstown / Sydney Parade area plus a EMU transfer hauled by 189 from Connolly to Inchicore with 8106 + 8306.

Finally I did some wanderer to Cork over the weekend to try out the new hourly Cork service.

Enjoy!

On Friday 12th January I had an offical visit to the SWT Traincare depot at Wimbledon Park and was shown around the depot by "Driver Potter" and Chris Buckland.

Look out for a few "unusual" pictures with an Irish theme.

Many thanks to both of them for taking the time out to show me around the depot.

Last week I and a few other Irish folk made the trip across the Irish Sea to say our farewell to the Mk3 based 19 year old Class 442 EMU's, which have been withdrawn by South West Trains as a way of "boosting capacity across its network". In effect what SWT have done is a "Sligo & Rosslare job" to its London - Portsmouth line by casading 3 year old Express EMU's (Class 444) to the London - Bournemouth / Weymouth service to replace the 442's and replacing these trains with outer suburban Class 450's on the Portsmouth line.

Besides saying farewell to the 442's we also managed to cram in the FGW London Paddington - Penzance sleeper and a HST run up the Great Western Main Line.

Overall a very enjoyable trip.

For further information on the best EMU ever built in the UK please visit the following link:

http://www.semg.org.uk/gallery/class442_1.html

A late start to the week but more than made up for it by doing farewell to booked Mark 2 workings on the Mallow - Tralee line with the F.O. Loco Hauled Ennis in between.

Photos include the:

2nd last 1310 Tralee.
2nd last pair to Ennis???
DMU lift at Limerick.
2nd last 0920 & 1355 Tralee.


A good two days out and about and met a good few of the regular enthusiasts on the road.

Photos from this week include Little Island & Glounthaune on the Cork - Cobh line and a few Wanderings around Waterford. Unfortunately I missed the Norfolk on Friday as the light faded before it came.

Seven out of Eight MK4 sets have now visited Connolly Station for repairs and modification work.

The first visit was with 201 Class No. 231 & Mk4 set 4003 to Connolly V.P. on August 22nd 2006 for repairs to a Bogie Defect on one of the MK4's. Upon arrival it had been arranged to gauge the main station platforms and P2 and P3 were done. After the train was placed into the V.P. 231 returned L.E. to Inchicore.

The second visit was with 201 Class No. 219 & Mk4 set 4006 to Connolly V.P. on September 21st 2006 for modifications to be carried out on the set. The train operated as a 1725 Limerick Junction - Connolly test and arrived into Connolly approx 1910 a few minutes ahead of its booked arrival time and catching me out in the process - therefore the photos aren't of the best quality.

MK4 set 4006, modifications complete left Connolly during the morning of Friday 29th September and was hauled to Inchicore by 231 departing Connolly at 0850.

4006 propelled by 220 returned early in the morning of Thursday 26th October 2006 for another visit to Connolly. I assume its to do with the ride mods to be carried out on the fleet.

4006 left Connolly late at night on Tuesday 7th November it's place been taken by 4003 which was brought to Connolly by 216. A few pictures of 4003 arriving into Connolly have now been posted.

On the 14th November 4003 was transferred from Connolly to Inchicore while 4001 took its place having earlier worked the 1530 service from Cork to Heuston.

On the 21st November 4001 was transferred from Connolly to Heuston and the following day 4005 was transferred to Connolly from Heuston after working the 0930 ex Cork and arrived into Connolly at approx 1715 hours.

4005 was transferred back to Heuston on Saturday 2nd November, its place been taken by 4006 (again!).

On Thursday 7th December 4006 left Connolly and its placed was taken by yet to enter service 4007 the following day.

Its mods complete 4007 was swapped with set 4002 during the night of 13th December 2006.

One week later on Wed 20th Dec 4002's mod was complete and this was swapped with uncomissioned set 4008 which arrived at 1350 hours on Thursday 21st December 2006.

This just leaves set 4004 to recieve its ride comfort mods.

This weeks odds and sods so far...

On Saturday 16th December the RPSI operated their final Santa Steam Spls of 2006. For the final trip to Maynooth (1607 ex Pearse and 1730 ex Maynooth) I popped along to Pearse station to see a little bit of history been made, the final passenger runs of IE owned 3185 & 1510.

3185 is destined for a nice retirement with the RPSI however 1510 is destined for a date with the Inchicore Devil aka the scrapman.

After 43 Years of sterling service to the railways of Ireland Cravens and Steam heating finally bow of everyday use.

Only a few pictures from this week. The early nights are depressing!

A few photos of Kilkenny, Waterford and Connolly stations during the week.

On Saturday 9th December Iarnrod Eireann finished with locomotive haulage on the Ballina Shuttle. To celebrate the end the final run was made public a number of weeks before hand and a large group of enthusiasts made the long trip to Ballina to celebrate the end of Cravens on the branch. The only locomotive hauled passenger working to Ballina is now the Friday Only 1620 Heuston - Ballina which is usually formed of an 071 Class Loco + 7 or 8 Mk2d's.

For the history books the Final working was the 1300 Ballina - Manulla Jct formed of loco 073 and carriages 1506 + 1516 + 3173. The train crew were Driver Dessy Gallagher and Guard Noel Enright.

All in all a great send off to regular locomotive haulage on the branch was had.

This week kicks off with some photos of refurbished 8100 Class EMU No. 8107 waiting to begin a night of testing between Dun-Laoghaire and Bray and a few photos of the 14.00 Alexandra Road - Tara Mines hauled by 084 leaving the unloading terminal on the Alexander Road in North Wall, Dublin.

On Saturday 25th November Ian Walsh ran the Boat Train railtour using 170 Limerick - Rosslare - Waterford and 168 Waterford - Wellington Bridge - Limerick. Despite some inital problems both with carriages and loco the tour turned out to be a great day.

Rolling stock for the day was 3 Cravens + BR Van (1508+1510+1514+3185).

Photos from this week include the first unusal Mk4 passenger working. On Tuesday 21st November the 0930 Cork - Heuston pushed by 219 failed north of Charleville. 228 which was at Limerick Junction on the Mk4 test train was dispatched to assist and hauled the complete train through to Heuston arriving just under 2 hours late. Talk about been in the right place at the right time!

Other photos include 152 working a Fairview - Inchicore EMU Bogie transfer and a few photos of Dublin Suburban services in and around the city center.

The Speno Track recording car is an Danish Track Recording car which is on-hire to IE for a few weeks. The vehicle has been regauged to 5ft 3" using a pair of freight bogies, therefore it isn't braked and requires 2 brake vans for it to operate on IE metals. Speno has been touring the country since Tuesday 7th November when it did a test run to Hazelhatch and back to Inchicore.
From Wednesday the 8th, Speno complete with 1162 & 1166 were hauled by 142 to Cork. From Cork there journey of the country has taken them to Cobh, Tralee, Galway, Westport, Waterford, Rosslare, Greystones, Dundalk, Enniscorthy and Sligo.

I understand the last day of Speno is scheduled for Thursday 23rd of November.

For more information on Speno go to yahoo.com and type in "Speno SM775". You will get about 6 web pages.

Images from the week include night shots of Heuston and Connolly. An Friday afternoon in Heuston includes photos of 3189 which has been reinstated to service for air / vac carriage transfers.

The Speno Track recording car is an Danish Track Recording car which is on-hire to IE for a few weeks. The vehicle has been regauged to 5ft 3" using a pair of freight bogies, therefore it isn't braked and requires 2 brake vans for it to operate on IE metals. Speno has been touring the country since Tuesday 7th November when it did a test run to Hazelhatch and back to Inchicore.
From Wednesday the 8th Speno complete with 1162 & 1166 were hauled by 142 to Cork. From Cork there journey of the country has taken them to Cobh, Tralee, Galway, Westport, Waterford, Rosslare and ending up in Greystones for the weekend.

For the Sunday it was time to do my Ballina farewell trip so I and about 8 other gricers headed off to the wild west on the 0845 Heuston - Galway worked by 087 changing at Athlone onto the 1035 Athlone - Westport worked by 216. 074 was working the Ballina Branch while 085 worked the 1530 ec Westport. 071 was in Ballina with the Norfolk liner but this failed on the Tuesday morning in Ballina so was replaced by 074 which resulted in 2603 + 2604 working the 1300 and 1800 ex Ballina services.

The weather was awful so the photos aren't of the greaest quality.

Photos this week of the Enterprise in Platform 3 at Connolly on Tues.

Night time shots of the Mk2 set in Connolly Yard.

NIR C3K on an Enteprise vice duty.

Last Saturday a trip was taken to the Sunny South East and I managed to get photos from various locations in and around Waterford including shots of the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway (W&SVR) extension. 219 on the 1320 and 217 on the 1450 services to Dublin.

I hope you enjoy!

A round up of the weeks pictures which includes:

- 2603 + 2604 at Connolly Yard on their long journey west.

- 075 on the 1555 Connolly - Sligo.

- An evening at Heuston.

- A Kerry line wander.

- Steam heat makes a final & welcome return to the 1615 Limerick - Heuston.

Continuing the occasional "from the past" series, here is a selection of pictures from the Waterford to Claremorris "Waterford & Lismore Knock" Special which operates on the first Sunday of each May via Limerick Junction.

I travelled on the train to Claremorris and then did my own pilgrimage to Ballina (instead of Knock!) for 080 on the branch.

The Knock Special is a greta day out to get serious 071 mileage and its good fun to!

Photos of the Wexford Opera Executive Special at Pearse and Grand Canal Dock worked by 085. The following morning 085 and the Executive set were used to work an IE Executive Special for an International Railway Safety Conference in Belfast.

Also photos of 2603 + 2604 at Drumcondra with 2814 + 2813 working the 1728 Connolly - Maynooth covering for an unavailable 29000 unit. 2603 + 2604 is the set earmarked for exile to the wild west aka Ballina so I thought it was appropriate to photograph it on Dublin Commuter work before it goes west.

This week includes a few rushed pictures of the 121's at Connolly after fueling, returning to North Wall to work the timber to Sligo and 085 at the Alexdander Road Tara unloading area.

A few trips to the UK was taken in October 2006. Places visited included Holyhead, Crewe, London, Peterbrough, Birmingham, Severn Valley Railway, Mancheater, Leeds, York, East Lancashire Railway.

A few pictures from the week including 086 and the DD barrier wagon at Connolly.

A selection of Pictures from Heuston with a theme on Carriages.

A selection of photos of the RPSI's No. 186 which was involved in the filming of "The Wind that shakes the Barley" in Killarney Railway Station on 26th May 2005.

A few pictures of the Ballybough Road mural which features 121 Class locomotive 134 (with a 141 behind it!), a GNR Steam loco and the Croke Park Stadium.

A round up of the pictures from the week. Includes:
- An afternoon at Raheny.
- Gatwicks at Connolly.
- An afternoon in Heuston.
- Mallow including the heaviest rain I have ever seen.
- Killarney.
- HIGHLIGHT of the week if not the year was the 1950 Limerick - Limerick Jct worked by 181 + 172 with 8 MK3.

A round of the weeks pictures from Connolly, Pearse, Raheny and Porterstown. Anybody know what happened to the Sligo timber on the Saturday as I spent 2 hours at Porterstown waiting for it. :(

A selection of pictures from a few locations in Co. Kildare of G.A.A. Specials and Regular passenger traffic into Dublin.

A round up of the weeks photos including a Friday lunchtime in Heuston and an afternoon in Connolly to see the Mk2's to Sligo. Saturday's photos are taken from a splendid overbridge at the 17MP near Sallins - will be back there for more!

Another collection in the "from the past": A gricing trip and a half. Started out on the Friday doing the 1555 Connolly - Sligo in its last weeks of Craven operation. On the Sunday travelled to Sligo again on the MK2's bus to Westport for the 1530 Westport - Heuston.

"From the past": A few photos taken at Connolly on 9 May 2005 showing the Irish Distellers Cork to Sligo Executive Special.

A round up of the weeks pictures of the Mk3 Executive in Connolly on a R.E.S.T. Executive Special to Longford and a selection of pictures from the Waterford area.

Pictures taken at Cherryville Jct of the up morning Regular and G.A.A. Specials into Dublin.

A trip over to Cardiff to do the Class 50's that didn't go to plan

To kick start the "from the past" series a few photos from a gricing trip on a cold Wednesday 28th Dec 2005.