RPSI Castlerock steam 30.10.2016

Castlerock Semaphore Finale
Sunday 30th October

Belfast - Castlerock - Coleraine - Belfast

This is a rare opportunity to operate a one-off traditional style railtour.

The Society, with the co-operation of NIR, is offering a final opportunity to run to and terminate a train at Castlerock.

The line is temporarily closing from 2nd November to enable commissioning of the new signalling. From this date Castlerock will cease to be a signalling block post. The signal cabin, passing loop and traditional mechanically operated signals will close. The closure marks the end of NIR's last full-time manned traditional signalling block post system, and with it traditional track sectional tablet working on the Coleraine to Londonderry line. The Down platform track and pointwork will be removed with the station becoming a single through line using the main Up platform and electric signals.

Around one hour is planned for a Castlerock lie-over. This will allow the 13:33 ex Londonderry to pass at 14:07. At Coleraine on return there will be over one hour to stretch the legs, while the locomotive turns and is serviced.

The train is aimed at all, but should be of particular interest to enthusiasts to see for the last time Castlerock being worked as a traditional intermediate signalling block post station, reminiscent of former railway days.



Arr Dep
Whitehead Excursion-- 10:00 (Not Translink Station)
Carrickfergus 10:15 10:16
Belfast Central 10:45 11:30
Castlerock 13:25 14:18
Coleraine 14:35 15:40
Belfast Central 17:15 18:05
Carrickfergus 18:31 18:32
Whitehead Excursion 18:47 --

THIS TRAIN CAN BE BOOKED ONLINE AT THE LINK BELOW AND PRINT AT HOME TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE Scheduled motive power is 85

https://visitbelfast.ticketsolve.com/#/shows/873563816

 

I have only been on one RPSI trip, Enterprise from Whitehead to Dublin and return two years ago behind No. 85. Thoroughly enjoyable despite false hot box warnings in Eire on the way out. Have booked on this one.

 

No. 85 Merlin on 6 Mk2s incl one ex aircon.
Running round in Belfast Cen. Genny car on the Enterprise making more smoke than Merlin.

Low 20s on the climb out of Carrickfergus and max 32 on the tender first run in from Whitehead excursion.

 

1 min early into Coleraine but 9 min late arrival at Castlerock due to problems with token machine.

Speed fell to 23 at Mossley West from 63 at Whitehouse and 51 at Bleach Green Jn. 36 mph min on Cullybackey bank after 40 restriction thro Ballymena. Loco's 60 limit reached on easier sections. Crossed up trains at Antrim, Killagan loop and Coleraine.

Just crossed 13.33 ex L'derry at Castlerock, so we'll be on our way once it gets to Coleraine. 1 hr allowed at Coleraine to turn and service loco.

 

Booked off Coleraine 15.41 on arrival of Portrush train. Into Killagan loop 16.11 - 18 to cross L'Derry train and thro Antrim 16/47 crossing next Portrush train, Yorkgate 17/10 and Belfast Cen a 17.15 so some brisk running in prospect.

 

Reported bridge strike nr Antrim disrupted service trains, so Portrush train crossed at Bally7money not Coleraine.

Coleraine to Belfast Cen 105m 40s non stop, a 10 late. Struggled up Ballyboyland bank after Ballymoney as routed thro loop rather than straight road so couldn't get run at it. Down to walking pace but kept going.

Max 47 after Antrim fell to 20 on climb to Templepatrick. Nice unchecked run back into Belfast.

Merlin now run round for t/f run back to Whitehead.

 

The very low speed at Templepatrick was because a car had collided with the crossing barriers at Kilmakee Level Crossing, on the Antrim side of Templepatrick Station.
ian