Historic wagons built in Ireland saved by DCDR
The Downpatrick & County Down Railway (DCDR), an accredited museum, has saved four examples of the last type of wagons ever to be built in Ireland, as the heritage railway took delivery of a four vehicles from Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).
Railway chairman, Robert Gardiner, explained “These wagons are destined to help our Permanent Way gang keep our track up to standard, as well as help rehabilitate the currently mothballed ‘south line’ beyond Magnus’s Grave.
“This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to maintaining our track to the best standard possible, as well as ultimately being used to increase the journey length by giving us better tools for maintenance and expansion.”
Mr Gardiner added: “The wagons are three ballast hoppers, which can hold up to 20 tonnes of stone (known as ballast) that is deposited on the railway line to hold the track in place and give a good smooth ride when tamped.
“The fourth wagon is a special brake van which has an underfloor plough fitted that then spreads this stone to where it’s needed. The wagons give much higher capacity than our trusty ‘Daisy Dumper’ or ballast regulator, though these still have their place for smaller and more precise jobs.”
“These particular hoppers were built by CIÉ and Parsons Ltd in the 1970s, and ran all across the Irish Rail network until their withdrawal in 2013. They are the last railway wagons built in Ireland, with all new rolling stock now coming in from overseas suppliers. Â
“The wagons were parked up in Dublin’s North Wall yard where they remained for the last nine years until they were finally sanctioned for scrap. At that point the DCDR were interested in acquiring them and asked if a number of the best ones could be kept aside for us. Â
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade said: “As custodians of the railway, we are acutely aware of the importance of rail heritage. We are fortunate on this island that we have a community of professional and dedicated organisations such as Downpatrick & County Down Railway who are committed to preserving our rail heritage.
“It was a pleasure to work with the DCDR who have now taken ownership of three ballast wagons and a ballast plough from ourselves, and we look forward to seeing their use by the team in Downpatrick for many years to come.”
The wagons were delivered over a two day period by Railway Support Services Ltd, so if you were stuck behind the convoy and wondered what these were, now you know!
Robert Gardiner, DCDR Chairman added: “We are very impressed with the condition of these wagons and they will need little work to bring them into service – certainly the sight of ballast being ploughed will be pretty impressive.
“As well as being useful tools, we hope these might become interesting exhibits in their own right.”
“Our sincere thanks to the team at Irish Railway Models who have offered to support the cost of transport, as well as one of our volunteers who funded the purchase of them, and of course as Irish Rail and Railway Support Services as well.”
Patrick Conboy, a director of Irish Railway Models, also added his congratulations saying: “We are hugely appreciative of the efforts made by organisations such as the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, who dedicate themselves to the often under-appreciated task of preserving historical Irish railway locomotives, rolling stock and other equipment for future generations to learn about and enjoy.
“When we heard the DCDR planned to preserve these ballast hoppers and a plough van, we jumped at the opportunity to assist.
“These unassuming items of rolling stock have a special place in the hearts of everyone here at Irish Railway Models as scale models of these wagons were the first products we ever brought to market, and started a journey which has since seen the company expand into the British market with our Accurascale brand.
“During August we’re donating €10 from every sale of our ballast and magnesite wagon models to the DCDR to help the railway cover the cost of transporting the real wagons to their base in Downpatrick and brought back into operation.”
Mr Conboy added: “These wagons will not just be museum pieces but also operational equipment which will help the DCDR’s permanent way team maintain its existing trackwork and in time will play a role in the railway’s goal of extending the line to Ballydugan – something we’re really looking forward to!”
The models can be purchased online via:
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