A mini diesel gala was held at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway (D&CDR) on January 7, in conjunction with the Irish Traction Group (ITG).
Such events may be a regular feature at heritage railways in mainland Britain, but they are very uncommon in Northern Ireland, or the Republic. This is due to there being only a few heritage lines and a small number of diesel locomotives and units in preservation which are in running order.
While it was not possible to use any visiting traction due to the D&CDR being isolated from Northern Ireland’s rail network, nonetheless the event was sold out, with return coach connections from Dublin also on offer.
Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) and Irish Rail traincrew, both current and retired, attended the event to see how traction they had worked on was being cared for, with a unanimous verdict of being very impressed.
As well as access to the heritage railway’s facilities, return passenger trips
