On Sunday August 13th 2023 the Ireland Made film crew was a guest of Joe Darling and the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) on their return steam train run from Dublin to Kilkenny.
Pulled by compound steam engine No.85 “MERLIN” the train travelled from Dublin Connolly to MacDonagh Station, Kilkenny. Following a 3-hour stopover to ‘triangle’ the engine (turn it around) we steamed back to Dublin again.
The train was made up of seven coaches containing passenger cars, dining car, bar car serving creamy Guinness, snack car and BR van 3173 housing the diesel generator to power the coaches, volunteer steward crew and the brake man.
The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland was formed in 1964 to preserve Irish steam locomotives, coaches and rolling stock and to operate them on the mainline Irish railway network. The society works to keep old traditions and skills alive for future generations and has currently 1,000 members from all across the world. Working closely in association with Irish Rail the society depends on its volunteers to keep its stock of steam trains operational.
To become a volunteer or book an upcoming steam train trip, check out www.steamtrainsireland.com
In our follow up story, we’ll take a closer look at steam locomotive No. 85 Merlin and chat with RPSI members about their passion for the railways.
My thanks to Ann and Pat for their great company during our journey.
Information sources:
Peter Rigney – Chairman
Martin Devlin – Train Manger
Bill Garrioch – Assistant Train Manager
Peter Emmet – Chief Engineer
Joe Darling – Steward
Joe McDermot – Steward
Tina Hand – Steward
Jordan – @AnotherBasicTransportEnthusias
