Steam returns to Downpatrick after nearly two years as O&K 0-4-0T No. 3 sits on shed after working trial runs for the ‘Lapland Express’ on November 21.
MIKE BECKETT
STEAM-HAULED passenger trains returned to the Downpatrick & County Down Railway (DCDR) during December, as the 5ft 3in gauge line celebrated Christmas with the ‘Lapland Express’.
It had been almost two years since any sort of public train had run over DCDR metals; the line opting to remain closed and ride out the coronavirus pandemic, and only reopening once it was confident it could operate safely, both for the public and its volunteers.
The final preparations were undertaken during November, with former Cómhlucht Siúicre Éireann Orenstein & Koppel 0-4-0T No. 3 (12662/1935) made ready to haul the festive specials between Downpatrick and Inch Abbey on December 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19.