BACK ON TRACK: In preparation for the reopening of the 3ft Stradbally Woodland Railway, Ireland’s oldest heritage railway, former Bord na Mona 1949 Andrew Barclay built 0-4-0WT No. LM44/No. 2 Rosin takes a trial train on the 1km long line on March 13. In the background outside the shed is ex-Electricity Supply Board Allenwood, 1952 Ruston & Hornsby No. 4 Rusty, which is also used on passenger services. The railway has not opened to the public since 2019 because of Covid-19 restrictions and operated services for the first time over St Patrick’s Day bank holiday weekend on March 18 and 20.
KIERAN MARSHALL
A NEW railtour promoter, Tailte Tours was launched at the beginning of March, to raise additional funds for several heritage rail projects in Ireland. Its first railtour is a visit to Tralee on Saturday, August 20, marking the inaugural visit of the CAFbuilt Mk.IVs introduced in 2006, with a GM 201 locomotive in service to Tralee. The railtour will depart from Dublin Connolly and plans to call at Mallow and Killarney. Details can be found at www.tailtetours.com