My father worked in Irish Rail for 36 years, his father before him was with GNR (Great Northern Railway, NOT Guns 'n' Roses!!!) and CIE for all his working life. His brother also worked all his life for Irish Rail. I'm not going to say that the railway is in our blood but my sister does own a miniature train set.
I've always had a fascination with steam trains, they are just so dramatic! As a child we lived next to a railway line, I remember when I'd hear the whistles of a steam train I'd bolt to the back door to watch it pass and then make a dash to the front door where I'd catch a last glimpse. Someone would always wave back at you and if you where very lucky the driver would let off a massive whistle and some steam. There's every chance I might still do the same today.
The RPSI's livery
From where I live in Dublin I can hear the steam trains in Connolly Station getting ready to take people on day trips. Recently while standing on my balcony watching the steam it occurred to me that I should take one of these day trips! Such a simple idea, why hadn't it occurred to me before?
Golden tickets!
I got some tickets for the RPSI's trip to Maynooth in Mark's Models on Hawkins Street. Interesting shop, I must tell my sister about it. Then on a fine day during our Indian summer myself, M and my mother waited on platform 5 in Connolly Station for the train to arrive.
Waiting with all the other excited travelers on platform 5.
The train was a little late so anticipations were high. I was expecting it to come from one direction so when it came from the other, whistling its horn and letting off copious amounts of steam, I was completely taken unawares. I feel very silly admitting it but I actually uttered the words "choo choo" in amazement and awe! Yes, I was like a child!
The journey to Maynooth was lovely. The RPSI have taken over a few old Craven coaches and some are decorated very nicely. I remember journeying to school in coaches like these in the early 1990's. M suggested that back then I probably complained about them and he's right, I did. Here I was though paying twice the cost of the journey to sit in them and loving every minute!
The interior of the Craven coaches.
When we got to Maynooth the real fun started! We got out to watch the engine switch ends. It's so impressive when you're up close you can really feel the energy coming from the engine. I was so close I could nearly touch it, though, to do that would mean losing a layer of skin! It was an amazing powerful beast.
Engine 461 as it changes ends at Maynooth. When this engine first arrived in Ireland we were in the middle of a civil war. It was stored in a shed in Belfast and didn't enter service until 1923.
I was watching all the RPSI volunteers and I couldn't help but be in awe of them. The organisation works tirelessly to preserve engines like this. They maintain it, search for parts, even research the perfect liveries, all on a volunteer basis. It was very humbling to think they are keeping a part of our heritage alive for all of us to enjoy. They deserve a massive thank you because it is back breaking work.
The hard working volunteers of the RPSI
All the RPSI volunteers dress in uniforms or work clothes of yesteryears railwaymen.
Soon we were back in Connolly and the fun and adventure was over. It was such an enjoyable experience, I'm so glad I did it. I've always had a few geeky train dreams, take a trip in a steam train, ride in the cab of a Marlene and wave the green flag to alert that driver he can depart. I've finally done the first, the other two will most likely prove impossible but I'm still a happy girl! Oh, and I did wave ferociously at all the children who waved at the train, you have to encourage the excitement!
If you are interested in taking a trip on a steam train keep an eye on the RPSI's website.
