Train Approaching

The Arklow train approaches from Kilcoole and passes Newcastle Aerodrome en route to the next stop in Wicklow Town.

Train On The Horizon

The 12:05 Arklow train on the horizon, hurtling down the line from Kilcoole, next stop Wicklow Town.

Full Steam Ahead V

This is the last post from our little trip on the Rail Preservation Society of Ireland's steam train from Greystones to Wicklow Town and back so, it's all aboard for the return, sit back and enjoy the views.

 I really shouldn't stick my head out the window but just had to have a peek!


















Below, we flash past, sorry, steam past Newcastle Aerodrome. 

 I like this view of the marshland between Newcastle and Kilcoole:

 Well that's it - for those with an interest in railways check out the RPSI's great website by clicking here.

Full Steam Ahead IV

Here she comes - having reversed back on the outside track, No. 186 approaches the back of the train.

Left, recoupling the engine to the train.




Below, all that's left to do is transfer the headlamps to the rear of the tender - there's no turntable in Wicklow Town, so, the engine has to go backwards, all the way to Greystones!  Hope our driver's got eyes in the back of his head!

Full Steam Ahead III

Arriving in Wicklow Town with the RPSI's steam train from Greystones, there's a mad dash to the front of the platform for the big photo opportunity with No. 186 while the gentleman on the right stands fast and officious - it was he who clipped our tickets en route!


 So, here we are at the front where the engine will be decoupled from the train and make it's way back to the opposite end for the return journey.

Away she goes!

Full Steam Ahead II

We're on board the RPSI's steam train starting from Greystones and hurtling towards Wicklow Town and this gentleman with the knitted railway bridge sweater is selling tickets for a draw!  Actually, he is an RPSI volunteer as are all those involved in putting on today's event.  The Rail Preservation Society of Ireland is a registered charity and all funds from ticket sales, shop sales, membership fees or donations go directly to keeping Ireland's steam railway heritage operating for future generations.  So, we head for the bar, the dining car( actually, snack car) and souvenir stand in order to assist in funding this very worthwhile cause!  More information can be had from their website by clicking here.

Well, it is a worthwhile cause!

Full Steam Ahead!

Today it's full steam ahead from Greystones to Wicklow Town and back with the Rail Preservation Society of Ireland's steam train packed with enthusiasts, families, tourists and the mildly curious(that's me, folks).

Above, the Great Southern and Western Railway 101 (classified J15) steam locomotive No. 186 pulls the train into Greystones Station to collect the masses.  Originally built in 1879, No. 186 was donated to the RPSI by CIE, the Irish State Transport Company, in 1965.  She had her last major overhaul in 2004 at the RPSI's locomotive workshop in Whitehead, Co Antrim. Click here for the full history of No. 186.