Festival (1976)

Some views of the RPSI "Festival" railtour of 25th September 1976 - the first steam working from Belfast Central to the NCC main line, and the last to call at several block posts which were being closed and their loops decomissioned. No.4 operated the tour throughout. All photographs are by Joe Cassells, and despite it being a wet day he captured the day brilliantly.

The tour started out of Bangor and the dismal weather is evident.

Taking water at Ballymena. Note the Manson tablet exchanger on the left.

Cullybackey when it still had a loop, cabin and manual gates. Some at least of the coaches stored in the goods yard were destined for the RPSI.

Glarryford where the platform has been extended out to take in some of the former Up loop.

Speeding through the closed station of Killagan.

Crossing an Up service at Dunloy.

Dunloy still retained a loop and siding.

The distinctive curve and footbridge at Limavady Junction.

The turntable at Waterside was to remain for another number of years.

The return leg was routed via the loop at Lisahally as the through road was being prepared to become plain track when the cabin closed. Note the new concrete sleepers.