No.85 Clearance Trials (2004)

In preparation for the Titanic trains later in the month, and because No.85 had not visited Bangor since the line was relaid, a gauging run was required. On 14th April 2004, the locomotive ran light-engine to Belfast GVS where 4 Cravens were waiting, along with IÉ GM 186 (stunning coincidence). The Cravens also had to be gauge tested as they too were due to operate on the Titanic trains.

The first stop was Yorkgate where Barry, the NIR Inspector, takes a break from the footplate. The Inspector plays a crucial role in liaising between the footplate and the railways signal and control personnel. He is also the senior man on the footplate.

Looking out from the footplate Driver Noel chats to passengers waiting on Yorkgate platform for the service train to Belfast Central. A change from the normal passenger sights!

The train on the right has just arrived in Yorkgate from Belfast Central and all changed into a train in front of it, a stopper to Larne. The rear train then heads off to the depot. Out on the Dargan Bridge can be seen another set waiting for the depot.

This view shows 4 separate train movements in play at once! The Larne stopper is on the immediate right, with two sets behind it waiting for the depot.

No.85 reflected in the Royal Mail sorting office at Tomb Street - a feature used by many a photographer.

At Great Victoria Street the Cravens were waiting. Hauled up by IÉ bo-bo 186, and along with NIR GM 111, it meant that GVS was a hive of loco-hauled activity.

Noel's standard driving pose at the regulator, careful manipulation of which, along with considered use of the reverser wheel in front of him, means that he can make the locomotive work but also be efficient in consuming steam.

This photograph demonstrates the order of the day. Upon arrival at each station on the route an engineer checks the gauge of the carriages. No.85 finds the gradient easy as we ease through Cultra.

The smiles say it all. Footplate work is grimy, smelly and very rewarding! Big smiles from Noel (NIR Driver), Gary (NIR Driver and Steam Fireman) and Peter (RPSI Footplate Rep).

Nearly there - the creep through Carnalea.

At Bangor there was a pause whilst rush hour came and went. The time was used to take water and polish some of the dirt off the loco. In this short day from Whitehead-Bangor and back the locomotive used approximately 2,300 gallons of water.