County Donegal Railway 2-6-4T No. 4 Meenglas returned to Derry during snowfall after a £45,000 year-long cosmetic facelift at the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland workshops at Whitehead.
It will now be displayed again outside the Foyle Valley Railway Museum at a new, more prominent location beside Letterkenny Road, in an attempt to attract visitors.
The 1907-built Nasmyth Wilson locomotive has undergone much work, including replating of the tanks sides, cab and bunker, fitting of a new smokebox, door handles, new boiler cladding, replacement dome cover, replica chimney and a full painting in CDR red and yellow lining.
It was welcomed home by Coun John Boyle, Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, on Wednesday, January 30.
The museum is now run by Destined, a charity for action for people with learning disabilities. Destined’s Dermot O’Hara said: “The return of Meenglas is a significant event in our seven-year plan to return the Foyle Valley Railway to operating condition as a tourist attraction.
“The RPSI has done a superb job and my thanks go to the society and to the Heritage Lottery Fund.”
Read more in Issue 251 of HR – on sale now!
Railway Reads
From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.Get The Railway Hub Weekly Round-up
Enter your e-mail address below and you will receive weekly rail news straight into your inbox...You can unsubscribe at any time.
About the Author
01507 529529 | SHewitt@Mortons.co.uk
- Rail firms blast plan to cut taxes on domestic flights - 16th June 2021
- 117-year-old Horden locomotive launched at Tanfield Railway - 15th June 2021
- Strikes over guards’ contracts to affect East Midlands Railway services - 14th June 2021