Irish Railway Record Society

NEWS  - NORTHERN IRELAND RAILWAYS - TRANSLINK

Chief Executive   On 21 February, the Board of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHCo) appointed Mr Jim Aiken, an Executive Director of NITHCo, as Acting Chief Executive of Translink after the retirement of Mr Ted Hesketh on 31 March. Mr Aiken joined Northern Ireland Railways in 1990 as General Manager: Finance & Planning. He was a member of the Railways Task Force, which reported to Government in 2000 on options for the future of the rail network and is currently a member of the Regional Transportation Strategy Steering Group and the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan Project Board.

Customer Satisfaction   Translink has scored its best customer satisfaction rating for four years, according to data published in March by the General Consumer Council. Independent monitoring surveys were carried out during October and November 2002. Railway passenger satisfaction rose from 61% to 63% and there were significant improvements in cleanliness and comfort scores. The surveys revealed that 96% of NIR services were observed ‘to be punctual and arrive on time’.

Fares   Translink increased fares by an average of 5% from 31 March. Enterprise fares for cross border travel remained unchanged.

RAILWAY UPGRADING

In reply to a question about the proposal for a circular passenger service on the Belfast- Lisburn- Antrim- Bleach Green- Belfast line, the House of Lords was told in February that 'We are currently proceeding to implement the consolidation option in the Railway Task Force's report of September 2000 as developed by the Regional Transportation Strategy for Northern Ireland 2002-12, the strategic direction and underlying principles of which were agreed by the Northern Ireland Assembly on 3 July 2002. Accordingly, we are currently upgrading the core railway network and purchasing new trains. If this investment is successful, we would hope to proceed to modernise the track north of Whitehead and Ballymena, subject to normal appraisal processes. The scenario of a Belfast-Lisburn-Antrim-Belfast passenger circle line, as envisaged in the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025, remains a longer-term possibility, if a robust financial, economic, social and transportation case can be made'.

LISBURN - ANTRIM CLOSURE

On 9 April, the Secretary of State for Regional Development, Ms. Angela Smith MP, announced the closure of the Lisburn-Antrim line, with last services operating on 29 June.

The line will be retained to a standard that will enable trains to use it for emergency diversionary purposes, albeit under strict safety procedures and restricted speeds. NIR said that this will prove invaluable to manage security alerts such as happened just two days before the announcement when the line between Lagan Junction and Whiteabbey was closed.

BELFAST RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM

On 11 February, the Minister for Regional Development, Ms. Angela Smith, visited the LUAS system in Dublin. On 19 February, she announced that £100 million was allocated under the Public Private Partnership Programme for a 'pilot' rapid transit scheme on the alignment of the Belfast-Comber line. The Minister said that £1.5 million had been authorised for a three-year study to establish the type of rapid transit system.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Funding   On 19 February, the Government announced funding for various infrastructure projects in the Strategic Investment Programme. These included £12.9 million for re-laying the Bleach Green-Whitehead section of the Larne line. £11 million was provided for safety improvements such as signalling and fencing.

Belfast - Dublin   Re-laying of plain track in Portadown took place over the weekends of 15/16 and 22/23 March. The station was closed and all trains cancelled on the Saturdays and until 16.10 on the Sundays. Enterprise services were substituted by bus between Newry and Belfast and between Newry and Portadown, but no trains were cancelled. Local services operated from Belfast to Lurgan, with bus transfer onwards to Portadown. A special timetable was issued and extensively advertised in advance of the work.

Work started at approximately 23.00 on the Fridays. Both up and down platform lines were excavated and re-laid. Both sharp curved lines at the Dublin end of the station were also re-laid. Significantly, steel sleepers were used for the re-laying. This is the first use of steel sleep-ers in recent years, although they are used in many countries and are becoming increasingly popular with Network Rail. Steel sleepers, being thinner than standard concrete ones, allowed additional ballast to be laid without having to raise platform heights. All rail was welded.

The response to a parliamentary question about speed restrictions on the Belfast-Dublin line indicated that all five restrictions between Belfast and the border related to track that was not part of the upgrade in the late 1990's. This upgrade accounted for approximately half of the line north of the border. Three of the restrictions related to maintenance work, one was due to vandalism and the fifth was due to the proximity of a badger set to the line that was causing settlement. By mid February, three of these restrictions had been lifted and punctuality had much improved.

Belfast-Londonderry   Fears over the stability of the cliff face at Downhill continue. There is a 20-mph speed limit from MP68¹/₂ to MP69¹/₂, including through Downhill tunnel. There is also a flagman present for all trains. Work on renewing level crossings continues, with Garngranny MP23³/₄, Slaght MP31¹/₄ and Myroe MP79¹/₄ being dealt with. Significant re-fencing works have been observed on the line, along with closure of many accommodation crossings. Ballymena yard was taken out of use for re-laying from 24 March. The yard is currently used as a permanent way base.

Other   NIR have taken delivery of a new Plasser & Theurer ballast tamper, model 08-16/4x4C100RT. A new ballast regulator, Plasser & Theurer model USP5000RT, was delivered during the week ending 29 March.

SIGNALLING

Belfast Central   All signals in Belfast Central now have “OFF” indicators positioned along the platforms. There are two for each direction on each platform. These indicators assist staff who cannot easily see the status of the signal at the end of the platform following the construction of the structures containing the new stairs and escalators.

Portrush   Both outer home and home signals have been re-positioned lower on their existing wooden poles.

STATIONS

Belfast Central   The refurbished Central Station was officially re-opened on Tuesday 25 March by the Secretary of State for Regional Development, Angela Smith MP. Translink Chairman, Dr. Joan Smyth said ‘This bright, spacious station is a revelation for those who remember the Central Station of old. Our property managers, architects and contractors have made sure that the station is easily accessible and user friendly at all points. All levels are fully accessible via lifts and escalators, connecting the car park, concourse and platforms. We've also gone to great lengths to ensure that information and signage are clear and well displayed and the new dining and rest areas are also a great improvement on the previous facilities’.

The extensive scheme represents an investment of over £6 million. EU funding of £2.9 million was provided.

Ballymena   Following a large increase in numbers travelling since the re-opening of the direct line from Ballymena to Belfast via Bleach Green Junction, NIR announced an investment of £1 million in station improvements. Work will include a new 100-space car park and refurbishment of offices.

Carrickfergus   The restored station building at Carrickfergus was ‘Highly Commended’ at the National Railway Heritage Awards in December. The 1895 station building was subject to a £750,000 restoration in 2001, restoring its Grade 2-listed architecture and also incorporating state of the art 21st century facilities. The original entrance into the central concourse was retained and the entire roof renovated, retaining the original design. Old cast iron railings were restored and windows were replaced in keeping with the style of the old building.

Portadown   In January, Translink advertised for architects to design a new integrated bus and rail station at Portadown. The new development will include a multi-storey car park. The duration of the work is estimated at 20-months beginning in early 2004. It represents an investment of £6 million.

Newry   Translink has announced plans to build a new station to replace the existing rudimentary facilities.

Other   As part of an on-going programme of improving passenger facilities NIR has sought tenders for the manufacture, supply, delivery and installation of passenger shelters for use at stations and halts on the rail network. The enquiry stated ‘It is essential that applications can demonstrate suitable proposals for use in areas subject to vandalism and consequent ease of repair and maintenance, whilst providing attractive and practical solutions’.

There are approximately 50 locations involved, requiring approximately 100-120 shelters. It is anticipated that this will be a three-year phased programme commencing in autumn 2003. Phase 1 will be the Belfast-Bangor line.

LOCOMOTIVES

n late January and in February, IÉ locomotive 144 was located in Belfast as a pilot to cover for 201-class failures and for shunting and permanent way duties. On Wednesday 5 February, it was used to haul 112 to Dublin for repairs at Inchicore Works. On Wednesday 5 February, 111 ran light engine to Dublin Connolly for repairs to its CAWS, IÉ train radio and ‘dead-man’ systems. It then went to Inchicore for wheel turning before returning light engine to Belfast on Sunday 9 February.

IÉ took over maintenance of NIR locomotives and established a regime of changing the Enterprise locomotives daily to allow them be serviced and maintained. The locomotive off the 20.10 Belfast-Dublin is swapped for a fresh engine on arrival in Dublin.

Locomotive 112 remained on temporary loan to IÉ following its repair. It worked the Tullamore cement on Friday 11 April, before working the 19.50 North Wall-Ballina liner and return. It worked the 16.30 Dublin-Waterford (EGV + 4 Mk IId) on Holy Thursday 17 April and was subsequently used on the Dublin-Ballina liner on many occasions. On Friday 2 May, it worked the empty 14.05 Tullamore cement to Dublin before working the 17.30 Dublin-Tralee, hauling 7 Mk IIab + EGV.

During March, various IÉ 141/181-class locomotives were based in Belfast. IÉ locomotive 186 was used on ballast trains during March before being replaced by 166 until 186 returned in April.

ROLLING STOCK

De Dietrich   The overhaul programme continues, with standard 9205 ex-works on 4 April.

Mk IIf (ex-Gatwick Express)   The train of generator van + 6 Mk IIF carriages continues to operate the 07.20 Newry - Great Victoria Street (GVS) and 17.12 return. It remains in GVS during the day. It is normally hauled by a 111-Class locomotive. However, on Thursday 30 January, IÉ locomotive 144 was the motive power on the 17.12 GVS-Newry.

IÉ gave clearance for the Mk IIF carriages to operate over the entire IÉ network in February, with the restriction that NIR crews must operate the train. The first revenue service on IÉ was on Wednesday 12 February when the train, 8113 + generator van + 6 carriages, substituted for a failed De Dietrich set on the 14.10 Belfast - Dublin. It arrived in Connolly at 16.58 and was turned quickly to form the delayed 16.50 Dublin - Belfast. It departed at 17.13 behind 209, but the locomotive expired in Newry at 18.26. The 17.12 GVS - Newry arrived in Newry at 18.28 and its set, 3-car Castle Class 8451, was used to take passengers onwards to Belfast, departing Newry at 19.02.

The Mk IIf train operated as a full eight-car train plus generator van 8911 on the 06.50 Belfast-Dublin on Saturday 29 March behind locomotive 111. IÉ locomotive 078 was used on the return 09.35 Dublin-Belfast and on an 08.45 Belfast-Dublin rugby special next day. It is being reported that the rebuild of the second generator van, formerly 912, has been put on indefinite hold.

A clearance trial for the Mk IIf carriages on the Belfast-Bangor line was performed on Wednesday 9 April in advance of the IRRS special on Saturday 12 April. The IRRS special of generator van plus six-carriages ran Dublin Connolly - Belfast Central - Antrim - Lisburn -GVS behind locomotive 111. Locomotive 8113 backed on to the train in GVS for the run to Bangor and later on to Dublin.

CAF Railcars   A full size wooden and polyester mock-up of the interior of the new CAF railcars under construction in Spain was displayed at Great Victoria Street Station. It was available to the public for comment from 27 January until 8 February. The structure incorporated a vestibule and saloon with seating for 12 passengers. It offered the opportunity to show the selection of trim, colours, seats and interior finishes being considered by NIR. Each three-car train will have seating for 202 passengers, with a 50:50 mix of tabled bay and aircraft style seating and two toilets. It was constructed by the Barcelona Centre for Technology. Delivery of the first vehicles is expected in December.

The results of 2,268 questionnaires completed by members of the general public across Northern Ireland are summarised below.

‘Top Ten’ train attributes:

1 No Smoking trains

2 Toilets

3 CCTV – on board security system

4 Air conditioning

5 Passenger ramp

6 On-board audio announcements

7 Destination displays

8 Wheelchair accessible toilet

9 High back seat type

10 Combined seating plans

Railcars   The 450-class are undergoing a heavy overhaul and upgrade. In February, 8459 emerged from York Road Works with the saloon carpeted and interior refurbished. 8455 entered the Works in early April for refurbishment and upgrade.

Driving trailer 8747 has been fitted with a second windscreen in the vestibule ‘for driver training purposes’.

OPERATIONS

Armagh played Dublin in Croke Park, Dublin, on Sunday 2 February. Four specials ran, three from Belfast serving intermediate stations to Newry and one ran from Dundalk. The first return special departed Dublin Connolly for Belfast at 17.39, 8093 + four + 8096. It was followed by a Dundalk special, 2614/17/01/02 at 17.47 and the regular 18.00 Enterprise, 209 + 7 De Dietrich (DT 9002). The regular 18.30 Enterprise was 207 + 8 De Dietrich (DT 9003) was followed by the 18.40 Belfast special, 8068 + four + 8092 and the 19.30 Belfast special, 8081 + three + 8069. Specials and regular trains were well filled.

Ireland played France in Rugby Union at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, on Saturday 8 March. In addition to regular Enterprise services, three specials operated from Belfast serving Lisburn, Lurgan, Portadown and Newry The 08.00 Belfast-Dublin Enterprise was 8 De Dietrich (DT 9002) pushed by 8208 and arrived 6-minutes late at 09.57. The first special, 08.45 Belfast Central - Dublin Connolly, was formed by the former Gatwick Express Mk IIf set. This was its first scheduled passenger movement on IÉ apart from working replacements for failed Enterprise trains. It was formed by locomotive 111 hauling 6 Mk IIf + generator van and arrived 16 minutes early at 11.09. Due to lack of storage space in Connolly, it was dispatched empty to Dundalk at 12.16 behind IÉ locomotive 071, with 111 going to Connolly Shed for servicing.

The second special was the 09.00 Central-Connolly and was formed by 8068 + four + 8087. It arrived 11 minutes early at 11.24. The third special was the 09.20 Central-Connolly and was formed by 8097 + four + 8086. It arrived 1 minute early at 11.57. The 10.30 Central-Connolly Enterprise was 8 De Dietrich (DT 9004) pushed by 220 and it arrived 6 minutes early at 12.29. The very good punctuality reflected the removal of speed restrictions noted above and generally clear runs into Connolly. All trains were well filled.

On Sunday 30 March, Ireland played England at Lansdowne Road and specials ran from Belfast to Dublin at 08.30, 08.45, 09.05 and 09.30. The 08.30 was formed by 8 De Dietrich (DT9002) pushed by 209. It arrived 2-minutes early at 10.43, before returning empty to Belfast at 11.04. The 08.45 special was 078 + 8 Mk IIf (Gatwick) carriages + generator van and arrived seven minutes early at 10.53. The 09.05 special was 9-car 80-class, 8083 + four + 8098 + two + 8085, and arrived on time at 11.40. The 09.30 special was another 9-car 80-class, 8087 + four + 8090 + two + 8082, and arrived at 11.49 instead of 12.10. The 10.00 Dublin-Belfast Enterprise set that morning was turned the wrong way round, with locomotive 230 at the buffer stop at Connolly. The station concourse was filled with fumes and the noise was deafening, despite the efforts from station staff to minimise the time the locomotive was under the canopy. The set was later turned on the triangle at Great Victoria Street.

Return specials from Dublin that evening passing Malahide were the 17.40 Connolly-Central, the 9-car 80-class at 17.57 led by 8082, the regular 18.00 Enterprise De Dietrich set hauled by 209 at 18.13 and the 18.05 Connolly-Dundalk special, four-car 2600-class Dundalk led by 2614 at 18.21. The second Belfast special, 18.15 Connolly-Central was the other 9-car, led by 8085 and passed at 18.41. The 18.30 Dublin-Belfast Enterprise did not operate due to an earlier failure, but 078 + generator van + 8 Mk IIf (Gatwick) carriages ran as an 18.40 Connolly-Central special and passed at 18.54.

Due to problems in previous years with attacks on railway staff and vandalism to trains, NIR were forced to cancel all trains to and from Portrush on Easter Monday. No trains ran north of Ballymena and to or from Londonderry. 'The decision has been taken reluctantly following a history of public order problems and vandalism on the services in previous years. Last year in particular, staff and passengers were subjected to abuse and extensive damage was caused to carriages, resulting in trains being withdrawn from service for repairs ... An extensive risk assessment concluded that Translink is unable to guarantee the safety of passengers, staff and property'. Similarly, Ulsterbus cancelled bus services.

Tyrone playing in Croke Park on Sunday 4 May produced a 6-car 80-class 10.20 Belfast-Dublin special, 8082 + four + 8069.

Saturday 10 May was a very busy day with the annual ‘North West 200’ motorcycle races in Portrush. The former Gatwick set formed an 08.35 GVS-Portrush and 18.25 return special behind locomotive 8113. There was also an 09.50 GVS-Portrush special. Regular trains were also strengthened, with five 6-car 80-class in operation on the Derry line. There were also a special from Ballymoney to Cultra.

  On Monday 7 April, a security alert affected Larne line services from mid-morning until lunchtime. The line was closed between Yorkgate and Central, with Larne line trains operating to and from Yorkgate. The same day, failure of a railcar blocked the set for the 06.50 Belfast-Dublin leaving York Road Depot and the train had to be cancelled. The return 09.35 Dublin-Belfast was formed by 073 + GSV + 6 Cravens which had earlier worked the 05.05 Sligo-Dublin. Later, the Mk IIf (Gatwick) set was used on the 16.10 Belfast-Dublin and 19.00 return, due to the failure of locomotive 230.

On Tuesday 29 April, signals in the greater Belfast area were knocked out by a fire at the Hannahstown NIE sub-station, Glen Road, just after 07.00. Trains were delayed by up to 20-minutes until power was restored.

MISCELLANEOUS

Statistics   NIR passenger numbers increased by 7% during the period from July to September 2002, with revenue of £290,000 per week.

Copyright © 2003 by Irish Railway Record Society Limited
Revised: January 07, 2004 .