24th May 2008

I.T.G. / M.R.S.I.
The Cross Border

Loco Used NIR 112
Stock Used 8946+8945+8941+8942+8911
DEMUs Used [1] : NIR 80 class set: 8089+8733+8738+8069
[2] : NIR 450 class set: 8455+8785+8795

Route:

Traction Route
111 Belfast Central - Lisburn - Portadown - Drogheda - Howth Junction - Dublin Connolly
111 Dublin Connolly - (reverse of outward route) - Belfast Central
DEMU set [1] Belfast Central - Yorkgate - Bleach Green Jn - Templepatrick - Antrim - Ballymena
DEMU set [1] Ballymena - Antrim - Crumlin - Lisburn - Belfast Central - Yorkgate - Bleach Green Jn - Whitehead NIR - Whitehead RPSI (2)
DEMU set [1] Whitehead RPSI - Whitehead NIR (3)
DEMU set [2] Whitehead NIR - Carrickfergus - Belfast Central
111 Belfast Central - Lisburn - Portadown - Drogheda - Howth Junction - Dublin Connolly
111 Dublin Connolly - (reverse of outward route) - Belfast Central

Notes :
(1) It was originally intended to operate this tour with a NIR 111 class and RPSI mk2 stock throughout, but a delay in fitting the Secondary Door Locking system to the RPSI mk2s meant the NIR Gatwick mk2s and 80 class were used instead. This was the last passenger working of a non-refurbished NIR 80 class set.
(2) Visitors had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the RPSI's Whitehead depot during the layover.
(3) Set 8089/8069 failed. Following failure of the 80 class at Whitehead NIR, 450 class 8455+8785+8795 ran empty Carrickfergus - Whitehead NIR, picked up the tour passengers, returned to Carrickfergus from where it worked its scheduled 16:30 Carrickfergus - Belfast Central service train (with tour passengers on board).

Source : Neil Brennan

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