G601 - copyright ITG C231 - copyright ITG
 
 

 

 

 

A Brief History of the Irish Traction Group

The Irish Traction Group (ITG) was formed on the 4th June 1989 with the objective of preserving at least one example of each class of diesel locomotive to have operated on the Irish railway system. The ultimate aim of the Group is to restore its collection of locomotives to full operational condition. The ITG specifically caters for the modern traction enthusiast, providing up to date news of events and workings on the railway system via its quarterly journal "The Irish Mail".

The Group's main source of income is derived from voluntary donations and profits from its trading company - "ITG Railtours Ltd". This company operates special enthusiast railtours featuring a variety of motive power and destinations.

In June 1992 the ITG reached agreement with CIE to rent the former goods store at Carrick-On-Suir Railway Station,Co. Tipperary, as an operating base. This abandoned building has been renovated and converted into a small workshop in which some of its collection of locomotives are being restored. Work undertaken on the building included the fitting of new roller shutter doors, repairs to the roof and windows, installation of a three-phase power supply and relaying of the track either side of the shed.

The first locomotive purchased by the ITG was 201 "C" class locomotive No. 226, which was handed over to the Group at a ceremony in Inchicore Works, Dublin, on 23rd October 1992. This locomotive had the distinction of being the first main line diesel locomotive to be preserved in Ireland. This locomotive is presently undergoing restoration at Carrick-On-Suir. Fellow 201 "C" class locomotive No. 231 was purchased shortly thereafter on 16th November 1992. This locomotive has now been restored to working order, and is normally based at Inchicore Works, Dublin.

The Group's next acquisition was Sulzer engined locomotive No. B103, the sole remaining example of twelve locomotives built by BRCW at Smethwick in 1956. The last examples of this type were withdrawn by CIE in 1977. No. B103 was purchased by the ITG on 27th April 1993, and is presently stored at Carrick-On-Suir awaiting restoration.

The Group is also the owner of two 001 "A" class locomotives, Nos. A3R and A39. Both locomotives were purchased from Iarnród Éireann in December 1995 in full working order. No. A3R is presently in CIE black & tan livery, whilst No. A39 has recently been repainted into black livery. Both locomotives are based at Inchicore Works, Dublin.

The ITG also owns four diesel shunting locomotives; these being Deutz "G" class locomotives Nos. G601, G611, G616 and G617. No. G601 is stored at Carrick-On-Suir awaiting restoration. No. G616 is presently undergoing restoration in the Goods Shed at Carrick-On-Suir. Nos. G611 and G617 are in working order, and are currently on long term loan to the Downpatrick & County Down Railway.

Apart from the locomotives mentioned above, the ITG also owns Wickham Inspection Car No. 712. This vehicle is currently stored out of use at the Downpatrick & Co. Down Railway.

During 2008, the ITG hope to acquire the two remaining examples of the General Motors built 121 (B) class locomotives. The two locomotives earmarked for preservation by the ITG are Nos. 124 and 134, both of which were withdrawn by Iarnród Éireann in June 2008. Their sale to the Group has already been agreed by Iarnród Éireann, and the necessary funds to secure their purchase have already been raised.

In addition, the ITG is also presently raising funds to preserve at least one example of the Iarnród Éireann 141 (B) and 181 (B) class locomotives as and when the last examples are finally withdrawn from service.
 

 


 

Date last updated: 21 June 2008