Not content with working the first 121 class-hauled passenger train in preservation, Saturday 4th October saw 124 recreate the iconic sight of a 121 class-hauled freight, when it was reunited with the last surviving cement 'bubble' wagon, 25199, at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway. The 'bubble' had arrived at Downpatrick earlier in the day. After DCDR's 80 class power car 69 moved the wagon, along with A3R, from the carpark area, 124 backed onto the little cement wagon in the late afternoon, recreating a once-common site that hasn't been seen in almost 20 years. The 121 class locos were regular performers on bulk cement trains across the Irish railway system, right up to their final months, so it was a wonderful opportunity to recreate this iconic pairing. 124 then moved the wagon to the Cathedral siding, together with A3R and 152. After some TLC it is hoped that this wagon will play a part in a future diesel gala event, much like the ballast hoppers have proved popular on runpasts at previous events.
You can find out more about the last surviving cement bubble on the DCDR website.
