Following its successful passenger debut at the August Diesel Day, 121 class locomotive No.124 was in action again at Downpatrick over the weekend of 13/14th September. This was European Heritage Open Day weekend, and the 121 class locomotive was used to haul five well-filled trains between Downpatrick and Inch Abbey. The coaching stock was once again DCDR's heritage set of vintage Edwardian era carriages, GSWR 836 and BCDR Nos.148 and 72. The BCDR was the first railway in Ireland to use a mainline diesel locomotive, so their haulage behind such a loco may not be as incongruous as you might think.
Thank you to Lev Pavliuk for sending in his spectacular drone shots of these trains, showcasing No.124 in the context of the splendour that is the Down countryside, full of drumlins, marshes and in the shadow of the Mournes. Check them out in the gallery below.
If you would like to contribute towards the upkeep of No.124 and our other heritage diesel locomotives, you can do so by making a donation here (any amount, large or small, is appreciated). You can also support our efforts by joining up as a member here.
