Following 190's arrival in Downpatrick on Sunday 1st June, our volunteers have wasted no time in commencing work on its revival.
Just one week later, on Saturday 7th June, our team had the loco started and rumbling away nicely in that iconic GM tune. No mean feat considering the loco hadn't operated since November 2009.
A lot of work was needed to get the loco started, including the installation of overhauled batteries, checking connections, contactors, switches, to name just a few things).
Unfortunately, some basic phone footage is the best we could manage, so 190's first start ever in preservation at Downpatrick was basically captured on a potato, and the sound is so bad it’s a bit like a G class at times. That’s the ITG way. The main thing is, 190 lives. Have a watch below.
While waiting for our 'Christmas Tree' loco 152 to arrive on Sunday 8th June, we had another go at starting 190. The start wasn't as dramatic this time, but captured on better cameras. It was that easy, it was almost a non-event.
There is of course, still a lot of work to do. While the engine does indeed start, we are debugging our way round the brake systems and we may well find other bits that don’t work, as to be expected with a loco so long out of use. The load regulator seems to be a bit off, and there’s probably some adjustments. However, this is a special moment in ITG history, and, indeed, Irish diesel locomotive preservation.
If you would like to help contribute towards the restoration and upkeep of 190 and our other locos, you can donate here. All donations, small or large, are greatly appreciated by our volunteers.
You can also join us a member here.