RPSI locomotive steamed for first time in 20 years

The restoration of S Class No. 171 nears completion.

By Hassard Stacpoole

A DECADE-long overhaul reached fruition on July 27 when GNR S Class 4-4-0 No. 171 Slieve Gullion made its first movements under its own steam since 2002. No. 171 was lit up the previous morning at the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s main engineering base at Whitehead, and brought slowly into steam for a series of static tests. First the hydrostatic lubricator, vacuum brakes, main steam pipes, superheaters and whistle were tested, then the injectors and both worked satisfactorily. Fully oiled The fire was relit the following day and, following completion of the static tests, No. 171 made its first move in over 20 years under the control of RPSI driver Phil Lockett – moving just far enough so that parts of the motion not previously oiled could be reached.…

You're reading a preview of

The Railway (Digital) - 1 Issue, August 2024

DiscountMags is a licensed distributor (not a publisher) of the above content and Publication through Zinio LLC. Accordingly, we have no editorial control over the Publications. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers or other information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including those made in Publications offered on our website, are those of the respective author(s) or publisher(s) and not of DiscountMags. DiscountMags does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or usefulness of all or any portion of any publication or any services or offers made by third parties, nor will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in any Publication, or your use of services offered, or your acceptance of any offers made through the Service or the Publications. For content removal requests, please contact Zinio.