Meeting in Belfast and travelling in three minibuses, the first visit of the day was to the Ulster Transport Museum at Cultra. It was noted that (contrary to TRACKmaps Feb 2004) the museum 'standard' gauge (5' 3") siding is still connected to the Down Bangor line just east of Cultra station, which has a direct footpath to the museum. Half the party looked around the extensive well-laid out museum; a comprehensive collection of Irish railway items, vehicles, trams and transport artefacts - well worth a visit.

The other group headed for the Cultra Light Railway. On the 7¼" gauge ground level line, steam loco 'Dylan' with three riding trucks covered all tracks including the new outer loop line near the loco shed (in a cutting which had required considerable excavation). Extra track included the through platform line, the carriage and loco shed roads and (with 'people power') every turntable road. The mixed 5/3½" gauge inner elevated track (no public running) was also traversed using locomotive No1 with two green riding trucks and No76 'Maid of Scrap', also with two Green riding trucks. This was a simple circuit folded in on itself to extend the run and make it more interesting. Like most elevated railways, a good speed was achieved safely. A Cultra member had brought along his SR 'Terrier' loco No32678 which was duly steamed and made a fine sight running round the track. Various BLS members drove locos 1 and 76. Tea and coffee with generous refreshments were served at this friendly railway.

Next was Drumawhey Junction; the very extensive and complicated 1,300yd, Belfast & County Down 7¼" Miniature Railway. Three trains were provided: 'Elektra' a 4w Petrol Hydraulic, 66581 'Maggie' a Freightliner Class 66 model (with three sit astride MGR coal hoppers, but fortunately no coal or bottom unloading facility!) and 47706. All lines were eventually covered in a comprehensive and efficient manner, with refreshment stops. Trains followed one another to start with and while some went for tea/coffee, others traversed the many loco shed and carriage shed roads. As each group came in for a break, others visited this area. Torrential rain closed play at a most opportune moment, as it was time to leave. The Class 66 driver said that 'Maggie' was his wife's name; Freightliner heard about this and he wrote an article with photographs which was published in their house magazine!

After passing a Public House called 'The Pub' at Newtownards, the Delamont 10¼" Miniature Railway, Killyleagh near Strangford Loch followed. 'Jack' a 2-4-0 outside cylinder steam loco built by the Exmoor Steam Railway in 2015 provided service, with six sit inside coaches; a 4-car and a 2-car articulated set. The railway has been fully re-laid recently on a concrete base with plastic sleepers bolted into position. The full circuit was traversed and, when BLS members had replaced all members of the public, another circuit was made with a stop at the extended loco shed. Here the 2-car set was detached and the points unbolted to allow hand propulsion into the longer of the two shed roads. Once complete the train was reassembled. The railway owned shop was open for the sale of ice creams and refreshments.

Damhead 7¼" Miniature Railway, Coleraine, was the final miniature visit this day. Unfortunately, it took place in an extended downpour that even the Irish may have regarded as more than 'soft'; the volunteers had operated in sunny weather until we arrived! Two trains ran with a battery Class 08 'Red Arrow' and steam loco 'Linda'. All lines were covered with 'people power' for one carriage shed road. Then another battery Class 08 No4 'Hydraulic' was used with some open bogie freight wagons to cover a second storage shed. Track maps were amended to show two sheds and a head shunt off the main line in the junction after the line splits into its two loops. This is the start of a future extension to a new return cut off loop. Members appreciated tea and cake in a covered area to dry out!

Next a quick drive to Coleraine where most took a service train, in lovely sunshine (!) on the six-mile Portrush branch (not covered the day before) to see the now rare somersault semaphore signals (oh yes, and do the track). The semaphores will be retained when Coleraine to Derry is resignalled later in the year. Portrush signal cabin is normally switched out with only P1 in use. P3 has a run round loop and is used by the Portrush Flyer with RPSI stock and steam locos. At Coleraine the single line token pick up for both Derry and Portrush is rather quaint. The unit draws forward to the signal cabin immediately after the road level crossing and waits with most of the train across the road while the token is exchanged (this will finish on 2 Nov with resignalling). Some returned on the 20.19 Coleraine to Belfast service, most taking the minibuses via a 'spotting' stop at York Road Depot and Works to conclude another excellent full action packed day with great coverage at all locations visited.

Particular thanks to Kev Adlam, Lee Nash and Darren Garnon for their chauffeuring services.

Northern Ireland Long Weekend Part 3 - Day 3