American-built locomotive rolls into town

American-built locomotive rolls into town

4 June 2025

THE Downpatrick and County Down Railway welcomed two new special arrivals last weekend, including Ireland’s very first American-built locomotive.  

Former Irish Rail and CIE locomotives Nos. 124 and 190 were transported by two specialised low-loaders, brought over especially from England, last Sunday.

The journey to the heritage railway’s base began from Moyasta in Co Clare where they had been stored under tarpaulins at the West Clare Railway site since 2009. 

The locomotives were originally intended to be part of a proposed broad and narrow-gauge railway museum project which, due to planning and logistical challenges, unfortunately did not come to fruition. 

Over time, the locomotives had become something of an unusual mecca for urban explorers and trainspotters.

In 2023, severe flooding caused significant disruption to the local railway’s operations and highlighted the need to reinforce the diesel fleet, and informal discussions between it and the Irish Traction Group (ITG) lead to last weekend’s landmark moving. 

Railway chairman, Robert Gardiner, said having access to additional locomotives allows the charity to rotate its existing diesel locos for essential maintenance and cosmetic restoration, without impacting on services as it continues its flood recovery.

“Of the four locomotives being relocated from Moyasta, two will be restored and returned to operational service, while the other two will provide valuable spare parts to support the existing fleet,” he explained.

After more than a year of planning, track-laying, and preparatory work, including laying a new siding in the station yard, locomotives 124 and 190 were safely transported by low-loader and carefully moved onto tracks on Sunday.

Each locomotive was inspected and serviced over the workshop pits before being moved to their storage and restoration location.

Mr Gardiner described last Sunday’s special arrivals as a “proud day for the railway and the heritage community.”

He continued: “The arrival of these locomotives, especially No. 124, which was the very first American-built locomotive to arrive in Ireland in 1961, significantly strengthens our collection and operational resilience.”

In a recent ITG newsletter, Peter Jones explained that although covered and secured, the locomotives suffered from exposure to the sea air at Moyasta.

“Fortunately, recent inspections revealed their internal mechanical and electrical components remain complete and the engines still bar over,” he said.

“At this point we would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Jackie Whelan, owner of the West Clare Railway, for allowing the Group to store our locomotives at the site for the last 15 years and our thanks and gratitude to the Downpatrick & Co Down Railway for their kind offer of providing them with a new home.”

The CIE 121 class locomotives (No. 124) were a game-changer for Irish railways when they arrived in the late 1960s. 

Built by General Motors in the USA, they were the first American locomotives to operate on the island of Ireland, bringing powerful, reliable engines that set new standards for performance, including the iconic Belfast-Dublin ‘Enterprise’ service. 

Their smooth operation, distinctive sound, and impressive hauling ability quickly earned them a reputation as workhorses — tough, dependable, and easy to maintain and beloved by the railway community.

The 181 class that 190 belongs to built on that success, as an up-rated version of the DCDR’s existing 141 Class No. 146. 

Together, these locomotives helped to keep Ireland’s trains running efficiently through the changing times of the railways through the period of widespread closures of the 1960s and 1970s. 

The Irish Traction Group has launched a fundraising appeal to help cover the transport and restoration costs of all four locomotives, which is estimated to be costing the traction group between £40,000 and £50,000.

It is anticipated that it will be some time before the locomotives return to service, pending corrosion repairs and driver training. 

Supporters and members of the public interested in contributing can find more information on the ITG website https://www.irishtractiongroup.com/donate or the DCDR website https://www.downrail.co.uk/donate/