Railways are steeped in history...many volunteers at Whitehead have talked of hearing footsteps in the carriages at night when no one else is there...so every year we operate Halloween Steam specials to see if anyone else is chilled by the ghost train...
 At
half past four in the morning No.186 started to make steam. Her fire had
been lit four hours before. Here she blows steam lazily into the cold night
air. |
 At
eight o' clock the engine crew arrived as the sun emerged over the horizon. |
 And
the steamraiser transferred his attentions to the Downpatrick and County
Down Railway's 0-6-0T No.90. This locomotive is at Whitehead for an overhaul
before moving to her new home in Downpatrick. Her valves had recently been
reset and today she was to be steam tested to see if any improvement had
been made. Here the steamraiser is cleaning her whistle. |
 Our
train makes two return trips during the day, giving over 500 people an
exciting Halloween day out. |
 Whilst
the main train is away from Whitehead, the opportunity was taken to operate
No.90 and test the work that has been carried out on her. Luckily
we didn't need the cash and carry coal this day! |
 Although
No.186 is the oldest Great Southern and Western Railway locomotive on the
mainline, No.90 is 4 years older again and will be an excellent addition
to the Downpatrick and County Down
Railway. |
 No.186
and train are back at Whitehead. The locomotive has been replenished
with water and has run-round to the other end of its train for the return
journey to Belfast Central. |
 Meanwhile,
on the platform the passengers are enjoying comparing costumes, watching
the entertainers doing balloon modelling and face painting, taking part
in the fancy dress parade, looking through their complimentary goodie-bags
or visiting the RPSI station shop! So much to do! |
 There
is also plenty of time to get pictures taken by the steam engine, talk
to the driver and savour the atmosphere. |
 There
is no doubt that Halloween is a spooky time - I'm sure Sir Lancelot didnt
have such fine wool in his armoury all those years ago! |
 258
years of history (not counting the crews and carriages)! The crews
of the two GS&WR locomotives exchange pleasantaries. |
 Then
the crew of No.90 watch the mainline train depart for Belfast Central. |
 New
floodlights in the yard at Whitehead have opened new evening photographic
opportunities and here No.186 rests after a busy day moving over 500 happy
ghosts and goblins. Time for a rest before the santa trains... |
