Description

Between 1966 and 1970, more than four million tons of stone was transported for the construction of the M2 motorway, using 2-6-4 tank locomotives known as ‘Jeeps’. These workings were the last commercial use of steam in Northern Ireland. Other highlights include the line to Londonderry, scenes at Belfast’s York Road Station with ‘Lough Erne’ and the 1970 ‘Colmcille Railtour’.

Full description from the producer:

Between 1966 and 1970, more than four million tons of stone was transported by rail from Magheramorne near Larne, to Belfast for use in the construction of the M2 motorway.
This immense undertaking was carried out by daily steam-operated workings that consisted of specially constructed side-discharge hopper wagons, powered by 2-6-4 tank locomotives, known as ‘Jeeps’.

These workings were the last commercial use of steam traction in Northern Ireland and the last example of revenue-earning broad-gauge steam operation in Great Britain.

Other parts of the Northern Ireland rail network also feature, including:
The line to Londonderry
Scenes at Belfast’s York Road Station with Beyer-Peacock built 0-6-4T ‘Lough Erne’
Plus the 1970 ‘Colmcille Railtour’ headed by ex-GNR 4-4-0 No. 171 ‘Slieve Gullion’.

Additional information