Double Headed Sod Peat train on Smith's Bog, Killinagh. Co.Westmeath. Éire.
As the end of the working day nears a double headed train of peat sods is seen running towards the mill on Smith's Bog, Killinagh. This 2'0" gauge system belongs to Midland Irish Peat Moss Co. Ltd in 1991 it had a network of up to 4km of permanent lines and a further 2km of temporary tracks servicing the bog. Peat extraction was for horticultural use and largely exported but there was also a thriving domestic market for turfs (dried peat sods) for household heating fuel. The company had a mixed bag of locomotives but one real gem was a rare 1938 built Ransoms & Rapier 4wDM. It is seen here second in line behind a 4WDM built by Alan Keef Ltd (AK 9/1983). The Ransomes engine (wks no. 84/1938) had no cab being open top and open to the elements but uniquely was fitted with thick rubber traction tyres on its steel wheels for added traction. This heavy train passed at a low speed with both locos working hard as the single driver leapt between each loco to maintain optimum power on the indifferent track.
Double Headed Sod Peat train on Smith's Bog, Killinagh. Co.Westmeath. Éire.
As the end of the working day nears a double headed train of peat sods is seen running towards the mill on Smith's Bog, Killinagh. This 2'0" gauge system belongs to Midland Irish Peat Moss Co. Ltd in 1991 it had a network of up to 4km of permanent lines and a further 2km of temporary tracks servicing the bog. Peat extraction was for horticultural use and largely exported but there was also a thriving domestic market for turfs (dried peat sods) for household heating fuel. The company had a mixed bag of locomotives but one real gem was a rare 1938 built Ransoms & Rapier 4wDM. It is seen here second in line behind a 4WDM built by Alan Keef Ltd (AK 9/1983). The Ransomes engine (wks no. 84/1938) had no cab being open top and open to the elements but uniquely was fitted with thick rubber traction tyres on its steel wheels for added traction. This heavy train passed at a low speed with both locos working hard as the single driver leapt between each loco to maintain optimum power on the indifferent track.