The Curragh Firing Ranges. Co.Kildare, Eire.
Most narrow gauge lines in Ireland tended to be 3ft but this one at The Curragh is 2ft gauge. It was operated by the Irish Army No.1 Maintenance Company and its purpose was to carry plywood targets from the army base out onto the firing ranges. The line was thought to have opened some time around 1909 and for much of its early existance was either horse on man worked. In 1950 things came a bit more up to date with the arrival of the sole locomotive to date. The engine is a standard Simplex 'Motor Rail' (wks no.8970/1945) and was moved here from nearby Baldonnel Army base when it shut in 1950.
After negotiations with the Irish Army a small group of us were allowed to visit and travel on the line from the base out onto the ranges. All slightly un-nerving visit I recall on the day as we drew closer to the ranges with live firing but our driver assured us it was fine. (Thoughts of a one way trip on the premiss now you have seen it we will have to shoot you, LOL). Alas infomation on this line is hard to come by because of it's military location but I gather it is now out of use although the loco remains on site.
The Curragh Firing Ranges. Co.Kildare, Eire.
Most narrow gauge lines in Ireland tended to be 3ft but this one at The Curragh is 2ft gauge. It was operated by the Irish Army No.1 Maintenance Company and its purpose was to carry plywood targets from the army base out onto the firing ranges. The line was thought to have opened some time around 1909 and for much of its early existance was either horse on man worked. In 1950 things came a bit more up to date with the arrival of the sole locomotive to date. The engine is a standard Simplex 'Motor Rail' (wks no.8970/1945) and was moved here from nearby Baldonnel Army base when it shut in 1950.
After negotiations with the Irish Army a small group of us were allowed to visit and travel on the line from the base out onto the ranges. All slightly un-nerving visit I recall on the day as we drew closer to the ranges with live firing but our driver assured us it was fine. (Thoughts of a one way trip on the premiss now you have seen it we will have to shoot you, LOL). Alas infomation on this line is hard to come by because of it's military location but I gather it is now out of use although the loco remains on site.