CLR Class DN2

The first section, some 34 miles, of what became the Cavan and Leitrim Railway (C&LR) , from Dromod to Belturbet was opened in October 1887. The branch line from Ballinamore to Arigna followed in May 1888 and in 1920 extended to the coal mines beyond the village. The line was closed in May 1959, leaving only the West Clare Railway as the sole surviving narrow gauge line in Ireland. On opening the line had a fleet of 8 steam locomotives, which on the 1925 amalgamation, when the C&LR became part of the GSR were designated Class DN2.

History.

At its opening the C&LR had a stock of 8 steam locomotives, all of the same wheel arrangement and built by Robert Stephenson & Co. Locomotive No's. 5 to 8 were supplied by the makers complete with skirting over wheels, cowcatcher, bell, and headlamp at the bunker end, typical of a "tramway - type" locomotive for use on open (unfenced) track. These locomotives were fitted with condensing gear and each cab was fitted with duplicate driving controls. In due course all eight locomotives were re-boilered, increasing their working weight from 25 to 27 tons.

On delivery the locomotives were un-named and it was suggested that they be named after the Directors' daughters. Locomotive No.1 was named "Isabel" after the daughter of R.H. Johnstone of Bawnboy House, the longest serving director of the C&LR.

No.8 "Queen Victoria" lost her nameplates under, what were described as, 'patriotic' circumstances in 1923. The plates were eventually found and the C&L insisted they should be restoring to the locomotive, however within a few days they again disappeared, this time never to be found.

At the 1925 amalgamation the C&LR became part of the Great Southern Railways and the above 8 locomotives, together with another added to the stock in 1904 ( No.9 ), the rolling stock and infrastructure passed to the new company.

All were rebuilt with large boiler 1902 -6

(a) Rebuilt from 1930 with brick arch in firebox to burn hard Welsh coal instead of the soft product from Arigna's mines.

Livery.

Locomotives were painted green with red lining, later changed to black with red and white lining. Cast brass plates were attached, numbers to cabsides, nameplates to side tanks.

Preservation.

Two examples are preserved, No.2 "Kathleen" can be seen in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum together with a C&LR coach and No.3 "Lady Edith" is in the United States.