Scottish Industrial Railway Centre facts for kids
The Scottish Industrial Railway Centre was a special place where old trains were kept and shown. It was like a museum for industrial history and railways. The Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group (ARPG) ran this centre. This group owns many standard gauge steam locomotives and diesel locomotives. They also have some smaller narrow gauge items and a huge collection of old photos.
Contents
The Centre's Journey
Where it All Began
The centre first opened in 1980. It was located at the old Minnivey Colliery near Dalmellington, East Ayrshire, Scotland. This area is known for its mining history.
Moving to a New Home
In 2002, the group faced problems with their land lease. They decided to move the centre to the nearby Dunaskin Heritage Centre. This new location offered a fresh start for the railway.
Challenges and Triumphs
In 2005, the Dunaskin Heritage Centre lost its funding and had to close. However, the railway group kept going! They managed to offer steam train rides at Dunaskin. They even borrowed a locomotive to make this happen.
For a couple of years, in 2006 and 2007, there weren't enough trains ready to run. This limited their operations. But things got better! After a lot of hard work, Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST N.C.B. No. 10 was repaired. It had its boiler replaced and was fully checked. Since 2008, many successful steam days have been held. People could once again enjoy rides on the historic trains.
A New Chapter Begins
In 2023, the group learned that the buildings they used would be sold. This led to another big change. The centre has now become the Doon Valley Railway (DVR). The Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group still manages this new railway.
Amazing Locomotives
The centre has a fantastic collection of old trains. These include powerful steam engines and strong diesel locomotives.
Steam Engines: Giants of the Past
Many of the steam locomotives were built by Andrew Barclay Sons & Co..
- Andrew Barclay N.C.B. No. 16: Built in 1910, this engine is currently on display at Dunaskin.
- Andrew Barclay N.C.B. No. 19: Made in 1918, it is stored and partly restored for its looks.
- Andrew Barclay No. 8: Built in 1928, this unique "fireless" locomotive is operational. It gets its steam from No. 10. It is the only working fireless engine in the UK!
- Andrew Barclay N.C.B. No. 10: Built in 1947, this engine is operational. It had its boiler swapped with No. 19. It is now running again after a boiler issue in 2021.
- Andrew Barclay N.C.B. No. 23: Built in 1949, it is stored with other locomotives and wagons.
- Andrew Barclay N.C.B. No. 25: Built in 1954, this engine is waiting to be restored.
- Andrew Barclay N.C.B. No. 1: Built in 1955, this will be one of the last steam locomotives to be restored.
Diesel Engines: Modern Powerhouses
The centre also has several diesel locomotives.
- Andrew Barclay Sons & Co. "Powfoot" No. 1: This engine is operational. It often helps move wagons around the railway.
- Andrew Barclay No. 399: This locomotive is almost finished with its repairs. It is expected to be ready by 2026.
- Hunslet Engine Company No. 107: This engine is currently stored and not in use.
- North British No. 277644 "Tees Storage": This engine will be restored after No. 399 is finished.
- Ruston and Hornsby No. BE116: This engine is stored and not in use.
- Ruston and Hornsby No. 324 "Blinkin Bess": This engine is stored and not in use.
- Ruston and Hornsby No. 417890 "Johnnie Walker": This engine is waiting to be restored.
- Ruston and Hornsby No. 421697: This engine is stored and not in use.
- Sentinel No. 10012: This engine is operational. It also helps move wagons around the railway.
Rolling Stock: The Wagons and Carriages
The centre has many different types of goods wagons. These include British Railways 16-ton mineral wagons. They also have special pallet vans. These vans were once used by the famous Scotch Whisky maker, Johnnie Walker. The railway also has a special London, Midland and Scottish Railway Inspection Saloon. This carriage has recently been repaired.
