The 80 Class power car 69 restoration at Downpatrick Railway has reached several milestones, with renewed progress on bodywork, interior fittings, and structural elements. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The 80 Class power car 69 restoration at Downpatrick Railway has reached several milestones, with renewed progress on bodywork, interior fittings, and structural elements
Credit: Downpatrick and County Down Railway

Downpatrick and County Down Railway continues to make steady progress in the 80 Class power car 69 restoration, with a series of hands-on upgrades completed in recent weeks. As part of preparations for incoming Moyexit locomotives, staff carried out essential shunting operations, which created access to the Gallery platforms and enabled a major breakthrough: the reinstallation of car 69’s fully refurbished side door.

Project Manager Robert and team member Chris Johnston successfully aligned the door into position. Although the hinges had been removed during the early refurbishment phase, the pair managed to mount the door with precision, eliminating earlier fears of misalignment. The successful door fit brought a boost of confidence to the restoration team.

Door Refit and Body Panel Work Advance Restoration Goals

Over the next several days, technicians worked to fine-tune the new doorposts—custom-made by MJM Marine—to ensure the door produced what the team proudly calls “a satisfying SLAM.” This phase required detailed fettling and adjustment, blending engineering skill with a touch of heritage authenticity.

Meanwhile, restoration work continued on the carriage exterior. Robert reinstated the end dome above the vestibule and replaced all four saloon windows along the ASDA-facing side. To prevent dust contamination, he carefully draped sheets over the openings. Alongside colleague Niall, he also applied and smoothed body filler, a tedious yet essential step to prepare for final painting.

Final Touches Bring New Life to 80 Class Power Car 69

While significant work remains, the Downpatrick Railway team believes that 80 Class power car 69 “is starting to look like a carriage again.” Their effort combines craftsmanship, historical accuracy, and technical expertise—restoring not just a train, but a piece of Irish rail history.

Source: www.railadvent.co.uk

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