Take the Trees Away and Wow!

 

The deep cutting on the north-side of Dublin’s Phoenix Park Tunnel used to be a difficult place to get a good angle on a train. Previously I’d worked it, but it wasn’t easy. There was only a narrow view and the light was almost always problematic.

Some weeks back, Irish Rail cleared brush and trees from the cutting opening up the view as it hasn’t been for in decades.

Saturday, 19 March 2016, Colm O’Callaghan collected me and we met some friends at a high over bridge to make the most of this new opportunity.

Two trains were expected after Irish Rail lifted a permanent way possession (in North America this would be called ‘maintenance window’, which basically means the line was closed for work).

When we arrived maintenance equipment was still on the line.
When we arrived maintenance equipment was still on the line.
The very last locomotive in the old Enterprise livery, class 201 number 233, works the IWT liner. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
The very last locomotive in the old Enterprise livery, class 201 number 233, works the IWT liner. FujiFilm X-T1 photo.
The roar of engine 072 is accentuated by the cutting. The new wide open view allows for a great panorama with the Wicklow Mountains in the distance.
The roar of engine 072 is accentuated by the cutting. The new wide open view allows for a great panorama with the Wicklow Mountains in the distance.
Poor old 072 has seen better days. It leads a track panel train toward the North Wall.
Poor old 072 has seen better days. It leads a track panel train toward the North Wall.

Take away the trees! Hurrah!

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2 comments on “Take the Trees Away and Wow!

  1. It is my understanding that in Ireland there are requirements to end the clearing of brush/trees prior to the beginning of the nesting season. I believe that this has established guidelines, but it’s not my expertise.

  2. tom rochford on said:

    I wonder if anybody thought about ALL the wildlife, especially the birds making nests at this time of the year, who made their homes in those trees and bushes before taking them down???

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