Ballybeagle Restorations

Ballybeagle Restorations Over the years I've been restoring the odd bits and pieces now and again as a hobby, usually but not always for railway restoration projects

I've always been interested in fixing things, my dad was also a very keen DIYer and woodworker and it must've rubbed off. There's a special joy in taking something that's essentially scrap and turning it into something attractive again and sought after. I do this sort of work as a hobby, it's not a business, but if you do have something you're interested in restoring I can certainly quote! Most of

the jobs originate in some way from projects for the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, but not all. And what's up in the name? Well it's a play on words - Ballykeigle Road/Ballybeagle - as we've four beagles running around. Always useful for advice! ;)

Now this is a nice wee project! Converting a reclaimed gas lamp from Annadorn Primary School for new owner Amy Cochrane....
27/09/2021

Now this is a nice wee project! Converting a reclaimed gas lamp from Annadorn Primary School for new owner Amy Cochrane.

So far relatively straightforward, largely drilling out some parts to let three wires down.

Am not going to polish this back up to as brand new condition, as the ageing on it is wonderful!

More when it happens.

With the gangway treadplate fitted suddenly the rest of the vestibule panelling goes up fairly quickly!Real 1970's vivid...
06/08/2021

With the gangway treadplate fitted suddenly the rest of the vestibule panelling goes up fairly quickly!

Real 1970's vivid orange. Certainly has character again after being paint ivory throughout.

Not without its challenges, the floor on one side is now roughly just under 1cm higher after the rebuild - so a chunk needed cut off the bottom of the left hand side door. Which is always fun and dusty with GRP.

However the biggest challenge was lugging the door in and out about three times whilst trying to get it right! Damned heavy things.

Go down in the evening, he thought, it'll be cooler, he thought...Nope! Boiled alive in the shed last night.However got ...
20/07/2021

Go down in the evening, he thought, it'll be cooler, he thought...

Nope! Boiled alive in the shed last night.

However got the lino (that had been cut for the vestibule back in 2019 before the tinworm was discovered) all fitted.

Still the step for the gangway to do. Still a slight bit of a mystery.

Also replicated a missing edging piece for the floor, which reinforces the rear of the vestibule walls.

When a project comes to fruition.
13/04/2021

When a project comes to fruition.

The transformation of one of the ex-Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company speed signs, soon to be heading out t...
09/04/2021

The transformation of one of the ex-Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company speed signs, soon to be heading out to the South Line at the DCDR.

Wasn't originally going to use this one, as it had been very crudely cut out of steel, but had miscounted and short two not the expected one - and the new ones probably won't be ready in time.

However, despite saying I wasn't going to spend much time on it, it did receive a lot of work! Such as grinding out the rough burring, re-welding the 1 which was loose. Plus drilling two 20mm holes so it can be mounted on the rail awaiting it.

And of course a full repaint into black and signal yellow.

It might be pure Baltic out there, but with the space heater and pot belly lit, plus a lot of elbow grease, the chill wa...
13/02/2021

It might be pure Baltic out there, but with the space heater and pot belly lit, plus a lot of elbow grease, the chill was kept at bay.

These two gangway doors from 80 Class 749 weren't originally going to be stripped back to their original orange, but with more lockdowns meaning more time at home, why not?

The internal surface just came off lovely, as did 75% of the rear, but the remainder was just stubborn! Eventually after a lot of fibreglass paint stripper it came off.

One of these had obviously suffered a large bash when someone wheel something through, so experimented with dyeing isopon with gelcoat pigment just to mend it. Seemed to work!

Repairing a speed restriction sign. Should I be worried that dad was surprised just how good his welding was?
12/02/2021

Repairing a speed restriction sign. Should I be worried that dad was surprised just how good his welding was?

10/02/2021

So my neighbour has been struggling with his CNC router table, and finally has it going!

Lalla the bulldog doesn't believe in social distancing.

Shiny door lock from 749. Call it a Lockdown Lock.
05/12/2020

Shiny door lock from 749.

Call it a Lockdown Lock.

09/11/2020

PAAAAAARRRRRPPPP!

Restoring the noise makers from 80 Class driving trailer. A lovely set of ho***rs!
09/11/2020

Restoring the noise makers from 80 Class driving trailer. A lovely set of ho***rs!

07/11/2020

How to test your PARP Maker when you can't find the adaptor for the connector pipe.

Still better than my attempts at the recorder in primary school.

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