Robert Stephenson Engines

When the line opened, there were eight 4-4-OT locomotives, numbered 1 to 8, supplied by Robert Stephenson. A ninth locomotive, No 9,  06-4T came from the same supplier in 1904.

4-4-0 represents the arrangement of four leading wheels on two axles, usually in a leading bogie, four powered and coupled driving wheels on two axles, and no trailing wheels

No.1L was named “Isabel” after the daughter of R.H. Johnstone of Bawnboy House, the longest serving director of the C&LR. Built by Robert Stephenson & co in 1887 withdrawn in 1949. Status – Scrapped in 1949

 

No.2L was named “Kathleen” after one of the Directors’ daughters. Built by Robert Stephenson & co in 1887 withdrawn in 1959. Status – Preserved Ulster F&T Museum together with a C&LR coach

 

No.3L was named “Lady Edith” after one of the Directors’ daughters. Built by Robert Stephenson & co in 1887 withdrawn in 1959. Status – Preserved in USA at the New Jersey Museum of Transportation.  Currently in storage

 

No.4L was named “violet” after one of the Directors’ daughters. Built by Robert Stephenson & co in 1887 withdrawn in 1959. Status – Cut at Dromod for scrap in 1960

 

No.5L was named “Gertrude” after one of the Directors’ daughters. Built by Robert Stephenson & co in 1887 withdrawn in 1925. Status – Scrapped by GSR

 

No.6L was named “May” after one of the Directors’ daughters. Built by Robert Stephenson & co in 1887 withdrawn in 1927. Status – Scrapped by GSR

 

No.7L was named “Olive” after one of the Directors’ daughters.Built by Robert Stephenson & co in 1887 withdrawn in 1945. Status – sent to Inchicore in 1939 scrapped in1945

 

No.8L was named “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. Built by Robert Stephenson & co in 1887 withdrawn in 1959. Status – Cut at Ballinmore for scrap

 

No.9L King Edward – 0-6-4 type. Not liked and over weight. Built by Robert Stephenson & co in 1904 withdrawn in 1934. Status – Scrapped in 1934

 

7 of the 9 Stephenson engines were scrapped. 7 of the 9 Stephenson Locos were rebuilt with a larger boiler in 1902–1906 Rebuilt from 1930 with brick arch in firebox to burn hard Welsh coal instead of the soft product from Arigna’s mines.