Timoleague & CourtMacsherry Light Railway 2-6-0 Locomotives in Ireland

Class Argadeen (Locobase 10215)

Data from "Tank Engine, Timoleague and Courtmacsherry Ry," The Locomotive Magazine, Vol VII (April 1902), p. 51. Works number was 611.

This railway opened in 1891 and ran from the Ballinascarthy Junction station (of the Clonakilty branch of the Cork, Bandon & South Coast Railway) 9-10 miles to the bay at Courtmachsherry along the River Argadeen. A remarkably enduring road, it survived amalgamation and was taken into the Great Southern in 1925. It was able to claim the distinction of being the last operating roadside railway in Ireland by running regular service until 1947, when a coal famine hit. From then until 1960, the railway would reopen for summers and for the beet harvest.

The Argardeen (Silver Stream, referring to the river) was the last of three locomotives to go into service on the L & C LR. (Hunslet had also produced the first two - Slaney, an 0-6-0ST and 0-4-2T St Molaga from 1891 (works number 520)).

Argadeen's proximity to roadways, livestock, and pedestrians meant equipping it with a cowcatcher and a bell, the latter to supplement the whistle; the tram-like side-skirting was later removed. It could have operated as an 0-6-0T, but the pony truck spread the weight over a longer wheelbase.

A later rebuilding traded in the round-topped boiler for a Belpaire-style vessel and the cab was enlarged. Classed as K5 in the GSR, the Argadeen continued in service until 1957.