Restored junction signal cabin in line for heritage award

Restored junction signal cabin in line for heritage award

4 December 2019

THE Downpatrick and Co Down Railway is in the running for another award.

The heritage railway’s Bundoran junction signal cabin — which has been lovingly restored by volunteers — has been shortlisted in the National Railway Heritage Awards which are being held in London on December 4 and presented by Princess Anne.

After being discovered in a garden in Ballinamallard where it was being used as a summer house and had become overgrown and derelict, the cabin was removed to Downpatrick for restoration.

The cabin was damaged by tree roots growing through the floor joists and much of the floor was rotten.

 In addition, there were areas of rot in the window sills which were removed and new timber spliced in to preserve as much of the original structure as possible.

The remaining windows were used as templates to create accurate replicas for those which were lost, while Bangor Blue roof slates were carefully removed to allow for repairs and then replaced.

Highly detailed restoration work also included conserving remaining paintwork where possible, with new paint colour-matched to the original. 

Internally, historically appropriate materials were used, such as reclaimed and refurbished Bakelite electrical fittings. Externally, appropriate fixtures were added, and a feature of Bundoran junction, a Victorian gas lamp, was installed outside the cabin.

The heritage railway has taken much care in restoring the signal cabin, including undertaking significant research into design and employing expert craftspeople to carry out the work. 

What was a lost piece of industrial heritage has been granted a new life, which generations of visitors will now get to experience and enjoy.