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The Autotrain on the County Down Railway
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The Autotrain on the County Down Railway
The Autotrain on the County Down Railway, Northern Ireland. The Autotrain was a type of passenger train used in the early 20th century, where the steam locomotive could be remotely controlled from the rear of the train. This meant that the engine would not have to run-around at the end of a journey before returning. These trains were also known as motor trains or railmotors at the time, but the term railmotor is now used to refer to trains where the steam engine was integrated into the coach. A driving cab in the rearmost coach has controls to allow the driver to operate the regulator, brake and whistle when driving the train in reverse. The fireman would remain on the engine in order to stoke the fire. Autotrains were being used by most rail companies in Great Britain by the 1920s, and were particularly common on branch line services. They remained in widespread use until the 1950s and 1960s, when they were replaced by diesel multiple units (DMUs)
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases The Autotrain on the County Down Railway in Northern Ireland, a remarkable engineering innovation of the early 20th century. The Autotrain was a unique type of passenger train where the steam locomotive could be remotely controlled from the rear of the train, eliminating the need for the engine to be run-around at the end of a journey. This feature made these trains, also known as motor trains or railmotors, particularly efficient for branch line services. The Autotrain's design consisted of a steam locomotive with a driving cab in the rearmost coach. This cab was equipped with controls for the regulator, brake, and whistle, allowing the driver to operate the train in reverse. The fireman, meanwhile, remained on the engine to stoke the fire. By the 1920s, autotrains were in widespread use across most rail companies in Great Britain. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, capturing the essence of rail travel during an era when steam power reigned supreme. The Autotrain's innovative design revolutionized the way trains were operated, making journeys more efficient and reducing the need for complex engine maneuvers. Despite their popularity, autotrains were eventually replaced by diesel multiple units (DMUs) in the 1950s and 1960s. This photograph serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and progress that characterized the railway industry during this period.
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