A trip on the train is the best way to see all of the Lower Gardens.
Over 4.5km of narrow gauge railway track, weaves its way through the trees, revealing many pleasing vistas. The heritage railway takes you around the lake and grounds passing the Castle Folly, the Tree Circle with the “Orb” and the newly installed “Long Sleeper” sculpture on the Spiral Mound before returning to the Station. The ‘Duchess of Difflin’ steam engine, with her carriages in the traditional red and cream livery of the “Wee Donegal” and the ‘Earl of Oakfield’ blue diesel engine give pleasure to children, Thomas The Tank Engine fans and enthusiast alike. Trains run at regular intervals each day and offer an excellent opportunity to view the lower gardens in comfort. The steam train runs on the last Sunday of the month ‘Steam Sunday’.
Tickets and departure times available at the pay booth on arrival. No booking required except for group visits. The trip will take about 15 minutes.
Difflin Lake Railway
Architect:
A & E Wright, Belfast
Consultant:
Martin’s Models Garden Railways, Herefordshire
Gauge:
15 inches (381mm)
Length of track:
4km (2.5 miles) including sidings
Rail:
Steel, S7, 14lb/yard
Min. radius:
65 ft. (22 metres)
Ruling gradient:
1 in 30 straight, 1 in 45 curves
Sleepers:
Part galvanised steel, part treated softwood.
Rail fixings:
Clips throughout
Turnouts:
2 at 114 ft. (35 metre) radius,
3 at 91 ft. (28 metre) radius,
10 at 82 ft. (25 metre) radius,
Manufactured by Alan Keef Ltd
“DUCHESS OF DIFFLIN” 0-4-2T
Built by:
Exmoor Steam Railway Co., Devon, England.DUCHESS OF DIFFLIN
Delivered:
February 2003, Works no. 317
Overall width:
45 inches (1.1 meters)
Length:
10 ft. (3.05 meters)
Height:
5 ft. 10 inches (1.8 meters)
Weight:
3.2 tonnes approx.
Driving wheels:
14 inch (355mm) diameter
Boiler pressure:
150 lb./sq. in.
Grate area:
1.4 sq. ft. (0.13 sq.m)
Two outside cylinders, bore 4.5/8 inch, stroke 7 inch
Crosshead driven mechanical lubricator
Mechanical handbrake,
Air cylinder and controls for train air brake.
“EARL OF OAKFIELD” 0-4-0 Diesel
Built by:
Alan Keef Ltd, 2002, works number
Features:
Perkins 103.10 3-Cylinder Diesel engine
Hydrostatic transmission via chain drive to rear axle
Outside fly cranks and coupling rods
Length:
8 ft. (2.4m)
Height:
6 ft. (1.8m)
Width:
4 ft. (1.2m)