A generous farmer has donated an original crane to the Donegal’s Railway Heritage Museum.
The machinery was on the farm of Michael and Kate Chance, Manorcunningham, but has now been installed at the museum in Donegal town.
The crane had been in use at their Drumbarnet Lower farmyard for several decades, and was originally located at Castledawson Railway Station in County Derry.
Niall McCaughan, Museum Manager stated: “With the ongoing upgrading of our facility, there was one thing that we had been looking for some time, an original railway crane. “However, during a recent conversation at the official unveiling of Drumboe (steam engine) a few months ago, a local farmer, Michal Chance and his wife Kate overheard us talking about seeking a crane, and said that they had one that they could donate.”
It transpires that they had an original railway crane on their farm for decades, which was used to lift half tonne fertiliser bags. However, they no longer had a use for it and wanted to donate it to the museum.
Mr Chance had purchased the crane from a Bertie McNiece Engineering Workshop at Toberhead, Castledawson in the 1980’s. Before that, it was at Castledawson Railway Station, and possibly dates back to when the station opened in 1856, making it 167 years young!
“Bertie had told Michael that he remembered, as a child, four German prisoners of war working at the station, and using the crane then,” Mr McCaughan added.
Inspecting the Crane, L-R, Kate Chance, Niall McCaughan and Michael Chance.
“Unusually, the crane is still operational, as it was being used until quite recently. When Michael and Kate offered the crane, we were delighted to receive this unique railway artifact from them. We are also indebted to Chris McCaffrey and his team from Greystone Contracts for organizing the lifting, transportation and installation of it.”
This week, Kate and Michael visited the crane to see it at the museum, and were pleased that not only is it now sited at a fitting location, but that present and future generations can enjoy it. The crane itself is of solid heavy construction, and with a variety of complex cogs and wheels, is a marvelous piece of engineering.
It’s another great addition to the museum, which in recent times has gone through a major upgrade both internally and externally, not to forget the return of the restored Donegal steam engine, Drumboe.
“Finally, I would ask people that if they have something that they would like to donate or loan to the museum, then please contact us at info@donegalrailway.com,” concluded Mr McCaughan.
The crane and many other unique artefacts are available to see now at the museum which is open year round, Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, and from April – Sep, Sundays 12 noon-4pm.
For further details, see www.donegalrailway.com
Photo Details: Inspecting the Crane, L-R, Kate Chance, Niall McCaughan and Michael Chance
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