I didn't know there was a 7mm kit of a MGWR J26 - or did you build it? Either way it looks very good. Should you manage a visit to Downpatrick, you will be made welcome re checking over the SLNCR articulated railcar which is there.

The J26 is indeed a kit - from the Alphagraphix catalogue. There is a wealth of Irish related models in 7mm scale including Elf, the MGW 2-2-2T, Fairy [with pay carraige], the delightful Argadeen 2-6-0T & St Molaga 0-4-2T from the Timoleague & Courtmacsherry tramway, plus a Bandon 4-6-0T.

The J26 was £90, likewise Argadeen, while the Bandon tank is currently £140. This is minus wheels, motor, gears of course. However, there was a full set of etched number plates with the J26. Having built a fair few 7mm kits in my time & even scratchbuilt a 'Claud Hamilton' 4-4-0, must say this J26 was a very straightforward model to make. Instructions are clear & include a few decent photos, while the etches were good & castings adequate if not entirely top quality. At the price, very good value though.

The chassis is designed for 32mm gauge & is actually a one piece etched, designed to fold up & make a basic unit. Haven't come across this method before & was a bit dubious, but decided to go ahead as per instructions & once wheels & rods were fitted, it rolled beautifully, first time. For 36.75mm gauge, the top hat bearings are soldered in back to front. Was going to add some dummy frames to fill the space, but have found it looks ok, so haven't bothered to fit them. Still needs a bit of weathering & some coal in the bunker, but for a first essay in 36.75mm gauge, i'm more than pleased with it & see no reason why other models listed shouldn't be as good..

Alphagraphix advertise in Railway modeller, but can be found at 23 Darris Road, Selly Park, Birminigham B29 7QY. Email sirberkley@tiscali.co.uk

Also, forgot to say that 36.75mm axles are readily available from Slaters [check their website], while the Alphagraphix catalogue includes a wide range of other Irish models in 7mm scale. Most are cardboard kits - buildings, coaches and wagons. The rolling stock is backed up with a limited range of chassis components & includes 3' narrow gauge too. Well worth a look, especially as many of the card kits are just £3-£4. Real bargains as they are in effect colour plans too, if you want to make a model out of something more substantial.

It's starting to look very good. love the brake van, it looks so real. it will be great when you get it finished.

Hi David,is it your intention to take the finished layout on the exhibition circuit? I ask "cos the base board looks like modular construction. Keep up the good work.

Hi David' date='is it your intention to take the finished layout on the exhibition circuit? I ask "cos the base board looks like modular construction. Keep up the good work.[/quote']

 

Hello Mike - yes, it is very much being built as an exhibition layout. About the only time my models get 'played with' to tell the truth, I'm more of a builder really. though do like exhibiting.

Current layout is a BR 1950s East Anglian essay called 'Eatonswell' & will be at the Orpington show in January & at Basildon in July.

Haven't got a name for the Sligo project yet, but am anticipating it won't be ready to debut until 2014 - probably at the Chatham Show [June], as this is my home club. There are various other pictures on the 'Irish' site & I try to add new ones as I get things finished. Almost completed a station building, based on Florencecourt on the SLNCR, then next project is hopefully to build a railbus. Alphagraphix do a card kit & will be using this as a plan to build a working model from metal & plastic.

 

David

Lovely to see someone else interested in the Sligo Leitrim. I am in the process of constructing a oo gauge model of the SLNCR based around two stations, Manorhamilton and Dromahair. have included wiers bridge outside enniskillen. Still in the early stages but will show some snaps later. I grew up in Dromahair and knew many of the people who lived and worked on the line. Your models look so accurate compared to mine, very jeolous but love to see such good work. Gary

Lovely to see someone else interested in the Sligo Leitrim. I am in the process of constructing a oo gauge model of the SLNCR based around two stations' date=' Manorhamilton and Dromahair. have included wiers bridge outside enniskillen. Still in the early stages but will show some snaps later. I grew up in Dromahair and knew many of the people who lived and worked on the line. Your models look so accurate compared to mine, very jeolous but love to see such good work. Gary[/quote']

 

Hello Gary - glad to hear that someone else is modelling the SLCR. Am thinking it may be even more of a challenge in 00 than 7mm scale, as I at least have the advantage of the Alphagraphix card kits for quite a lot of the rolling stock and several buildings, plus the wonderful Northstar kits of the Small Tanks.

I've nearly finished the station building for my project, basing it on the Florencecourt card kit. However, it is 100% scratchbuilt as, will all the Alphagraphix kits, I use them as a drawing/plan. A cut down version of Glenfarne goods shed is also under way. Similarly, have built a fair few wagons, but am a bit concerned that the SLNCR vans that Alphagraphix do are bit on the low side. The similar outline GNRI vans are certainly taller as have managed to get hold of a few drawings which prove this.

Having previously modelled BR Eastern Region [1950s], have already realised just how much material was available & how little modellers of the Irish scene have. Eg endless books on wagons & carriage stock for almost every grouping & pre-grouping company, but find myself scouring photos of Irish railways just to find out details of buffers, brake gear etc. Equally, am re-assurred by pics of wagons and vans with diferent buffers/wheels at each end, so tend to worry less now...

Anyway, if there are any drawings you are interested in, let me know, though most are now on the website. Not sure if Railcar B is there though, so can email that if you like.

Good luck with your project & will be very interested to see how it develops.

 

David

Hi David. Yes 4mm is proving to be a challenge. I have had a good look around the internet but most will have to be stratch built I think. I have a rail-car B from a guy who made one in the north of england, needs a bit more work before it will run. I also managed to get hold of an LMS flatiron 0-6-4 which is pretty close to Lough Erne and Melvin which I am going to remodel at some point. i go over to Ireland two or three times a year to visit my parents in Dromahair and always pop in to Head Hunters (see website) barbers in Enniskillen. They have most memorablia of the SLNCR and also the GNRi. The rest I get from the usual books. Sprinks etc. I also popped in to the RSPI in Whitabbey to see Lough Erne in her retirement. If I ever win the lottery she will be restored. Gary.

Have you seen the utube clip by neilr3 of his railcar.