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Super, many thanks for the info. Looks good.

It’s a fairly simple but clever system of wires and brackets, which should work equally well. The 2-4-0 and 2-4-2T designs have a basic sprung pony truck arrangement. The 2-2-2T has a most unusual springing arrangement with a flexible piece of brass.

David, Many thanks for the info. From my point of view, the width of the frames won’t be a huge problem (as I’m working in 21mm) but may be an issue for those wanting 16.5mm as John says. However, it sounds like the chassis makes no provision for springing or compensation so I’d have that challenge instead. Noted the challenge of castings; wheels also these days. Have you built any of the 6-wheel coach kits in 7mm scale? Any views on how the undergear of those might scale down? Many thanks, Paul

Roger's 7mm scale kits feature a one piece etched chassis. Have mentioned before that you solder in the bearings, then simply fold the sides and spacers. They are designed for 32mm gauge, so you fit the top hat bearings inside out for broad gauge. Never had any problems with clearances for splashers and other bodywork, so presume things should be ok in 4mm. However, if there are no castings, what you will get is the same as with Worsley Works, so that means sourcing or making everything from chimney, dome, buffers, cab details, whistle tender axle boxes, brake standard, etc, etc. Without wanting to rain on anyone's parade, finding such things is a lot harder now than it was ten or even 20 years ago, when there were many more whitemetal and brass castings available, though 3D printed options may be possible now.

Nickle silver basically a superior material to work, basically stronger, easier to solder and easier to paint compared to brass. Best contact Des on availability, Studio Scale models traditionally held kits in stock though may have shifted to supplying kits to order. Des supplied tender etchs and castings at relatively short notice for a GSWR 52 Class 4-4-0 I produced several years ago.

Your dead right, still though, its a nickle silver kit so how different is it from a brass one? and is he still taking commissions? Either way the J28 sounds interesting, always good to see more kits on the market.

Studio Scale Models already produce a 4mm model of a Bandon Tank both roundtopped and Belpair firebox versions. https://www.studio-scale-models.com/B4.shtml

I would interested in a J18, depending on price and it's quality of course! Any chance of a Bandon tank?

An important point to check with Roger is whether a 4mm loco chassis produced from 7mm artwork/photo tooling will be suitable for a OO gauge loco. The width over chassis on a 4mm loco produced from re-sized 7mm/Gauge 0 artwork may be too wide for OO. Alternatives would be: (a) to re-design the existing chassis so that its suitable for OO gauge (width over frames 12mm) or (b) the buyer purchasing proprietary etched or turned frame spacers and assembling the chassis as a conventional chassis. Although my 4mm MGW vans were designed to be assembled to OO or 21mm gauge, it was necessary to re-design the chassis when I re-scaled the artwork to 2mm scale for a customer.

More 80 class madness – a bubble, an A class, a 141 and G617. And shunting steam engine No. 90 into the shed. It can’t shunt in the rain right now as the rear end is a bit exposed

J30, please

@Adrian bolton You may be able to buy a standard base board in Marks Models if they still have them in stock, if you are going for non standard to fit into the attic you would need to know your track plan and build the boards to suit. Marks Models used to stock these helpful booklets, which could give you an idea on how to proceed;- Give them a call to see if they are in stock? There is also a wide range of books online which are very helpful, some helpful members on here should have more recommendations. Eoin

I’d go in for an MGWR Elf and a GNRI JT

Adrian, I am sure there are plenty on here who would tell you who not to go to. But I am saying nothing

Excellent very worthy for preservation. Here we go again Superb pictures many thanks for sharing. I’ll drop you a PM if that’s ok ?

I'll add one to any MGWR order, two in the case of the J18 and the Hearse So +1 Elf +1 onto MGWR coaches

We explored this once before but I think because our collective interests are so diverse, we didn't manage to get the numbers for any one thing. Worth another go though.

I would have one of the MGWR Elf class for sure, probably a J30 too

Many thanks for having the discussion. I guess the challenge is to find enough people with similar interests! From the range, I’d be more interested in MGWR 6-wheel coaches and, maybe, a J30.

Was talking to Roger at Alphagraphix, inquiring regarding the viability of making 4mm etches of the many 7mm Irish kits he has. From Roger: "To make the project viable for us we'd need to have definite orders for at least six of every vehicle/loco kit in advance to make the order worthwhile. Additionally we're not in a position to supply the necessary cast parts as we only have patterns for the 7mm versions." I was personally considering the following CIE/GSR J18 (I'd order two so four left) MGWR Luggage Van 'The Hearse' (Again, I'd order two) The Ivatt F6 (would order one) Along either considering some of the other MGWR rolling stock and locos. Many of the cast parts could likely be 3d printed.

In addition to being hosted on the University College Dublin website, my maps / plans are now also hosted on the CIE Archives website. https://www.cie.ie/who-we-are/heritage-and-archives/cie-group-archives/archives-blogs-and-links/atlas-of-the-railways-of-north-west-ireland Intermediate stations and halts being prepared. Nearly finished Glenties branch. That will leave only the S&LR to be drawn. Sometime in 2026 I hope. CIE have done an excellent job.

It's possibly an "Amorce Cap" device - a 4.7" naval gun by Britains - Boer War era. The caps can still be got. Licensing discussions could be entertaining.

This is still In Limerick. It's been noted.

Looks like a spring driven device rather than pyro.