fishplate7

This question comes at the right time for me! I hope to start building my layout in l2021. It will be based on a single line MGWR station with passing loop, and some other stuff as well. So it is opportune for me to consider this question whether the simplicity of layout and quantity of trackwork I require makes 21mm a better prospect. I joined the EM and P4 societies to be better informed of what would be involved. Over the years I have a amassed a healthy collection of MM locos, Irish coach and wagon stock etc. Having weighed up all of the pros and cons, I am of the view currently that the tasks of (a) converting all of my rolling stock, and (b) scratchbuilding all of the 21mm trackwork is a bridge too far for me and the nearest I will get to it will be to run current stock on Peco Code 75 bullhead trackwork and points (or similar) with some clever track weathering to give the illusion of a wider track gauge. I should have added that yes I would love to model in 21mm if the trackwork was available off the shelf, and the rolling stock conversion could be managed without too much difficulty!

Agree 100% Noel. I have bought some recently and I'm getting immense fun from driving these locos, which takes a bit of learning! Nothing better than applying F5 (brake), then F18 (Heavy Load) then set it to speed step 12 for example, then finally disengage F5.....and wait! The engine revvs and the loco strain as she pulls away with a heavy load is a sight and a sound to behold. Highly recommended!

Loads of examples of 121's in Supertrain, IR and IE double heading in the past. Here's an example!

Well when you have the brand new MM 121's, then there going to need a crew to operate them and keep them in tip top working order! Enter Glenderg Models who gave me a sneak preview this evening of some prototypes figures he is working on!! They look absolutely fantastic! I suspect there's a Ken Fox, a Lar Griffin, maybe even a Noel Enright in the production line, with more surprises to come! Looking forward to their release! And yes, I have Richie's blessing to post them!

Indeed they should Leslie! And with more bespoke Provincial Wagons to add I will soon have a right old stable of Irish loose coupled goods wagons to improve it even further!

Well I have waited a long, long time for this day! And with huge thanks to Sean Hogan for the use of his excellent layout, the nourishment and the constant banter flowing between Sean, Joe Dave, Richie and myself, here is B131 in action with a rake of 22 goods wagons from all over the island. The sound is via Wheeltappers 645 decoder, which I know is not prototypically correct, but it's all I have and it sounds terrific, not to mention the driving experience which must be the closest thing to driving the real thing!!!! Paddy Murphy has brought the best Christmas present to me so take a bow and take a well deserved and well wearned rest!

Taken lunchtime today! No words needed!

Hahahaha...I see what you mean BTB!

I was never a fan of the black & silver in reality Noel! That said, the livery in model form does grow on you and it is, after all, part of the livery history of the 071's. So on that basis I would keep it as it is in silver & black, and give it the weathering it deserves, which you are more than capable doing! Have a look at a video I posted on YouTube some time ago. From 3.55 on you'll get a good idea of the condition of the loco up close and who is winning the war on rust!! Looking forward to seeing the result! Eamonn

Thanks Eoin for the clarification!

Some photos for us fellow modellers to drool over! With the kind permission of, and on behalf of Sean Hogan who commissioned it, this is his recently completed gauge O, 7mm working scale model of the GSR's flagship 800 class steam locomotive 'Maedb'. It was built by Brendan Kelly from a kit, which I believe was produced, many moons ago, by the Model Railway Shop in Monck Place in Phibsboro, Dublin. Eoin Murray then completed the valve gear, painted, lined and detailed the model. The photographs do not do it justice - it is a magnificent model in every respect, and massive credit is due to the skills and talents of Brendan and Eoin in bringing it to fruition!

Eoin. That's excellent. Many thanks for sharing!

Excellent video tutorial! I would say yes, definitely, regarding the programming service. I was talking with some fellow modellers only the other day about this and we were all in agreement that this would be a good idea!!

That is absolutely excellent! The 121 looks and feels right at home!!! Imagine what this layout will be like when the tippex's arrive!!!!

Patrick. Let me join the queue of well wishers and to wish you a speedy recovery! As others have said, yours is an inspirational layout where 'less is more'! I always enjoy looking at the development of the layout and look forward to the next series of photos. I also note you have included traps - an essential part of the working railway! How did you do this - dissect a standard point? Tks. Eamonn

To see it finally in the flesh and complete (regardless of livery) is a dream come true! It has been years worth waiting for!! Well done to Paddy and to all concerned!

This might be what you are looking for! This is a screengrab from the JP O'Dea collection, courtesy of the National Library of Ireland. This photo was taken at Nesbitt Junction, on the MGWR between Enfield and Hill of Down looking towards Enfield. The distant on the left is for the main approaching Enfield, the line on the rignt is the branch from Nesbitt Junction which is behind the photographer and to the right!

This is a wonderful project and I am really looking forward to seeing it progress! Not sure if this will help your research of the buildings etc., on the Atholne side of the station but if you scroll to 3.25 on a video I uploaded to YouTube some years ago, it might be of assistance! Your era is older but perhaps the layout and buildings have not changed that much! And of course there is a load of stuff in JPO'Dea's collection. Keep up the good work and keep posting! Eamonn. The link is

I passed by the Ramble Inn at Halfway on the N71 in Cork this afternoon. I noticed that the various bits of railway stock (the brake van, bulleid wagon, etc.), which were visible from the roadside, have all disappeared from view. The site looks like it's being cleared out! See some of my photos below from some years back. Does anyone know what has happened to them? Thanks

Once again Patrick, excellent stuff. You have created a wonderful atmosphere!

Patrick. Absolutely fantastic! Its my era and totally inspirational! Keep up the excellent work and more importantly, keep posting!

That is terribly sad news indeed! My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this very sad time. Ar dheis De go raimh a anam dhilis.

Many thanks Dart 8118. Re the paint I used a 500ml can of Halfords Primer Grey. I think it cost me c. €9. The best advice on using I got is to first put the can in a basin of warm water for a couple of minutes. Then remove and shake the can vigorously for over 2 minutes to agitate the paint. I sprayed it outside in a sheltered area with little or no wind. Hope this helps. Leslie's cattle wagons are next on my list. Good luck!

With Covid-19 affecting us all in one way or another, I decided it was time to get off the sidelines and dip my toes into a bit of modelling to pass the time and develope my skills! I had bought this SLNCR cattle wagon kit from Leslie (Provincial Wagons) at a show some years ago. I have no experience of building a resin kit, nor much more in the modelling world tbh. So following the instructions, and spending an hour or more each night over the last couple of nights, this is the end result! I have a small portable workbench, some sanding files, Swann Morton scalpel, steel right angle, tweezers, Loctite glue (the small 3 pack glues), good lighting, etc. With these I set about the task. I found it a really enjoyable experience, and learnt a lot from it - (this was a trial run for me before I attempt the first of 10 kits of the CIE cattle wagons, also from Leslie). So to some of the points I picked up, and things I would do differently next time: I should have painted the full buffer casting before fixing it in place. Much more difficult to do when it is stuck in! The gloss black also looks wrong I taped over the barrel of the buffers to keep the chrome appearance of the working element, but I failed. Ended up painting them all black. Pay more attention to aligning the sides and ends before gluing. There are gaps between the roof an the body which are noticeable on the ends. But this adds to the charm of the van in my view and i think I will leave it as is! The roof needs to be painted a darker colour - that will have to wait for another day when the shops are back open! I hope to fit Kadee couplings soon So to anyone thinking of having a go - just go do it! It is great fun and more importantly you'll learn a lot. There are lots of inspirational modellers on this site, and if I can develope a smattering of their talents over time to come then I'll be more than satisfied! All comments, tips, tricks etc welcome! Thanks Eamonn

That is top notch Noel and exactly the era I want to model! Many thanks for posting and giving us valuable information!