Robert Shrives

I think it is a "given" that a 22K will be RTR . Thinking back Triang got the 101 dmu to market at a time when it was seen as a "devil incarnate" doing the deed on branch steam and it sold well . Also APT sets were out before the real one met its demise. Yes the one livery might seem an issue but again the 101 was at that point only in green. Dapol in N have shown with its 220 221 voyager fleet that sales buoyant with some 15 220 sets at market with the then only Virgin livery - albeit namers, arrival of Crosscountry and now Advanti liveries to add colour. Perhaps / inevitably the 22K will get livery make overs if say Hybrid or Enterprise versions appear. Just a case of putting money under the mattress ( other saving options are available) and waiting I would hope / think / expect ( delete as you feel) that IRM will be the lead on this project, unless another new kid appears on the block. Robert

And To make matters even muddier as windows were broken? older ones reinstated. I have asked Allen to look at etching a hopper window version but have been unable to confirm depth of the hopper. Drawings have gone to ground in the archives and these inaccessible due to covid and a big dose of inertia/ work overload at PRONI !! You have to choose the week you want to model it.

Hi , It is always interesting to see plans germinate ! I have to agree with comments about point work. 1. A facing crossover making use of the curves to avoid a reverse curve on the right hand approach gives the modern facers to access the bay . 2. delete or make in to a trailing crossover the central crossover. 3. Make the container /pw siding a loop with a curved turnout at left hand end - or perhaps run back into fiddle - it would allow longer trains perhaps. 4. Move engine road to allow access to bay as well - perhaps to allow engine changes on terminating locals if PP and 121 out of traffic. 5. If 4 then a trap would be needed off oil siding - could be a little shunting lever frame released by CTC with colour lights elsewhere/ As a thought given era then having a hint of lifted track to suggest a previous larger layout. Certainly lots of operational fun to be had. Robert

Should an era of non authentic models have its own class sub section ? Would it help the historical side of collecting.? The JHB codes work well and perhaps should be enshrined by IRM on the end of future boxes and enclosed on fact sheets . eg NIR 80 class 080 - 001 (era E) would be in maroon /blue and NIR 80 Class 080 - 20SS (Era F) would be a sound and smoke fitted post intercity NIR stripe livery . The yellow sandite and facelifted ones would be era G. All models would be factory fitted with intelligent DCC chips to run limited functions on DC for lighting and smoke and sound. - just saying how the coding could work ... but you know it makes sense!

The PC is well observed of its day. Internal details add a lot even if it is only known to one ! But now we all know ... brilliant work and thanks for showing. Robert

Noel, please just message him and I think you will strike lucky - I admit not yet fitted mine as other work on the bench. Robert

The Hornby shorty got 7 window s first production as somewhere along the line going short was deemed necessary for "train set" layouts but the compromise saw scale length windows still produced. After a spot of froth the later runs the print screen for the windows was adjusted to shrink windows to make for 8 - making the subterfuge less obvious. On Ebay from time to time you can see sellers not stating that it is a shorty and with luck bargains can be got. In N gauge Garham Farish MK1s had inserts that were moulded clear plastic with frames and have only just been bettered by newest China productions. Later batches had clear printed strip before a fully formed smooth shell - had bumps for door hinges was moulded in clear plastic. Cheaper no doubt but the bland side was a let down. So like the Hornby shortie the consumers comments saw improvements to scale lengths and more detailed sides, higher price, but does allow us merry convertors lots of fun! I like the work you have done and it shows how the subterfuge can be improved and used to make trains look longer as the eye can imagineer the lengths . We make short freights on models and happily imagine a few more between loco and van.

I won`t tell ! FWIW I and I guess Mike will as well know of many rail staff who retired and dies in a matter of years and really saw few fruits of their labours - the worst was just two weeks, made even worse we all thought he had got the wanderlust but he was dead on the floor of his flat. ... The government generously tells me my state retirement age is now 67.. I might stay longer just to spite them and the tea is free at work. Robert

Ireland - PaulineMcKenna (smugmug.com) Pauline , said it was ok to share the link with these new pics. Robert

Hi, Midland Valenta is a one man 3D print business who has done 4mm current scene bits for HSTs and a while back started development of a 3D print Mk3s including an EGV - of course he is aware of the MM models but his coach should be available shortly. However I asked could he lift the grills out and sell on their own - as they look like the ones in the Dutch EGV conversion. This he has done and a set arrived today. https://www.facebook.com/MidlandValenta Should let you find his FB page . Hope this helps more than just me. Robert

You will be in the market for two of the new finescale point kits ...

Done ! IRM getting vote is several areas. Hopefully 80 class in a few years will be on the list.

When beer was safer than local water you can understand drinking a weak brew was very common. Water standards in parts of the world have improved so no need for the pales and browns of old, now with designer beers and largers that are strong enough to rot the pipes then the ban on rail transport and limitations on road are essential protections for those buying tickets with the expectation of a safe arrival. Random and post incident testing now also covers drugs does make you wonder where it all went so wrong. At least railway modelling and Patrick`s evocation of a better simpler time allow some balance!

Certainly mastered the Fox lining to perfection - something not to rush but you can get into the flow, but once it goes wrong is the time to stop, refresh - many choices! and then with hands steady and eyes back in focus all will flow again. I really look forward to seeing the whole engine, as even now it looks a star. Thanks for showing your labours.

And no pub for the crews these days - where has all the fun gone! The price of progress and a great memory to share. Robert

Impressive works and hopefully wiring carries on with blackouts ! Have fun and hopefully weather means more inside time.. the garden will look after itself but will be more work later... Robert

Patrick, It is good to see the recuperation has worked wonders and I hope in the nearest of futures you are back to full mobility. The wagon works and weathering are great and tips filled in grey matter- if I can find them again of course !! The short videos are brilliant fun to watch and thanks for putting them up for us on the forum. Take care and stay safe at this strange time Robert

Hi Just to clarify, Wayne Kinney at British finescale was asked but currently up to his nostrils in 00/EM bullhead point design and perhaps by now building stock for first push of sales - he did indicate when time allowed to look at a bit of 21mm pointwork but this could be a year away. Plain track was with Mr Sprue - who makes short run N gauge parts and we have looked at a single sleeper with a spacer peg attached, about 10 days ago he was to have a chat with the spark erroder tool maker he knew to see what was possible at a reasonable cost - certainly no name on the sleeper for trials anyway and a modern track clip over a fiddly pandrol type pigtail spring. - given the modern and horrible to my eye of throwing stone everywhere regardless of cost - ok I know its meant to add to stability of track, then a minimal clip should be visually ok . If you did want a clip then peco individual lay should keep you out of mischief. I will give a couple of weeks and see how Mr Sprue has got on and likely price of tools and a test run. For FB points you are on your own with soldering iron and copper clad as bearers - check out C&L. Of course I will update once more known. cheers and thanks for interest. Robert

Hi Having part built two 4mm ones it has been a case of trawling the internet for details. As a thought on front ends is it possible to provide a wrap around to avoid the corner join - with having join on a door line perhaps? Robert

Robert, Quite a project , and count me in for one for a cross platform one. It will look good with beet wagons "thundering" past. Robert ..

Had time to watch this the other day. It did look pretty muddy at times and a shame that no future use for it - cannot see a housing estate on the brown field site of the refinery as being likely for many years with inbedded pollution. I guess rail would be good to a preserved line before two long.

Hi Ignore the time request - should read before "shouting " sorry ! Robert

Brilliant work , a 3D printed strip the gussets and brackets inspired and easy for you ! Certainly as much fun as soldering up on the SSM version. The Railtec transfers are just the job as well. For weathering perhaps some frisket masking sheet cut to decal size and then a gentle "dunk" in rail grot will certainly tone down the black.. To add the foot bridge is sublime, but how long to print, really asking for a friend who was looking at printers.

Thanks for heads up will have to have a gander. Robert