Robert Shrives

Hi all, Despite thinking the story is complete I find that Ian at MIR made a resin version of his cast wagon - well a version on its way along with a 47 flat as well so that adds to the story - pictures when I can ! Has anybody got other versions or scratch versions - please feel free to add. Robert

IIRC protectionist polices and a lack of foreign currency and debt to US prevented buying US engines. - So much for special friendship. On the flip side in UK we did buy 30 class 56s that were subbed to Romania - power units were shipped from UK to be fitted and then returned - it seems that UK ones were built before first batch was successfully delivered and accepted into traffic . A case of getting your own medicine when compared to A and C class deliveries perhaps. The first Yeoman 59s however were a special order and as such got VIP treatment, the only cause of early failures was due to UK fitted AWS equipment so it has been reported. the Subsequent 59s and 66s have a touch of the Leyland / BMC about them! When PRONI reopens UTA paper work might solve the NIR questions as quite a lot but not all seems listed - the vague "bundles of minutes" would offer a starting place...

The briefer the description the easier to get out of China without excess payments and good to see on plastic pallet. Hope they arrive without too much fuss.

IIRC NIR had two tone horns on its BREL sourced railcars but only single tone on the 111s - I recall two tone on hunslets . While not a precise science in listening to films with the risk of dubbed sounds diesel tones not change much, some variation if trumpets battered by impacts. In many cases a part that stays with loco all its life. There is a wonderful compilation of horns on u tube. with a creation of Pacobell`s Cannon . http://www.openculture.com/2020/04/pachelbels-canon-played-by-train-horns.html Sure this does not help at tall but is fun ! Robert

Hi It is Halfords Bauxite primer, Precision paints bauxite gloss for the number panel - as if wiped clean and then a light dusting of a railgrime rattle can . transfers sealed in with humbrol matt varnish. Bogies are more of the precision BR wagon bauxite from can on halford bauxite primer and that is about it. All done in 2 days but was a batch of models with the same colour. Transfers from Railtec which were just right. Hope that helps Robert.

3D prints are really good - put IRM loads on top and the high fidelity IRMs are your mptys! - simples.. What would be good is a limited number of the IRM bogies in twin packs. ....

If that is all that "offends" on the IRM product it still gets my vote - and has my money - all of it !!! Well started on BT10 bogies for covnersion of International stock from Southern pride in an idle moment.

Bringing story up todate two pics of the IRM offering . Well to me I can put 40 containers on the Hornby flat and kegs on the MIR one and the SSM one - one of three will be good to have empty, the other two go with the ammonia tanks. The 3D prints could well get weighted 20 side door containers the IRM ones I would use as empties - possible future for the two in the spoil pack where the containers are "too modern the containers to go on 3D print ones to go with sperry as a time traveller test train. Yes the spindles are well spindley but perhaps having spotted it a bit of stainless steel tube might fatten out - now look what you have done given me a job ... !! but a good spot not many will mind.. The buffers came from Lanakshire supplies and sold as used for Irish wagon models.

Here are two views of the 3D print on Cambrian Gloucester bogies

SSM brass fantastic origami mir cast

Hi Well I thought given the 42` flat project nears completion how did we get to this point in 4mm models. Hornby cutdowns, MIR cast, SSM brassagimi , Mayer 3D prints and IRM RTR. so what do they look like : First up my cut and shut effort.

Good to see metal exercises to counter ballasting ! For my small coins worth I thought of the crane as a signature Irish item - and putting CIE ahead of many with early containerisation - such cranes of their time as now a reach stacker does it all and more, but this would be far to modern for Glen More. In the days of yore where common sense took a more important role of safety elves I think as place fine - the crane as was at Ballina nor Mallow fenced from the loop or running lines. Layout looks better with it. The factory being a flat perhaps looks better in real life if opposite the regular operating position - but like compressed scale reductions only work from one viewing point. If it is to remain David is on the money with needing to disguise the fact it is applied to the back scene. This would need some extensive scenics as the eye would be looking for extensive side walls and the associated infrastructure and dross - fule tanks, parked bits, rubbish bins electrical supply and perhaps a transfomer building etc Currently it looks a little lost as a centre stage item - perhaps on the end wall by/ beyond the tar shed so it only gets a passing glimse which will "overlook" the 2D nature. As a rural area perhaps the end of an orchard with farmhouse painted on - in the middle distance might achieve the break in the landscape behind the station . All easy to suggest from many miles away and miss your motivation but hoping to add to mental process rather than be negative (" less of those negative waves" as a film tank driver might have said!) loving it all as I do not have my own 4mm layout- just a collection of bare started projects. Robert

The fly in was to ensure contract compliance as it was all a bit late ... as said getting product to market at time said goes along way in consumer confidence. IIRC getting 201 to work reliably was another step.. Robert

Two tankers done - eyes gone off in protest ! I do need to add the brake handles, paint steps white and add some brake bits plus a dose of rail grot and oil spills once varnished. I am sure folk will now produce loads of pics to correct transfer locations, SSM site has some good pics but only a few via a google search .. but I think they look the part so far.

Well tanks black and stating on transfers also got some Railtec tank transfers ordered to add variation. phots later perhaps. weedkiller pack arrived so off to dig out a part finished ( don`t be surprised!) GSV to see what can be done. Robert

PH Designs back in 2010 did the GSV etch overlays - not in stock at this time Peter has just let me know but is getting a price for me next week so these might give a good way of making the control vehicle. My pack arrived today and a big thanks to all involved - great models crying out to be weathered. Gives something to wrap around the Sperry while faffing with a control coach, given advice above I will be able to finish it without fear of the rtr one coming along shortly after.... Robert

Likewise good to read recovery in progress - the ballasting good therapy hopefully and I guess the dreaded work thing will get in the way at some point ! I notice you have had fertilizer delivered as well . take care and stay safe Robert

I guess the bunker staff will be enjoying this thread while looking over the CAD for the coach and the slide options for the full range of gen vans. !! Too much to hope on decent MK2 b and C models given nothing decent in UK and with NIR and IR relevance as well to follow the 80 class..... Robert

Not too far off topic but BR / RT/ NR have five RAL warning yellows in the "ok " range today. Who would be a manufacturer. The yellow is less lemon than the loco but brighter than coach and tanks - the tanks are very faded and dirty anyway. The coach suffers from chemical attrition due to overspray and age so this photo shows four differing yellows on a bright day... so good luck on that one RAL 1004 is golden Yellow and shows on several plan paint listings for class 66s FWIW. Best not mention scale colour at this point.

Hi I have had NIR hunslet, C Class from John and excellent productions, so indeed a shame pic fuzzy . At £43 for a kit not a bad punt to save filler time but looking forward to the RTR version... Ordered pack just now and could repaint a Old lima BG in yellow as it was over length IIRC .. while waiting. Robert

http://silverfoxmodels.co.uk/ir-ie-weed-van/ Might be a suitable short cut and inevitably if I purchase one the boys in the bunker will announce a full range of GSV options ! - (please) Robert.

Stephen, There is a very good 47foot 3D print model available https://www.shapeways.com/product/RG6PYUFWH/cie-47ft-lx-container-flat-wagon. or https://www.shapeways.com/product/M447LJEE9/cie-47ft-lx-container-flat-wagon?- better finish. I have three two in bauxite/ grime and third in black. The SSM bogie and sideframes with peters spares 10.5mm wheels only need central hole opening out to take pivot on print - this I have drilled for a 1.5mmX 5mm self tapper and washer . Bogie has coupling extension soldered on and await a Kaydee fitting session. Sperry container fits over/ on wagon nicely . Robert

Just to bump this one . Thanks for the pics very useful for adding the zillion transfers.. A simple question when did the container enter traffic ? Thanks Robert

Well if the good gents at IRM do not produce these or a Rotem 22000 in the next decade I would be surprised but in mean while i Iwould think 3 D print body , hornby bogies and a modern vinyl wrap would give a DIY method . The driver trailer would be fun - in a non fun kind of way... 201s well a differing matter. I guess in not too many years these and the DD sets will be just memories and the railcar will win out. Robert

A clockwork Rotem 22000 then ...