Robert Shrives

Hi The rolling advance programme with updates works well - it did for Stalin?! Yes - agree the big Island is very fickle and very changeable with posturing and the like. However as MM has found out the Chinese factory act is a strange one on an entirely different level. Dapol have now introduced albeit in O gauge wagons using new British created tooling. I guess getting tooling out in good order from china will be very expensive if the stories of sitcky hands is true! Dapol might have capacity and a product awareness worth investigating ? - just a thought. Thanks for asking the customer base and as noted better than the perceived big players - you would be surprised at the low headcounts at the other big name players! But good for you. I will as anside buy some of the 3D 42foot flats and soon be getting a second A class just to ensure you do produce then RTR as I am almost finishing my efforts Robert

Hi Broithe, Yes a possible reflection , I noted in my agreement to NIR to the instruction it was a shame as vehicles long gone but I guess its policy. Certainly Bombardier see vehicle drawings as commerical items and do not share other than some GAs - which is all I got from NIR but it certainly helps. Robert

Hi Well after a quick email exchange with NIR fleet engineers I now have a GA similar to 9811 but for 91x vehicles - It has the roof detail for the access panel and a side shot so now I can start , however I was refused permission to upload to any forum site . If you want a copy PM me. FWIW the cut out is 2700mm x 1000m and for 8911 the silencer is 1800 long, 920wide and 370mm deep. Still not got the dia of the silencer on the 91x vehicles but I can now cross reference to details I have for several similar BR/ royal gen cars. I have still left a request with NIR for any detail drawings fleet may have so hopefully more in a while. A big thanks to all who have responded so far! Robertt

Great drawing thanks, but drawback nothing on roof mod, such is life ... Robert

Hi Thanks for pic. Helps a lot. What chance you or anybody can lay hands on a side on shot. In the books I have and on the web we have all taken oblique shots !! I have some almost head on shots from the roof so a downwards one would be good as well. The penny dropped a bit of course and I will contact NIR and the good lads at Whitehead to see if any drawings to hand. Would anybody be interested in a 3D print version? Robert

Hi Thanks, looks like the MIR etched sides - I have a very filled airfix part done and this helps alot . I have found an old Railway modeller issue with the HST gen brake that does look very similar as a starting point. Robert

Hi Just a quick one anybody got details of the NIR gen brakes - I am after the elusive roof details for the silencers and hole cut into roof. If you have any contact details for who might have a drawing or could post on here it would be really great ! Thanks Robert - currently gluing brake gear on bogie tankers, but staring at a pile of part built/altered NIR Mk2s.

Hi Very good models and crying for a bit of weathering, Just to say was the A class ref a spoiler ? Just about to finish one so expecting the worst or is it the best from the boys! robert

Hi The Bill Beford jig is very good I tape off both sides of the one I want and use a pair of square jawed pliers to make first bend - this into the hole and then pull on wire as I bend on the outer notch some times a twist with pliers to get both legs in the same plane helps - as does making several more than needed to allow selection of the best. If making several differing lengths I start with the longest and if I mess up I can cut off excess and use on a shorter one, just saves on wire! I was taught many years ago if making more than one thing a jig will help reproduction - and this jig has given years on service and has been borrowed by friends. Whilst reasonably priced makes a good club investment as on your own it might not get that much use. Robert

Hi have to say while new to me looking inside the cover looks like I am two years behind - which is about right for me , first published 2015. Still a great read Robert

Gents, Please can you point me in the direction of any diemensions for the silencers and roof mods or even a source of a drawing. Looking to cut into a lima roof panel and was hoping to do better than best guess. regards Robert

Hi , Well Santa was kind with a new book, Irish Railway Rambler by Micheal McMahon from Colourpoint`s fine stable! ISBN 978-1-78073-075-2. A great set of pics and extended captions with good pics to help modellers. I have now read it fairly well twice and to my untrained view a good read and worth my 16 earth pounds - other currencies available ! Robert