Railway Lyons

2 weeks back, I mentioned a "Special" project that was bubbling. This one has been on my list for a long time, and one i really wanted to do. Well I am happy to show it off now - Enterprise DVT, and coaches to follow. This is the 3rd or 4th iteration i have tried, with previous attempts using Mk3 and Mk4 coaches, but never quite right or good enough in my eyes. This time I took plunge with Hornby Eurostar coaches. This will be done in original livery from mid 90s. Its a resin 201 body, aquired many years back, cut down, and a eurostar coach cut down. Modification to the Eurostar coach for 2 bogies, and not sharing with intermediate wheelset. Still work to be done on the joint area, last window to be halved, additional end door ro be scribed in, and valance restored. Roof has had Eurostar ridge removed, mid filled, plastic rod ridges added, and other details dropped in. Still more details to be added, glazing, buffer beam detail, lights, paint, transfers. Still a ways to go, but so much happier I am on the right path now with it.

Not as tricky as the top part on each tablet catcher space on the sulzer. Had to file part off old pliers to be able to bend small enough, and still be square.

Only 2-3 hours free this weekend to get to the workbench, so it was all go with the brass handrails. Sulzer, RPSI Guard Van, and Hunslet all ready for primer. And yet another project on the go .....NIR Class 80 Sandite Car 1,2 & 4 ready for primer. 3 in process of being converted from DBSO to Driving Trailer. There is 1 special project that has been bubbling for a long time. Hopefully have a lot more on this in the coming weeks.

Glad to report that baseboard assembly has begun, with daughter being my apprentice. More over Christmas, and see hiw we get on. Concrete sleeper flex to be obtained, and then track laying can begin.

Finally Airbus "Beluga" is just about there. Lots of fiddly transfers. Now just the sealing and remove window maskol. After that, my dad can take delivery to add to his extensive collection.

Been catching up on this thread with interest. Well done on your efforts, amazing work. Will reach out to you in the very near future.

Well, a relatively straight forward build in the end, even if a little tail heavy. Nothing a little wagon weight won't sort. 2 evenings and its built. Just paint and transfers by weekend. Night 1: Night 2:

It's a SSM variant.

Tend to find if I'm always working on 1, I lose interest while waiting, so few on go to change between is good. There are many more waiting their turn too

There has been a bit of Milky Bar tinge to the workbench last few evenings. Still more details to be added, primer(and the inevitable small fixes) before paint and transfers. We have RPSI Guards van to accompany RPSI MkII, Fertiliser wagon on IRM bogies, B101 Sulzer, D101 Hunslet and a painted barrier wagon. Bit of break while assemble Revell A300 "Beluga" for my dad's 1:144 collection.

Timber store has been visited, and the supplies obtained to construct the required boards. Construction to begin very soon and will be documented as I go. Here is to a hopefully successful year, and a new layout to see in 2026.

Unfortunately the Galways Mk2s didn't go as planned. Finished article just wasn't sitting well with me. Partially my own fault for not going all in on the prep, and the paint got some orange peel and dulled, so it's back to the start and full strip down. Few other items on the bench to keep the mojo going (updates on these in few days), until I can bring myself to reattempt the Mk2s.

Due to a rather expensive car repair on hybrid system, emptying all money put aside, this project is delayed for a bit while the bank accounts recover. Hopefully not for too long, but updates will come as soon as possible.

Have had a scribble of a TMD layout floating round for ages, with no idea where it came from. So have take the time to redraw it out and begin to make something of it. Mainly been missing having somewhere to test/run locos, and large attic layout is a while away after flooring, insulation and electrics etc. Aim is to be constructed of 3x 3'x2' boards, 2x scenic, 1x fiddle yard/traverser, to make up a 9'x2' layout. Should fit in the back of the car. Will be DCC (system to be bought), but will have computer control, so maybe Z21 or JMRI. Initially thinking naming it Páirc Ghuaire TMD (or MPD) when in Irish guise, or Gorey Park TMD when/if in British guise.

Always had soft spot for DART. I was born later the same year, but unlike the DART, I haven't gone through the refits to keep them going.... My grey hairs, scratches and scars are long lasting, but im still chugging along.

Class 47 project Part 1 complete. Bit of a battering look in the weathering, showing a hard working workhorse. 47474 is now complete, and has met its train to haul, a failed 7 car APT-E. Further rummaging has found a 2nd Class 47, with chassis, for the next part of the project - a RES train.

Yep, agree. The right-hand one has a dark grey roof, to match the photo reference I have. Right one still waiting that to be done. Might be the lack of light in my shed making them look black.

2 days in a row.....wonders never cease While 47474 takes a rest to cure, some old projects got some time on the bench. A few old Airfix Mk2 geting the orange for my own attempt at Galway livery. Have been blue/grey in a box for 10 or more years. And one with slow progress over the years, but very pertinent to late goings on, my 2700 Arrow. Some small modifications to get doors in right place. Started many years ago, when skills not as good as they might be today, so bit of correction here and there, and some modelling licence.

Something a little different today. 2nd hand, unused Freightliner green livery body shell, to be repurposed. It had seen a bit of a hard life before...... Stripped of details where possible, light sanding, and primer. Then to blue....starting the transformation to 47 474. Then the yellow face. Once that is all dry and sealed, transfers, light weathering, and onto donor bachmann chassis.

Be careful what you wish for DJ. More rain means more time for trains, to run them and more videos...... Then how would you feel?

Postie arrived, was intrigued, and had to see them once told what was inside. He remembers them, and totally unaware anything like it was available. They are stunning! Well done IRM.

Was only thinking the same today. Have heard nothing from Rails in regard to pre-order being moved over. They should be due in next few months, so hopefully they have not gone the way of the dodo, and it's just settling time after Hattons doors closing.

Worth the trip indeed. What a beautiful coach these are.

Well it turns out postie is not at fault. I am. When planning to move house, I made the smart decision to change from delivery to collection. However, after move never changed it back. Not so smart. Doh!. Quick trip next week will see them home.

All making me jealous lads. Enviously waiting on my 4 packs to arrive, hopefully tomorrow. Postie is taking a while to get from Walkinstown to Wexford. Will be a week since pickup tomorrow. Need to have words, dont think he knows how serious this is.