Railway Lyons

It is laquer coated, and had been sanded back, but iron is not the greatest, so thats causing it. Cleans up fine though.

For display only, gluing might be fine, but to run, solder is the only way I would trust. Only because i have experience building in brass for both OO and O gauges, im ready for the trails and the lomg haul. Perhaps the Garratt you got was never intended to run, but be a nice display/talking point instead.

Another hour this evening, but it tried my patience. More internal spacers/bracing and 2nd outer frame on RHS chassis frame, with some of the gubbins and bushes. Solder one frame bracket on, and another falls off. Got there in the end. LHS to repeat this on, maybe tomorrow. I can see why instructions say superglue for novice builders, and as @Colonel said, wonder how many never started or gave up.

Bit of a tidy up at home in junk/decorations attic, found a box hidden away and un-labeled. It was heavy, but after some wrangling, it was liberated to find......all 130 issues, unopened of a Hachette Partworks - Build Your Mallard. A few hours this evening and we have 8 issues built. I'm soldering instead of gluing for a longer lasting build. Going to take a while, but already have an A1 Scotman, and an A4 Bittern without valances built, so be nice addition when it done.

Hi Celtic, You could use class 158s, and move the doors to the correct positions on the body side for the 2600/2700s. 2750/2800s might be better represented with class 150s. At least thats my plans. Bachmann 158s are cheap enough if you dont want all the latest tech onboard, but 150s are not as common i have found. Im keeping eye out for both myself.

Stunning but of work. Maybe plant one at a yard point to be admire in the open?

Couldn't splash out on the IRM Hunslet, as had 2x MIR versions, and a Silver Fox kit versions in the stash. Bit of work done over last few weeks when not working or out in the good weather with family. Each still has work to be done, and 1x chassis to be acquired, some weathering, glazing, and touch ups. Maroon 101 (MIR) Blue 102 (Silver Fox) Maroon 103 (MIR) Sandite still on the go, and really coming along, but can only glaze so many windows at a time without losing my mind.

"Good things come to those who wait". Im just not sure how long that wait might be Cheers for note on the Dutch Van. Will probably line both sides, and add it to the 6x RPSI Mk2, and complete the set. 171 may get its maiden voyage out with that set on a layout somewhere.

1 full vehicle glazed of the Sandite, and 2nd started. Definitely slow progress, and running out of clear sheet, so will need to restock. Did get some small work done on RPSI Dutch Van. Thought I had lining transfers, but no where to be found, so order to Railtec required. It is glazed, and chassis built for it.

Working away on my NIR Sandite again. About 30 windows done, and who knows how many more. Fiddly work one by one, but getting there. Looking to see if anyone has interior photos for reference of the seating etc, so i can model and paint it inside? Would be a shame not to have something in there after all this effort. Thanks in advance.

Similar to my oo version, which now has black coupling rods.

CIE 301 is on my mind. Few additional boxes and its not far off. Nabbed one cheap a while back, no sound. Looking at RC for all mine.

I, for one would also be saving the cents for an IRM irish O gauge loco. While i do have planning permission from swimbo for the garden railway, subject to pergola being done first, and a new shed, it is a while off at the moment, 2-3years i think. But will have in time(and money) from building kits, have a hunslet(brendan), 121(kline switcher), 800(leinster), and plans to scratch build a 141 and 201 are afoot. I have a Guinness 08, and another 08 waiting to be turned irish, to keep it all moving. Rolling stock is my shortfall at the moment.

An absolute gent, who always had time for a chat. Irish model railways would be nowhere with the kickstart he gave it all. Very much thankful for all he did, and inspired others to do. He will be sorely missed. RIP Paddy.

Bad weather meant no servicing motorbike, so bit more work on the Sandite yesterday and today. So many windows! I have 1 side of 1 vehicle completed, cutting each one from clear sheet, and Glue'N'Glaze to fix in place. 4th vehicle progressing slowly, no shortcuts being taken.

Hi All, Bit more work done on the layout today. Slight rejig of the placement of points to give the space required for storing 2-3 locos on each shed road, and avoid joins. And a lot of sleeper spacing of Peco Code100 to look much neater, and the rail looks more streamline. 1st board also wired now too. Seep motors I have from dismantled layout.

Hi All, Hope you all had a good Christmas. No railways arrived here, but IRM stuff due soon, so santa gets a pass on this one. Kids sick here, so got into attic for a few hours with visiting strictly forbidden. On up side, workbench got an upgrade, so silver linings....Projects now much more easy to hand, and supplies just off to the side, so much more workspace, and slowly more organised. Can fit a 3x2 layout board when laptop put away. So here is to a bright new year, and more progress on projects and layout to come.

Well bank holidays are good for getting up into the attic and spending a few hours on the hobby. Today was more painting of 171. Transfers ready when the paint is dry, some additional detail painting in cab, a crew, and final touch ups before sealing. Almost there.

Update report: Have laid cork down on 60% of the layout, but stocks have run out, so have to wait until Blackrock show visit for more, and some insulated fishplates. Employing the "anything will do" method of weighing it all down.

Away for a few days break with family, much needed. Got a few bits done this evening, mainly paint on 171 Slieve Guillion, and my Dapol IOA to Tara conversions. Paint still drying, but doesn't look too far off on either model.

While working on the 4th for NIR Sandite, and waiting for filler to harden, time for another side quest. 171 Slieve Guillion has been patiently waiting her turn in the bench. Think we are getting somewhere. Now to get the right shade of blue....I have the transfers ready to go, and even a crew.

After a long delay waiting for concrete sleeper code 100 to be in stock and being able to afford it at the same time, we have all the flex and points we need to begin. So here is the initial rough layout. Might be slid round a bit for clearances etc, but not far off. Once all in right place, cork to be laid, sleepers spaced on flex, and wiring. Only realised looking back other day, it's 10 years since I have had a running layout of my own, so we are getting there.

While watching the Women's Rugby World Cup (Hard Luck Ireland), time for some weathering and transfers to progress the NIR 80 Sandite. Only 3 car for now while modifications on a MK2 to make 4th car(Yellow or Blue/Grey i havent decided). Anyways, progress the 3 I have: Weathered and transfers started. Numbered and looking well. Will be on MK2 dummy chassis until I can get appropriate power unit. Interiors and lights will be added, and the 2x replacement buffers.

Got up to attic and put in new desk for working on projects. Increased my area by 30%. Took the chance to put up display for some ongoing projects. Plenty there, and only the motive ones, and many more round the attic. Got to try keep them moving along, and the rolling stock to accompany. Happy modelling is the key!

Hi All, Another hiatus due to work and home commitments, and a thriving U12s rugby season. Firstly the oil tanks are finished with transfer, and there was a lot of them. Wheels and weathering, then they can be ticked off the list. Next up B103 Sulzer got paint and transfers. Hornby Deltic chassis next up and windows to complete. And back on table, comsuming quantities of plastic strip, are my IOA conversions to taras. Side ribs removes and correctly modelled, with IRM bogies waiting to be fitted. More transfers going onto the Jeep in small increments, and purchase of additional Eurostar coaches for Enterprise waiting the cutters. New larger desk on order for attic room, more boarding out and storage installs. Back up when weather cools a bit.