MD220

Thanks for that clarification. I'll know for the next time!

So the new run of fertiliser wagons reached New Zealand nine days ago, the new unladen bogie flat wagons are already appearing on ebay at inflated prices yet in Co. Down in the North of Ireland, I believe, my orders of both may appear some time next week. Brexit? .... Brex-sh*t more like. This is not at all a criticism of IRM I hasten to add, but would it not be feasible for customers from the six counties to continue to order from the IRM.com website and have our orders shipped from Dublin? I know that NI is no longer in the EU customs union but (as I understand it) the NI protocol has ensured that many of the same rules apply. I would be quite happy to order from IRM.com and pay in Euros, as I have done in the past , rather than be forced to the Accurascale site and have to wait for a couple of weeks longer for much anticipated releases. I should finish by saying that the models look fantastic and I know that an extra few days waiting for them to arrive, in the grand scheme of things, is probably a small price to pay for such quality, but maybe the above could still be considered an option? OK, rant over, I'm off to take my blood pressure medication. Have a lovely day everyone.

Great news! I missed out on these beauties first time round

She's a beaut!

2 axle 20ft container flat.

Just a note on the Tuam Ruston. It was painted in a lined green livery when in Sugar company service, the BR blue with full wasp stripes was a Westrail repaint.

Agreed.

I like it as a temporary thing. Gives an idea of what the 121s would look like if they survived in service into the 2020s!

Really glad you decided to post this, great stories, keep em coming!

Newbridge, 1962-ish.

How far travelled were the E class in service? I know Limerick had one and I think Cork also. Did an E ever make it to the west? Galway, Sligo or Westport ( apart from 428 in preservation)? What about north of Dublin to Drogheda or Dundalk?

I took this pic in Claremorris in May 89 (I think. The date may be a little out) I'm pretty sure it's 086 but it's a bit hard to make out!

2 out of my 3 A class have arrived here in Co.Down safe and sound, the 3rd is on its way. Everything about these models screams quality, from the packaging right down to the locos themselves. They are absolutely top notch! I haven't had a chance to run them yet, I'm saving that until tomorrow, but I know they won't disappoint. Well done IRM, first class job.

Ah now don't be at that..... 071 was bad enough!

Video by Southern Yard on YouTube

The ITG Western Enterprise tour in 1990 consisting of 111 hauling an NIR mk 2 set visited Tuam!

That looks stunning lads. Top marks. Getting excited now!

Is there any news on the progress of restoration of the real 134? Some up to date photos would be good to see!

Done

Yes I believe that all of the CSE Rustons were 88DS apart from the one in Tuam which was a much larger 165DM (I think!). A great little loco, sadly it's no longer with us following an arson attack at the former Westrail shed in Tuam.

I contacted Hattons earlier this week about delivery times for the ST 121s and they replied that they had no confirmed date for when they would receive them. I ordered my IR 121 from IRM and dithered that much about getting a second (supertrain) version that they'd sold out of them by the time I'd manned up! Ordered from Hattons instead. I'll know better next time. My next concern is that being in Co Down will there be extra hassle getting it back into the North if its delivered after Jan 1st?

Thanks Jonathan I nabbed the last one on Amazon last night!

Thanks for the info Mogul. I have Rails through the West already, I must look out for North Kerry!

Would anyone have any close up photos of the open topped containers used on the Asahi coal trains? Were they purpose built or just standard 20ft jobs with the roof cut off? Were they side door or end door, were the doors welded up and they were tipped to unload? Sorry for so many questions at once but I've no doubt someone out there knows their history! Many thanks Des