Galteemore

You’re safe here, Jb. We understand

He was very patient, JB, and somehow was always looking the other way when the most egregious operational errors occurred…..

Well, what a fantastic day that was. As a guest - and very incompetent - operator, it was such a privilege to see this layout at work. An amazing parade of locos and stock: the early stuff (which I’ve only seen in photos till now) is truly stunning. Lots of images follow…. It was great to bring some stock to air on Belmullet - even my crude little ‘Titania’ had an airing. A particular highlight for me, though, was what I think must be the first time since Oct 1957 that two ‘large tanks’ have been together! The last occasion was when Enniskillen- the final SLNC loco to be in steam - hauled a wagon clearance train past Sir Henry slumbering in Manorhamilton shed. David very kindly let me plank my ‘lockdown loco’ on the track to meet her long lost sister. Interesting to compare their chimneys - Sir Henry sports his original Beyer one, whilst Enniskillen has the post 1950 GN tapered one. It was also enthralling to see Sir Henry’s inside motion twirling about.As some of you know, the SLNC is practically in my DNA….so it was delightful to see so much of it today. My loco’s overwide footsteps precluded her from the offered passenger duties but at close of play Enniskillen did try her hand at a cattle train. Do forgive my self-indulgence if she keeps photobombing these images….after a year’s work in the building, was lovely to see her on such a stage and in such company on Belmullet’s fiddle yard…. Thanks David - a wonderful day. If I get a second chance I’ll hopefully manage fewer gaffes - and shave Enniskillen’s footsteps to a more prototypical depth!!

That looks amazing Ken. A long vanished scene brought to life.

Looking forward to it David. ‘Enniskillen’, of course, has developed a significant fault tonight which I have spent much time fettling. She will need a new driving wheel in due course but a bodged repair has been done. She’s been cleaned and lubed and currently purring away up on blocks….hopefully she’ll behave !

Hey, get in the queue Jim, he’s sorting the SLNC ones first !

Lovely stuff Ernie. Classic west of Ireland scenes. Don’t forget to take a break from running trains to keep posting prototype photos!

My dad has one on the way which he’s promised to pass on. IRRS photo archive is outstanding. A J Powell images recently uploaded include a wonderful shot at Drumshanbo depicting the lady of the house chatting to the loco crew whilst the loco injector is being used to fill a bath tub for her children!

An unusual prototype and excellent deduction Ken. Nice model - like the varied position of the drop lights !

Ok Jb - my attempt at dissing the one horse town of Fintona has clearly backfired (and even the horse left in 57!). However, you are quite right - it’s a good prototype. The options are really to make it as a small station goods yard or as a factory setting. I suspect the former would allow more variety.

I was referring to Fintona post 57!

And today’s entry in ‘sentences I never thought I’d hear’…..

And closer to home…https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-8-10-12-14-16-Lazy-Susan-Round-Swivel-Rotating-Bearing-Turntable-Desk-Plate-/163240644955?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

Yes - there were intense spoil workings then for construction purposes https://www.geograph.ie/photo/3505762

And looks right at home. Like the front cover of an IRRS journal - great!

I think 3 latterly. Second class had largely gone by the board by more recent times

3 is third class, 1 is first class and so on. By more recent times, a two step model was adopted and second/third became ‘standard’ class of various types

I’ve used electro frog recently. Much more reliable - just need a little more prep when installing. Peco Unifrog points in code 75 offer option of both.

If such a truck existed I think it would be out delivering A class orders right now! Great effort all round lads.

That’s a really nice view of Sir Henry. Many close-ups exist of the class, and distance shots of trains in the landscape. This, however, is just far enough away to give a decent view and yet close enough to see some detail. What handsome engines they were. But I don’t want to build another one just yet!

Great stuff Ernie. The blending of the suggestive backscene and the detailed foreground is well done. Recalls the Leitrim scenery I got to know as a child (pic is the river where my grandfather fished for salmon which then travelled by the SLNC - trackbed is a few hundred yards away).

Have you tried Ian Sinclair’s UTA book? Many GN staff, for instance, would keep wearing the old company uniform for as long as possible. I will try and ask my dad what he remembers…

Use Microsol solution ?

Must have ordered a lot of A class in Larne….

Terrific. A pain to do I’m sure but hopefully worth it. There’s a real difference between a scenic train set and a real railway model (that’s not a value judgment btw!). No doubt which of the two this is!