Ironroad

There is a new website, but I don't think there is anything in stock at present; https://www.ecwid.com/store/store1493122/

Thank you all this has been quite informative. Summing up so far:- live frogs are not necessary and using insulated frogs simplifies matters although there may be some risk (perhaps minimal) with short wheelbase locos. Thank you for the explanation of a "BUS", but from the depths of my memory I recollect something about care being required with the wire gauge, what should that be? Also appreciate the advise that reverse loops still need to be isolated, but to clarify does this mean a section of track within the loop (presumably sufficient to accommodate a full train?. The advise on the isolation of a programming track is also well noted. Beyond this what are the preferred or recommended control systems. I'm way out of touch but remember that the initial offerings such as Zero 1 and the Airfix systems were not compatible with each other and at least in the US the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) established uniform standards which I presume all manufacturers now adhere to. But who are the preferred most popular producers and how do they compare, both on performance/features and price . I suspect there is a middle ground where the most expensive may not be full value for money and the least expensive while initially attractive may be a poor longer term choice. And of course since I like reverse loops do all producers facilitate them?

Hi DJ, the point of my question is to clarify that if all track section are live at all times in DCC, that points which isolate sections are unnecessary and as part of the process of transitioning to DCC it is preferable to install points with live frogs and if indeed insulfrog points are already installed it would be necessary to wire a feed across these points. Perhaps very basic but I'd like to be sure nothing is taken for granted.

This is a great topic and since I'm at a crossroads on taking the plunge into DCC and completely ignorant of what I may be getting into, I'm very interested in all and any contributions. So a couple of questions (which may seem silly to the informed), Noel, when you say Is it correct to assume that you were using points with live frogs rather that the isolated type? If using the latter you would have have tp provide a power feed to sections that would otherwise be isolated? Secondly, is there an issue with reverse loops? In DC since the polarity is reversed it is necessary to create a section of track that can be isolated to facilitate reversal of polarity. Dump questions perhaps but I'm dumb on this subject, Thanks

Did exactly the same and have the same sentiments

Thank you for all of that. Seems liker there is a good case for a full brake in Black n' Tan, and I'll certainly point that out. As a matter of curiosity if these ran with Cravens albeit for a short time what else did those Galway trains consist of? What a great picture, it expands the case.

Hi JHB, I have yet to follow up with Hatton's on my original communication with them and before doing so I have a few questions you may have the answers to. Given they they are offering quite a few options in these models and the fact they may view what we are asking for as very niche and impractical it seems to me that our best chance is to narrow down the options we would like to see on Irish liveried versions. Firstly do we need to see Irish livery on all four of the six wheelers. I note that one of these is a full brake and another is a brake 3rd. So the question is would one brake type suffice and if so which one? That would reduce the number of coaches in Irish livery to three and means that anyone making up a rake of at four would purchase a multiple of at least one of the composite coaches (which may make this more attractive to Hatton's). After that, the options offered are; Wheel type' Mansell or three hole. Roof furniture; Oil Gas or Electric Lower Footboards; Optional. So assuming we are considering CIE dark Green late '40s to '55 which of these options are appropriate? Would this be different for the light green livery? And for those interested in GSR Maroon what would be appropriate? And my final question, what running numbers would be appropriate? I bow to your superior knowledge in these matters, Thank you

All true but I was wryly thinking that ideally a model of these six wheelers should have this sign on a window or two, the incongruity being that we have models with no smoking signs on the windows.

Interesting detail visible at 1:45 in the video. A "smoking" sign on the coach window advertising Wills Gold Flake. How times have changed.

Also available RTR was the NCC "Jinty" 0-6-0 tank loco, thanks to Murphy Models/Bachmann.

Just the same a little dalliance* is permissible, as I think I've said before variety is the spice of life. *(I mean modelling nothing else)

You should expand your horizons, Given the slow pace of infrastructure change on Irish Railways over a long period of time it's possible (perhaps with a bit of license) to represent multiple periods on the same layout.

Thanks for the update

Just to advise that I also contacted them recently with the same question and while a got a very polite response you seem to have managed to get a bit further than I did. I will certainly follow up with Mr. Mylett and as you suggest would encourage anyone else that is interested to do likewise. If you don't ask !!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are risking the IRE of the moderators for drifting off topic. But I agree with you. An 800 would sell to collectors and to those of us that want to would run it and it would be particularly attractive packaged as a train set as you suggest. Unfortunately given the time frames we have witnessed on the production of Irish models over the past 15 years or so I may not be around to see this. But closer to the topic of this thread, I think it's a safer bet to expect a tank wagon from IRM in the nearer term. Your wife is right.

AEC Railcars and laminates, that brings a smile to my face and let's not forget Park Royals. But do you really believe we can hope for an 800?

Just wondering if there has been any further progress on this project, I'm very interested

You are to be commended for this. However, I have to admit while I completely understand the price it is at the limit of where I might be tempted to go. I would definitely go there (even plus a bit) for Maeve. I'm interested in virtually everything that ran in the period 1950 - 2000 but even in that I need to set some limits and accordingly basically ruled out Northern Steam but you are seriously tempting me to go there, for sure I would not be able to resist a model of No.4. I'll complete the survey for you. Wishing you the very best of luck with this.

Hattons are selling a modular system https://www.hattons.co.uk/newsdetail.aspx?id=900&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=mar-0729-hattonsprecisionbaseboardsrange&_ke=eyJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJ0aG9tYXNjYnJvbmFuQGdtYWlsLmNvbSIsICJrbF9jb21wYW55X2lkIjogIkpHUWVYaCJ9 Is this the same or is it compatible?

I concur. Symoba offer a short and a long NEM pocket, they provide a height gauge but most interestingly they produce a very neat kinematic mounting plate intended to be mounted to the underside of the body rather than to a bogie. Their products are also available from DCC Supplies. Hornby supply a 10 pack of their NEM pockets (product code X6354) which I believe are available from Peters Spares. Bachmann supply spare couplings complete with NEM pockets, they don't seem to sell the pockets separately. The product codes of those I know of are 36-027, 36030 and 36-061.

Could not agree more, and would be more than happy to see just one version of a genny

here's one on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/193647662586?ul_noapp=true

I strongly recommend that you reinforce those upright panels with the big cutouts, the integrity of the particle board is seriously compromised. Use 2' x 1'' (50mm x 25mm) or equivalent wood strip or perhaps flat metal strips.

Some info here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_Olympian

Good analogy with the football club but sometimes it does happen and I have a lot of sympathy with Wexford70. Perhaps if the dream of a regular GSV came to be (I'd commit to 2 or 3) it might not be too far a step to getting a weedspray van from there. I'll keep the faith but fear I may be pushing up daisies before it is justified.