Barl

The option Weshty suggests is the way to go, I did the same a while back. The main issue is with fixing the roof back down as it clips into slots on the sides, I've just glued mine down but if you want access another method may be required. The gangways need to be replaced with Craven style ones also. Sorry for going off topic

Whenever they arrive, you're not allowed open them until Christmas day :D

I would recommend brake fluid also. I tried it out on an Airfix/Dapol MK2d coach which had 3 coats of automotive spray paint on it (primer, orange and lacquer) and I left it soaking for over a week. After this the paint literally just slid off in one piece with no damage to the plastic. From reading online about it it seems DOT3 has been replaced by DOT4 but I assume they do the same job? As regards paint stripper, stay away from Nitromors, it melts plastic straight away as I found out

220 looks the dogs with that weathering job and so do the Galway mk2's

That viaduct looks brilliant, lovely job:-bd

Layouts coming along nicely Vincent! Judging by your magazines, remind me never to ask you for tips on upcoming football matches

Great news, i'll have to build myself another rake now

I just caught the end of the show and what I saw was excellent. The building at the end, at the top of the Jungfraujoch line, blew me away completely. It looks like something from a Terry Pratchett novel. It's stunning from both an architectural and engineering point of view, which doesn't often happen

Your layout is coming along nicely and those container flats look fantastic

Thanks for the comments lads; there's still a lot of work to be done but that's part of the fun:). I'm flat out doing a masters at the minute so time to work on the layout is very scarce unfortunately. Anyone have any suggestions for names for the layout, i'm all out of ideas?

They look fantastic Anthony, very realistic as the motto suggests, as doe's the layout:-bd.

I got a bit of a shock yesterday when she passed me around Adamstown heading back to Dublin, I was on the 15.35 to Newbridge and she tore past the window. Beautiful sight it was!

I've been working on my layout over the last few years but have changed my mind so often that I never really got anywhere with it. I managed to make a small bit of progress over the summer and after a much needed kick from what Anthony said and wanting an excuse to take 082 out of its box I got some time today to take a few pics of what I have done and post them up. Its a long long way from a 'finished' state but at this stage I want to get it to near complete so that I can run some trains and then I can go about replacing some of the buildings with scratch-built ones and adding more detailing. Apologies for the poor picture quality, they were taken with my phone. Oh and I need a name for it Overall view off the layout (please excuse the mess ) This will eventually be a freight/dock area with an engine shed at the end. Farm area with tunnel to fiddleyard The pub is only temporary until I get around to building one; a very important part

I had a Bachmann 150 sitting in its box so I decided to have a go at converting it to look something like a 2700 Railcar. It still needs a good bit of work until its finished, such as the black around the windows, but it's getting there!

I was at the show earlier and thought it was great, very well organised. Once I saw the 071's I just had to get one and being a member of EI (formerly IEI) it had to be 082 and I couldn't be more pleased with it, even though I left with my wallet, literally, empty! I also talked to Des and got some nice 2700 Intercity transfers off him. I had a chat with PM and he used his excellent sales skills to persuade me to get 112 asap because he has sold all his stock of them . I was sorry I didn't get to chat to any members off here, the only person I kind of recognised from photos on here was Anthony but he was mid-conversation when I spotted him so I didn't want to interrupt, maybe next time

Stunning models! The level of detail shows the amount of work Glenderg puts into them and they keep getting better. Best of luck with the new venture also

I'll probably head out on Saturday and get the bus from Abbey Street. Anyone who cant find the buses from town, here's the option i'm taking: http://www.dublinbus.ie/en/Route-Planner/Route-Planner-Map/?planchoice=0

It seems to be getting better stock all of the time too, last time I was there they had stuff that you would normally never get here.

Sallins station has a horrible new footbridge if you want to see some "modern architecture" at its best . You've probably been there before but Marks models shop in Newcastle is handy too if you fancy spending some money . Stick to Haydens would be my advice

They actually pick up a surprising amount of dirt for the size of them, can be dangerous if they suck up a loose piece of ballast, it can go flying anywhere . The switch on the top of them can be a bit troublesome, mine started smoking one day so I just replaced it and hard-wired a decoder into it and it works fine. Layout's looking excellent too Wiggy:tumbsup:

Lovely looking models, well done:tumbsup:

I got one of these a while back, maybe it was used in the Dublin mountains as it has a D reg? http://www.idmodels.ie/Products/Garda-Land-Rover-Defender-Station-Wagon__OXF76DEF004.aspx

Both helicopters are EC 135's, similar to the Air Corp versions but better kitted out. I think Revell used to make a 1:72 scale model but i'm not sure if it's still available. As for the Defender, its a commercial version of the Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, as used by Aer Arann and previously by the Irish Parachute Club. Just doing a quick search on google it looks like Airfix used to make a 1:72 scale model but again, i'm not sure if its still available.

This is the set that got me into Irish railways in the first place. I remember staring at it in the Model Shop on Capel Street and my Dad making my day by buying it for me. I remember the buildings on the box now and regret throwing it out, although I kept the foam from the original. Sorry to make you wince Wrenn but my 219 now runs on a Bachmann 66 chassis and the two (still un-numbered) mk3's are now part of a push-pull set! Thanks for sharing and bringing back memories

They normally travel at a good speed in the opposite direction along this section, i.e. from the Ashling Hotel to the Museum but I don't think they pick up much speed in the direction in which the accident happened as they're approaching the sharp bend over the bridge.