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Angus

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Posts posted by Angus

  1. Co-incidentally the May issue of New Irish Lines arrived at lunch time with drawings of three DSER wagons including that van!

    A 3d printed version is available on Shapeways so I might invest in a few to kick start my van stock (1x GSR, 1X GSWR, 1xDSER) there's enough differences to make the distinct.

    • Like 1
  2. The first bit of progress to report.

    The bearing holes have been successfully broached out. I was dubious that there would enough brass on the etches to accommodate the standard 2mm association phosphor bronze bearings but there was. Just.

     

    1104780195_101tenderchassisbearings.thumb.jpg.34f84437c5fc1ad735eaca698ca8bf79.jpg

    I've used the standard approach of double sided PCB frame spacers, in this instance 8mm wide to allow for the broader Irish gauge.

    All clamped and ready for solder (I can only find one of my axle alignment rods so I bodged one of the axles, I'll need to find my other rods before I attack the loco chassis, I'm not bodging that!)

      566498459_101tenderinnerchassis.thumb.jpg.0d2925045162f177172f7a5b452e649f.jpg

    So I've now got the basic inner chassis and the outer chassis all soldered.

    357697308_101tenderchassis1.thumb.jpg.21d834676c1f1e8ed108ebc9a7588e2d.jpg

    I've also bent up the tender flares and the inner partitions, I was hoping to get a rolling chassis and the superstructure soldered up but a late finish at work prevented that.

    923949921_101tendersuperstructureformed.thumb.jpg.1ed9398deb80c783438520ef9b9a057b.jpg

    Not much but a solid start.

     

    • Like 4
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  3. Looking to start work on the 101 class requires some research as these loco varied a lot in condition through their lives.

    So which one should I model? I've spent some pleasant hours in the past few days wading through my relevant books, The tome that obviously missing is the recent Locomotives of the GS&WR, it has been ordered and is eagerly awaited.

     421718150_101books.thumb.jpg.d1f85787f9b04d6291e30dd0bef9b9c8.jpg

    I'm intending to focus around the Sligo area which offers rich pickings for the modeller, as evidenced by the work of David Holman and Galteemore. The GSWR (WL&WR), MGWR and SLNCR all ran into Sligo with a strong presence of GNR freight stock and the occasional passenger coach.

    Photos of 101s at Sligo are rare, I've only found one of 121 late in CIE days, however it would be reasonable to assume they would have worked up from Limerick via Tuam. So I need to look for a loco based there.

    The GSR loco book gives allocations for 1938 and 1945 which suggests these were relatively static so I have a list of 101s based in Limerick.

    I'd also like to model a version as rebuilt with a 4'4" boiler retaining the iconic GS&WR double smoke doors, so I am looking for an engine so graced during the period from the creation of the GSR to the early 30s. Ideally I would like  couple of decent photos of the loco to work from.

    I've chosen no 106, there are good three photos in the books of her in the early 30s around Limerick albeit on the lines to the west rather than the north.

    She does have an ugly stove pipe chimney in one picture (but we'll ignore that insult to her appearance) there are also photos of her at a later date after acquisition of her Z type boiler in 1937.

    On to the build:

    I've collected the parts together, I find it easier to keep all the parts this way so I can remember which parts go with which project. The loco and tender will be split frame for current collection (as is standard 2mm practice) with the motor in the tender driving the engine via a universal jointed shaft to a 1:38 gear box. This will enable plenty of weight to be added to the loco. She will be DCC chipped with a stay alive.

    644171816_101locoparts.thumb.jpg.3843c066877ddd1cf7c8569872aaaaea.jpg

    The etches came with some nice cast parts with a selection of chimneys and domes which will save some time turning these up from brass rod. The etch has lost 2 of the coupling rod layers. fortunately the 101 used a fairly standard wheelbase so replacement etched rods are available from the 2mm scale association shop. These line up well with the kit's rods.

    I'm intending to start the build with the tender, which looks quite a complex build.

    1878249469_101tenderparts.thumb.jpg.cbbb157f6b5b1d1b73197c4ce718f3f4.jpg

    There are a couple of build threads for 4mm and 7mm versions on here that will prove invaluable, so thanks to those who have taken the time to log their progress.

    Right, enough waffle, heat up the soldering iron and get cutting some brass!  :jazz: 

    • Like 3
  4. Thanks JHB, as informative as ever.

    In fairness to the manufacturer the black and red are their standard finishes which are correct for most of the plates they produce.

    So to recap for a 101 class in the late 20's I should have the build date (say 1874) but for a Midland engine of the same time period I should have no script at the bottom of the plate.

    I'll my order placed, plain brass of course as they are going to be painted grey!

  5. There has been discussion on numerous topics about the GSR number plates, all relating to colour.

    As I understand it the majority of the plates were simply painted grey, some with the lettering and border polished back to metal (not brass!) some simply painted yellow. A few had the backgrounds painted black with the lettering and borders picked in red.

    My question is on the lettering itself.

    The Light Railway Stores (formerly Narrow Planet) produce some customisable GSR plates and they have kindly agreed to make these available in 2mm scale for me:

    https://www.lightrailwaystores.co.uk/collections/number-plate-styles/products/npp-420

    image.png.06b51778b14b08a4453eb14f9085ea8c.png

    Would all locomotives have the text "Inchicore Works" at the bottom? I am thinking here of ex Midland engines for example? Or would this only be applied after a re-build?

    Also was the build date always included? Take say an ex GS&WR engine, built at Inchicore but in say 1880? Or was the build date only added for locomotives built after the creation of the GSR in 1925?

    I have spent quite a time wading through photos but unfortunately the bottom lettering is quite hard to discern.

  6. I've decided to create a workbench thread as I expect my Irish modelling to outlive my Dromahair layout and its associated topic (layout always feels too grand a word for a 2' long module!).

    I'm hoping it will act a reference should anyone else be mad keen enough to model Irish Railways in 2mmFS to 10.5mm gauge.

    The initial builds will be:

    a 101 class from a shot down TMD/SSM 4mms scale etch to be built in early GSR condition

    912339995_101etch.thumb.jpg.b9a8c7a167b13fd0037da4874c40b0c2.jpg

    and C class diesel built form a 3d printed body and a converted commercial Japanese N-scale chassis.

    1948699492_CClasstesting.thumb.jpg.4ae86ff9e58e4b8d20a1f89a2fd5e353.jpg

     

    I've also a couple of six wheeled coach build mid- construction, one a 3d print (MGWR brake third) the other a Worsley works etch (GSWR luggage compo)

    I tend to jump around a lot with my modelling so expect to see progress in fits a starts.

    why the 5p?

    Well......

    261423007_MGWRvanslettered.thumb.jpg.10b4ef3b3fe330699e4b1631260d2bf6.jpg

    • Like 7
  7. Thanks both,

    Apologies for the late reply, I had the slightly bizarre experience of going into the office today. It has been so long since I used IrishRM on my phone that it no longer recognises me and I couldn't remember my password. 

    I'm normally confident enough to tackle most kits without instructions (whilst acknowledging the always help, especially if you actually read them....) but the 101 class etch boggles the mind!

    I'm also pleased you've identified the chassis Mayner, I had assumed it was 4-6-0 (or 0-6-4) but hadn't found a prototype with the appropriate wheelbase. Your identification restores my sanity! 

    The fact it has potential as a SLNCR engine is a useful bonus!

     

    • Like 3
  8. The MGWR vans have been taken as far as I can go at present, apologies for the photo quality, natural light is hard to come by at this time!

    731778850_MGWRvanslettered.thumb.jpg.446822a3a901e77864bfe1d1ea570a3e.jpg

    I had some lettering made up using standard fonts, not shaded but I think I can get away that in 2mm. I've included the 5p just for David 🙂

    The wording "to run with passenger trains" is almost legible which is a tribute to the printing skills of Rail-tec transfers who produced the lettering. I just need some numbers to match but they are currently out of stock of the ones I need.

    Once I have these I can seal the vans and apply some weathering to tone the colours down and blend everything in.

    The letter is slightly small (a problem I never thought I'd have in 2mm scale!)

    I haven't been able to find any complete pictures of the vans in MGWR days, they do however photobomb a couple of locomotive pictures.

    There seems to have been a storage road for these vans behind the turntable at Broadstone.

     

    8 ST PATRICK - Atock MGWR 2-4-0 - built 1870 by Avonside Engine co., Works No.802 - 1890 withdrawn.

     

    Class D - 5 MARS - Atock MGWR Class D 2-4-0 - built 1884 by Broadstone Works - 1910 withdrawn - seen here on Broadstone MPD turntable in about 1898. Class E - Atock 115 ACHILL - MGWR Class E 0-6-0T - built 1893 by Kitson & Co., Works No.3527 - 1925 to GSR No.560, 1932 bunker enlarged for services on Tramore line, 1945 to CIE - 1963 withdrawn - seen here at Broadstone Works.

    The horsebox also appears on the famous picture on "wolf Dog" on the turntable (there is a copy of the picture is in David Holman's recent build thread: 

    Following these photos I've lightened the grey on the rooves, I'm guessing by early GSR days they wouldn't be so white, I've add the white inner circle on the brake wheel apparent in the first photograph.

    I've not included the "to run with passenger trains" wording on the horsebox as I can't see any evidence of it, that said it could easily be obscured in all the shots.

    Finally another request, In the box of goodies I was gifted there is an etch for GSWR 101 class, I believe it is shot-down from the current 4mm scale etch sold by Studio Scale Models. The etch has "TMD Models 1995" on it which I believe was a predecessor.

    822273103_101etch.thumb.jpg.0051c72e44c975cb5780a4840aae5553.jpg

    It is quite a complexed etch and I could really do with some instructions, has anyone got a set I can beg/steal/borrow (or even buy)?

    I did try emailing SSM but got no response, in fairness I am not a paying customer and unless they suddenly produce a 2mm scale range am unlikely to be!

     

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  9. Thanks Mayner, that's really helpful information.

    My railway library is already overflowing and it is difficult to justify spending £20 on a book just to get the livery details for one wagon.

    Presumably the lettering and fonts are similar on the grey wagon?

  10. A bit of progress is being made on finishing some stock already built.

    These MGWR vans attracted a bit of attention when first built. 

    Inspired by David Holman's recent MGWR mail train build I've decide to finish them in pre-GSR colours. This probably means I'll have to backdate the layout to early GSR days at the least. It would give me the opportunity to run a mix of liveries although the thought of lining out a loco in 2mm does bring on a cold sweat!

    1930539251_MGWRvanspainted1.thumb.jpg.389b4548213e52f073b39b41c475e186.jpg

    I've just realised I've painted the solebars underframe colour as a steel underframe rather than body colour for a wooden underframe. I'll correct that.

    A couple of questions to the audience, is the body colour correct? I believe it should be slightly darker than LMS maroon for late period MGWR which I've tried to capture?

    In the UK the wooden centres of the Mansell wheels were sometimes varnished or even painted (on the LNWR newly constructed coaches had varnished centres that were then painted the body lake colour at the first re-paint). Does anyone know what the MGWR practise was? Accepting, of course, being low to the ground the wheel centres would be covered in crud in ordinary operation!

    I made reference to being gifted some models from a fellow 2mm scale association member. This included what is described as a CB&SC open wagon.

    1082385747_CBSCwagon1.thumb.jpg.9c5c24aaa093477759c126ab61b6e3d9.jpg

    The body is scratch built from styrene and is rather exquisite (please bear in mind this is 2mm scale so the body is only 30mm long)

    I can't find any details of the wagon (the CB&SCR doesn't appear in my library as it's a bit far south). The wagon scales at 15' in the body with a 9' wheelbase. Also I can't find any CB&SC wagon livery details either, I could always cop out and paint it GSR grey, in which case the undercoat will suffice! I'd be appreciative if anyone can fill in in any of the gaps?

    • Like 4
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  11. Well it's nearly a year since any progress on Dromahair but work is back underway.

    To be honest, the module's future was looking doubtful for a while. It was being built for the 2mm Scale Association's Diamond Jubilee Layout competition originally scheduled to be judged at the Association's annual meet in June 2020, this was rescheduled for June 2021 which was also cancelled.

    The competition was aimed at building something as either a toe in the water for newcomers to the scale or letting modellers try something new, hence the opportunity to try something Irish in 10.5mm gauge.

    The module is only 600mm long so not something I would ordinarily build, a bigger layout would take more commitment and cause more distraction from other modelling activity so my Irish modelling stalled.

    A few things have conspired to change this, firstly a fellow 2mm modeller gifted me his Irish stock and components recognising he would get around to doing anything meaningful with them so I feel honour bound to use them, secondly the competition has been rescheduled for June 2022. Finally I was surprise to see this little model mentioned in some esteemed company over on RMweb in a list of 5' 3" scale gauge models. I naturally felt obliged to to start up again. 

    So where are we?

    898075724_ModuleoverviewMay21.thumb.jpg.029e6b188e8932a787f54becec2f6fd6.jpg

    The backscene is in position but needs the corners filling in, ultimately integral lighting will be added, I'm still working this out.

    The platform facing was also catching on passing stock as there was insufficient clearance, the facing was carefully cut off, thinned down by sanding back then re-glued back on.

    All is good.

    The C class is a 3D print that was amongst the items gifted to me. I've bought a Tomix chassis that is very nearly scale. (Bogies are correct but the centres are slightly too close together). For the moment I've simply pushed the wheels out to match the gauge, obviously this won't run through pointwork but it was fun to connect up some power and have the loco run along the front of the module.

    Testing clearances.....obviously!

    Who would have thought the first loco through Dromahair would be a diesel?

    224360693_CClasstesting.thumb.jpg.64735f4b34e460d7e7b9747e90aeee63.jpg

    The body print is quite nice, although it will need a bit of work to add some detail but should be fun. Although out period I've always had a soft spot for the little diesels.

    I had previously posted some concerns regarding the station building dimensions so I set to work with some pens. once the windows are sketched on it is amazing how it all seems to come back into proportion.

    433305527_Stationbuildingtest.thumb.jpg.55e0f08e6e34f7aca5a5ed4ce4e3d7e8.jpg

     

     

    • Like 7
  12. Hi David,

    Allen already does these in other scales, I have a couple of 2mm scale ones under way, albeit not touched them for 6 months or so.

    I've also built some of his non-Irish coaches and loco bodies.

    If you you email him he will produce them, if you are lucky and he is preparing stuff for the next batch for the etchers turn around can be quite quick.

    As you've noted the kits are scratch aids and only contain the basics for the body but do save a lot of work if you were stating from a blank of brass or plastic.

     

    • Thanks 1
  13. One thing you might want to consider are solder balls

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tin-Material-BGA-Solder-Ball-Repair-Tools-leaded-for-ICchip-Reballing-Balls/363225899211?hash=item5491f360cb:g:l4IAAOSwViVf3QJK

    They can be found relatively cheaply and 25,000 would last a while..... (there are local stockist on ebay who can deliver in short timescales if need be but you have to pay a bit more.)

    These are widely used by those us us working in 2mm scale, I find one 0.6mm ball per joint works well. For 4mm use one 0.6 ball either side of the joint.

    The advantage is control over the amount of solder used, this gives a consistent appearance once complete.

    The technique is easy after bit of practise, lay out the sleepers, apply a small amount of flux to the areas under the rails to be soldered.

    Lay the rails in place.

    Tip some of the balls into a saucer and by using a toothpick with the end dipped in a bit of water you can pick up individual balls and place the balls into the flux on the sleeper. The balls will stick to flux.

    If the rail is held in place then all you need to do is apply the iron so it heats both the sleeper and the rail and the balls will flash forming a joint.

    You can systematically work along the track applying flux to a section, following through the balls before finally soldering the lot in a batch process.

     

    Oh, and by the way, be careful with Powerflux, it is good stuff but needs careful cleaning.

    If not washed thoroughly everything will turn a nice shade of green if left.

    Personally I use a less aggressive water based flux that seems easier to clean up. that said, as with all things, it comes down to personal preference.

    • Like 4
  14. Hi David,

    4mm sale drawings for the D16s were printed in the April 1976 edition of Model Railways magazine as part of the Irish Miscellany series.

    I tracked down a copy a while ago as a 2mm scale D16 is on my to do list.

    I've PMed you a copy.

    Whilst being a long way from a works GA drawing I hope they might be of some use, I've not checked the accuracy of the drawings mind.

    Looking forward to seeing this train develop.

    Angus

  15. 8 hours ago, Angus said:

    There were plans for a puffer published in an edition of the Railway Modeller 20 years or so ago.

    Actually it was only just over a decade ago.

    March 2009 is the edition, a nice 3mm scale drawing with detailed drawings of the winch and a few other items plus a potted history of the vessels.

    • Informative 1
  16. There were plans for a puffer published in an edition of the Railway Modeller 20 years or so ago.

    I have the edition somewhere, I'll dig out and let you know what month and year.

    I do love the puffers but they are a bit ubiquitous in the model railway world appearing in all sorts of inappropriate places!

    I would guess a trip across the Irish sea in one would not be a trip to relish unless calm. They were really designed for near shore coastal waters around the Clyde and West Coast of Scotland.  

    • Thanks 1
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