Warbonnet

Kirley, I think the intention of this thread is to post up bargains from retailers rather than items on auction sites.

Just came across this Swedish layout via a link over on RMWeb, absolutely stunning. The water effect is particularly convincing. Enjoy! http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/pop_printer_friendly.asp?TOPIC_ID=29329

And they get it from me. If there isn't much difference I'll buy local, and I do source all my Irish stuff locally, but I can understand in these tough times people going for better value from abroad.

I don't think we're knocking the value of having local shops Bos, but stating that some of their prices are taking the wee wee. While I totally understand that they cannot wholly match the likes of Hattons on price, the difference in the prices are in some cases totally out of sync to the point where cynicism creeps in. To that end I think they're doing more damage to themselves in the long run.

I must agree with Anthony, I've been to Hattons too and they are a lovely bunch of lads. They have knowledge too and are more than happy to help you out. Times are tough for many people and going to such stores is the only way of getting Irish items. Marks recently put their Supertrains 141s up to around €130. That's borderline scandalous! I know businesses are feeling the pinch but so too are us customers. If they do no address this and try to be more competitive then they'll lose out big time. At least Seamus has done a lot to give us great prices and service, and does some cracking sales. My Hornby A3 for less than 100 Euro is testament to that.

I think that is THE best layout on youtube myself. Le Mesa really is stunning. Some other videos... Plenty more on Youtube

For those of you who like detailing (like me) and weathering stock, and building buildings from scratch off some photos, check out these pictures from across the Atlantic for some inspiration... http://www.pbase.com/tom_murray/2012_ne_prototype_modelers_meet&page=1

Maybe they aren't selling at a loss...

Famed youtuber NSModeller24 (check out his channel, superb layout and detailing going on!) heavily modified some Tower 55 ES44DCs to represent the latest Gevo's in heritage paints and posed them with the real thing. Check out the pics here and how he modified the locos here Also, nice video of the Reading ACe at the big bash

Gent, will keep that in mind. Their 2nd hand section sometimes has some nice gear.

Have bought plenty from Modelfair and they're really good. Mind you, I went to buy off them recently and postage to the Republic has skyrocketed. Check the postage price before you confirm your order!

15th June? Got a time machine too???

I have one and it works very nicely. I use the bracket with a gorillapod adjustable tripod, great little tripod that can wrap around things and is infinitely adjustable http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B000EVSLRO/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=pd_ys_iyr5

Best of luck with it, keep us posted!

Great news, congratulations. Off to Wexford myself on Thursday, pity I'm a couple of days too late!

Superb!

Family portrait http://railpictures.net/photo/402338/

No problem, let us know how it goes! Westy, better get two of those kits ready, will be getting one myself when I get t'internet sorted out!

Yes it is, there are two DVDs; part one and part 2. Sorry, I would've provided a link but my broadband is dead at the moment and I have to rely on the phone and memory! If you're worried about mucking up an expensive loco kit at first then maybe get one of Westy's brake van kits. Good value for beginners such as us I think, I must order one myself.

Would go with the iron myself as Westy has suggested. New to the game myself and bought the On Tracks DVD on how to build brass loco kits. It's a bit pricey but a great tutorial.

Interesting points lads, good to hear the outlook is so bright for the future despite a few hurdles. That's an interesting point, but when steam was on the way out in the 60s many people feared the worst that the new order of diesels and electics would see the death of the hobby. Thankfully this wasn't the case and when the Deltics left the rails back in 82s the crowds was reportedly three times bigger than when steam made it's last run in the UK. I think some do find railcars interesting and will look back with what they grew up with some fondness. You wont catch me being one of them though!

Seeing Anthony's thread on 'needing more talent' struck a cord with me in another way. I read a lot of US and UK forums who bemoan the lack of young blood coming into the hobby, as kids go into the world of playstations and other hobbies. I was wondering if the same was true here? I was obsessed with computer games as a lad, but I think if you've got a love for trains then you can have that as a hobby too. I think humans are a bit more complex than that. So, I am not a spring chicken anymore but I am yet to hit the 30s, I know Garfield is around the same age as myself and then there's Baby GM and 201 Bhoy (I think) who are also flying the flag for younger people in the hobby. Is the outlook good still for future generations or should we be doing more to get young blood involved?

Bulk cement I believe.

I believe so, Bachmann are bringing out a model of them later this year I think. It's going to be some craic all right, I read that it's really in the middle of nowhere, god knows how they'll get a low loader to it. There has been a Class 92 electric stuck in a siding for months now on the West Coast Main line with a major fault as they can't get any road transport near the site. Crazy when you think about it!

Poor old 66 734 derailed at a remote part of the world by the name of Loch Treig yesterday. Luckily the crew were OK. It's suspected that the derailment was caused by a landslide... http://www.wnxx.info/plogger/index.php?level=album&id=342