Warbonnet

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

It most likely was me!

I'm watching with great interest too Rich, I would probably stick to 16.5mm but it looks so good when it's done right that I don't notice the narrowness of it anymore.

I do like the Lackawanna unit, but Lackawanna EMD units don't look right without the 'beer belly' larger fuel tanks http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1168537

And last, but by no means least, the Lackawanna ACe http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/3/5/0/3350.1340809052.jpg

Very good, makes me even more fascinated with what whack a recent package of mine got! http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/showthread.php/481-The-perils-of-mail-order

Have the classic blue with no yellow ends on order. Been waiting a long time for this baby.

Absolutely stunning, the ACe looks so sinister and the white safety stripe along the bottom of the walkway sets it off nicely. IT - Warning - Might need sunglasses for this one http://www.railpictures.net/photo/401776

Yes, Champions League qualification is a must.

If you're looking for more visual inspiration and ideas, there is also http://www.emgauge70s.co.uk/modelpageindex.html BR 70's themed, albeit in EM. Still has some beautiful trackwork though, not to mention some stunning modelling in general.

I might well be wrong on this, but I believe the usual run is 512 of each running number. I'm sure Mr. Bracken will confirm or correct.

Fair play to you for having a go with the kit, hope you find one. For the savings club I think it would be best for you to drop Seamus a private message and go from there.

Penn Central. Nice and Simple http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/9/0/3/7903.1340641022.jpg

Cheers Des, if you ever want a closer look at it or other US freight stock (the covered hoppers tend to have etched walkways) give me a shout and I can meet you at a show or something.

I believe this fella is based in Kerry. Some collection of diggers and 'dozers. Enjoy!

Definitely CIE and P&T for me. Any other prototypical popular period liveries they were around in way back then?

Now that is a fabulous video. Very atmospheric. Great find!

The end ladder detail is a separate part, so I think I'll email atlas and see if they have any spares in stock. They should have the bogies at least. As you said, bit of weathering, maybe some glue and she'll be lovely. The walkway on the top is etched metal, so could be bent into a more realistic shape. As you can see the detail on this babies is lovely. Cheers for the idea Seamus, I have a heavy duty flat car and an old Athearn Switcher body set aside for such a load. Just need to detail the body up and build up some bracing! On the 'to do' list which is getting longer and longer these days... You seem to be posting a lot of American pics these days btw, are you on the turn?

I know man, walked past your old house yesterday!

I've just looked up the SCT website and see that some HXA's have the same bogie after all, http://www.railway-technology.com/contractors/bogies/sct-europe/sct-europe3.html Apologies Rich!

Are you sure you have the right wagon Rich? The bogies look a bit different to me... HXA Our own Autoballasters (great detail pics from Seamus!) http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/showthread.php/350-ballasters-being-loaded-in-port They're a weird looking bogie. Looks like we'll have to continue the research! I've also just noticed how different and odd the buffers on ours are.