Warbonnet

A few weeks back I ordered some US detailing parts from an online retailer that I use quite a bit to feed my yank habit. I also ordered an Atlas grain hopper as part of the order. Unfortunately somewhere in the postage system the package had an altercation with some heavy machinery. When the package finally showed up this was presented to me. Inside my detail parts were fine. Sadly, the freight car didn't fair so well... ( The ladder end detail, etched roof walkway and bogie took quite a battering, while the steel weights inside the car broke loose. The package was well packed and I have purchased from the same retailer before with absolutely no problem. It just goes to show that the postal services might not be as careful with your package as you might have hoped! Sometimes it does pay to shop local. Having said that, I have bought hundreds of times online, both model railway items and other stuff from all over the world. Never once has something like this happened, so I should count myself lucky I guess. The An Post guy who usually drops off parcels here is brilliant too, and is always careful with our stuff and more than happy to look after deliveries for me and my brother. His dad is into trains, so knows how fragile they can be. He was embarrassed dropping this package off! I emailed the retailer explaining what happened and they refunded me straight away. I offered to send them pictures but they had no hesitation that I was genuine and refunded me without question. Top service, and I will use them again in the future. I also think that I might be able to repair it, certainly worth a go! Anyone have any mail order horror stories? (Thai brides don't count! )

It's a pity Anthony and A4Mallard don't still live in this parish, it would be some club!

Cheers Bos, glad you like them!

Some final pics. I have some of the English autoballasters so I already knew that these babies were a high quality wagon. But still, credit to Bachmann and the boys from Marks and Grahams, they are lovely. Fantastic finish on them. I'll be holding them in reserve until I can get the correct parts to get them closer to the prototype. They are very close to it already though.

And the two together... Inner wagon

Picked up mine today, here's some pics; Box porn. Some of the genny...

Is that the Grange Castle in the Clondalkin area? If so, howdy neighbour! Welcome to the site yourself and snapper.

Would be interested to Dave, looking forward to seeing them.

Jersey Central Lines ACe http://railpictures.net/photo/401453

Great news Seamus, best of luck with them!

Sure is Anthony, need to get a roco model and stick a sound chip in her!

Well after the disappointment of our performances in Poland I almost forgot about the Euro 2012 liveries, but here is the Irish one along with the rest. Looks like they just repainted an older loco instead of a new Taurus. http://pasazer.utk.gov.pl/portal/pas/189/1572/Podpisz_sie_na_lokomotywie_Polska_na_Euro.html

Wabash SD70ACe, another winner http://railpictures.net/photo/401245

He didn't rich, unfortunately. I think he was involved in the first two albums only and there's a bit of a ding dong going on between himself and Lydon over the name at the moment I believe.

This arrived yesterday, CAN, 'The Lost Tapes' three CD boxed set of previously lost material. Very nice. Been my commute to and from work music today. Also picked up Pil's new album last week, still have to have a proper listen though.

Just got home to see this video. Oh hell yes!

Last train in this video

They're impressive machines alright Rich. No manufacturer does the most modern incarnation of the GE Gevo yet, but I think these heritage paints will change that. Both Athearn and MTH will be doing the SD70ACes at some point I'm sure. Overland Brass are doing a limited run of all the locos, maybe if I win the lotto I'll sign up! Both locos are big rivals but share common parts, like the air dryer filters (saleem I believe) and even the windscreens. The railroad companies hold big sway when it comes to demanding common parts. I like the GEVOs and have a couple of Intermountain BNSF locos, but the ACes sheer ugliness is more impressive and wins out for me!

The Duchess was out again yesterday As was another favourite of mine, the unique Duke of Gloucester. I have a feeling that the Duke might be the subject of my first kit built steam loco someday... And for diesel fans there was a couple of DRS 20s running on another railtour

Sure does! Late addition to the programme, Monongahela Gevo, the 15th heritage loco done so far! http://www.railpictures.net/photo/400702

Right so, if we're going down that road (mind you, I'm a lover of many sports, including football and cycling) Bert Trautmann, goalkeeper for Man City who in 1956 broke his neck and played on, pulling off crucial saves to help Man City win the FA Cup. Was also in the Luftwaffe but managed to get an OBE. Now that's not a wimp. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bert_Trautmann And I'll buy you a 201 if any of you goes up to Roy Keane and tell him that he's a wimp. Now children, I'm taking my ball and going home. I think one of you's peed in the sandpit.

All this 'my injury is better than your injury' nonsense is more akin to kids in a schoolyard than grown adults. That said, the above quote has been the most sensible viewpoint on a trivial matter. Well said Rich.

And Mr. Armstrong has just been charged with doping... http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/armstrong-charged-with-doping-by-usada

A nice look around the inside of the Pennsy GEVO

Latest Premier League managerial casualty, Mr. Harry Redknapp. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jun/13/harry-redknapp-sacked-tottenham-hotspur