dave182

I've often wondered about crowd funding and it has it pros and cons for sure. I think a more realistic proposal for me, and this is just a suggestion and would need agreement from all parties... We know that the 121 loco is probably the next release on the radar from Murphy Models. The catch is that sales have slowed generally and production costs have gone up. So I'm guessing Paddy Murphy and his retailers are nervous about investing in this next release. I'm wondering would Murphy Models 'manage' and fast track this next release if crowd funding could raise a certain percentage of the cost. So let's say for example that Paddy agreed to go to production if €50k was raised in advance. So let's say 334 people commit €150 each then we have €50k to pledge to this project. When the model is released you have a credit with MM for €150. The reason I would suggest this is as follows: -We have a proven quality track record in Murphy Models -Murphy Models have existing channels of communication with the manufactures and a track record, so not starting completely from scratch -The 121 model would suit an american outfit like rapido as a first venture into Irish modeling -I'm sure MM have done some groundwork already in preparation for bringing this model into production, so a quicker turnaround -Finally, it works in MMs favour as it signals commitment and he can produce a percentage more for his traditional retail customers It's just a suggestion but I feel it's the most realistic and achievable in the current climate. I think the 121 will probably have a similar production cost to the 141/181s so we all know what we're dealing with. I think it would be a good test scenario for crowd funding an Irish Model, and if it worked out the I think both us as Modellers, and someone like Murphy Models or one of the retailers, would be happier to take on a commission like an A Class or C Class in the future. That's my input!

What a great find Warbonnet! I think there is quite a shortage of 1:76 trucks from the 80s and 90s. I see Oxford have a DAF cab listed for early next year- would love to see a Roadliner or Guinness version. Commission anyone??

Again!! Did you spot the loon in the bicycle peddling along the wall without a care in the world!? There's always one!

Gorgeous! Lovely detail- love the castrol adverts on the back, lovely little touch that really finishes it off! Well done

I've had a quick look at some business reporting websites, which show that there was some changes made to the business mid-September of this year, about 2 months ago. One change was that the owner stepped down as Director of the Business. The last set of accounts show that the business has a negative net worth, But that doesn't mean much in the current retail climate. Piece about the company here... http://m.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/model-shop-scales-up-for-future-1-4889750 I've been very careful in what I've just posted here, and all of the above is in the public domain. My personal opinion is that there might be some issues going on. I'm sure in this small community that someone on here knows the owner(s) and before this gets too far along the rumour mill, I would encourage the owners to post a statement clarifying the position of the business. The website is still trading and accepting purchases, but this doesn't necessarily mean anything.

Ah brilliant. Didn't realise they had more than one on the go. One for your Arthurs quay scene, Glenderg?

Thought you might!

Does anyone remember, or have pictures of, the green Fendt tractor that was used on Alexandra Road in Dublin Port? It was around until the early 90s and was used to shunt oil tanks from the concrete stand just inside North Wall yard to the various terminals along Alexandra Road. It was nothing fancy, and if memory serves me right it had a couple of wooden railway sleepers lashed on to it acting as buffers. This might have been covered on previous sites but can find no reference, so no harm to revive the thread here for reference purposes. Also wondering who operated it? CIE, Dublin Port Authority or the Oil companies? Did it have a predecessor?

Wow! Some lovely layouts on display there, and Bleach Green is looking superb, has really matured! I love that Southern layout aswell, just oozing character.

Working in reverse order... AClass007 I would imagine that flaunting pallets of fertiliser cargo may not just have been ideal during 'The troubles' so maybe an issue of security?? However I suspect that if they kept the lighter wire mesh frames then the wagon doors would have operated as intended, i.e. sliding in between the pallets, and not modified to hinged doors. Divecontroller, couldn't agree more! IRL£ 23m seems like a smart investment then compared to what it might cost now! Finally John, it's such a brilliant video and you obviously understand what was going on at the time. What strikes me is that some of the stuff going on was quite ground breaking and pioneering! Just a shame that it never quite got to be realised- what an amazingly different network we might have now! As for H&S... Yer man spray-painting brown oxide on to the fert wagons, probably high as a kite!

Brilliant!

Here is a brilliant clip outlining CIEs plans for modernisation in the 70's. Of particular interest- there are some great shots of really unusual wagons and interesting first draft prototypes. Bogie fertiliser and pallet cement wagons like you may not have seen before. Also some very early 'Bell' containers, and brand new Bells that we know today. Some great inspiration if you are looking for unusual wagons for your layout, or want to know what was running during this period of change in Irish rails.

The news release mentions that 10 coaches have been purchased, I assume including one genny van. Where are these coaches physically right now? Could we also see yet another loco livery also??

Hi guys I was inspired by Aussie Phil's Bord na Mona layout to try some scenic buildings using Das modeling clay. I've drawn up a couple of templates of side walls, say for a small goods shed. I've rolled and cut the clay to size, and cut some windows in, and then set aside to dry for the past 3 days at room temperature. After 3 days it's dried solid, and taken on the white colour, ready to carve some details in. Unfortunately it has shrunk quite considerably! My dimensions are at least 5% out now! Any tips on how to use this product? Should I fix it to a timber or plastic shell of a building and lay it over?

Hi Noel. Great to see the progress you're making and you've already gathered up a nice collection of Irish stock. It's also great to see an existing layout being transformed into an Irish layout- I wish I was at that stage where it was only the scenery that was left to do! You're enthusiasm is infectious! And it's one of the joys of this site! Someone is always tinkering with something amazing and it's brilliant that everyone is willing to share their projects. Keep up the good work Noel!

Lovely, and great to hear the positive feedback. Am planning to order some in the near future.

Brilliant! Thanks for that info and the picture!

Hi guys, Just looking for some information on the Wickham Insection Cars. I picked up one from Des over the weekend. When were the introduced? Were they all yellow? Any livery variations? How many? Did they carry running numbers? Any info or pictures appreciated as always!

I'll also comment on the theme of space and agree fully with the above comments- bigger venue with more space around the exhibits and traders. As I commented earlier it was great to see such a big turn out and I hope that this can be translated into success in the future, and certainly a bigger venue should be discussed.

Just back from the show, and enjoyable as always! I was on a tight time frame so hit the traders I needed to see and had a quick look round- some great layouts. I agree with Paul Greenes comments above- comparing and contrasting to a UK show is probably not fair. As a Modeller I would of course like to see more layouts, but I went specifically today to source items, and there were a great selection of traders represented for what is a small market. What I most took heart from is the large number of families and children that attend every year, and unlike when I was a child pestering my old man for a model railway, it's now easier than ever to get into the hobby, with an Irish flavour from day one. This can only be a good thing for the future! Well done to all involved!

I see that the push-pull set destined for Moyasta was moved today (to Ennis, rest of journey by road I believe) so just wondering can anyone give an update as to what mk3 stock is left as of today? Is North wall yard cleared of all Mk3 stock now?

Kirley, thank you thank you thank you!! I've wondered if this existed and apparently it does! No matter how hard I try, when I'm doing production line type batches I can never just get completely acurate cuts. Thanks for that tip!

Noel, couldn't agree more. It's a bit 'loud'! It's a job that's on my to do list- would very much appreciate if you took a few photos while you are breaking in to the Cravens! Am a bit nervous of tacking this!

What a surreal picture! All the more bizarre is the brake van full of... What ever they are?! Elves? It looks like a scene from the Polar Express!

Fair play Heirflik! Was there myself yesterday, and as a seasoned Picnic-er I remembered to book Monday off too! So just surfacing now! Saw Lilly Alan, great performance but she isn't looking the best. Beck was the highlight for me, brilliant live set up and really really loud! The Electric Picnic really has something for everyone- glad you enjoyed it so much!