dave182

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!

Josefstadt, you might have a valid point there- I couldn't pin down a date on that piece. The new Dublin Port connection, along with the IWT liner, were launched on 13th July 2011, so we are looking at an article less than 3 years old. Is it more opinion based than fact based I wonder?

I wouldn't fret Weshty... I'm sure you'll probably have a prototype served up quicker! (Can't wait to get my hands on a few of your 42's by the way!)

http://www.handling-network.com/tracking-irish-railfreight/ Interesting article here, seems to be current, and from a source that would have accurate information. Cork seems to be next on the list for reintroduction of a container flow? Anyone can confirm this? There is obviously demand from the private sector for alternatives to road haulage. With Irish Rail in such a financial mess, surely the time is now for the introduction of a private rail operator?!

Glenderg/Des Looking fantastic! Hats off lads- it has never been a better time to be modelling the Irish scene!

Stop teasing me!! Are you mass producing a weedspray Bredin or will your recreation be with the newer Mk1?!

Yeah Glenderg, I think nearly all had them, and they were just removed as the new IE plug logo was introduced. (am I right to think that the IE plug logo introduction coincided with the introduction of the new 201 class?) The conversation you might be getting confused with was one I started a while back, recalling that a small number of the Cravens (operating out of Conolly) got the IR points logo applied. Can't find the thread just now.

Lovely!

Just a comment on these spoil boxes as we all use these threads as reference for models- I've just noticed for the first time that hoods have been fitted at each end of the 42' spoil wagons, I assume to stop spoil building up in the gap between the boxes and the wagon buffers. (video credit: irishrailvidios)

Great to see another layout developing- keep up the good work! What are the dimensions of your layout roughly?

Another couple of shots here of the cable train, probably from some time in the 80s https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/robmac2013/12620122655/in/search_QM_q_IS_irish+rail+cable+train_AND_mt_IS_all_AND_w_IS_all

How bizarre!