dave182

Again, just rowing in with support! This site is a super resource, banter is always good, and considering its only been on the go a couple of years it's growing all the time and has a wide appeal! The most important part, aside from the running costs, is us the members, and how much we put in! I'm personally chomping at the bit to get started on a layout (moving house end of May and new place has planning permission for a layout!! ) and moreover mad to share progress with everyone here! In terms of membership numbers, contributions etc. if we are looking for a wider membership audience, then it might be no harm to have a promotional flier available to download or email to people. If members are attending shows here and abroad, the the word can be spread (and in a consistent manor). It's great to see Modellers around the world becoming more interested in the Irish scene. Instead of worrying about what's happening on RMweb, we should be enthused by the growing interest in the Irish Scene! Keep up the good work!

Wonderful video! How long did the motorway building project last? And what happened to the wagons afterwards?

Mayner, thanks for sharing that info, before my time. It's an unbelievable sequence of events, and would certainly make for an interesting presentation!

Wow! I'm bamboozled by the detailed answers you all have provided! So it's safe to have my model 071s returning to depot for fuel once a day! On a seperate note then, any recorded incidents of locos running out of fuel while in scheduled service?!

Again, another vote for a detailed RTR cement bubble, and flats. Pricing is critical, and I think a 3 pack is a great idea. Edit: another obvious one that I'm always surprised no one has looked at is the 20' brown ISO container with the side opening doors, that CIE introduced in the 60's. (maybe overlooked because people remember the distinctive 10' uniload ones) Marry that to a 20' flat and I think there would be good demand. These originally had the CIE roundal on them, but many had the IR logo applied too. Still many dotted around the network.

Can anyone tell me what kind of mileage do you get on a full tank of diesel with say a GM 071 class loco? Just wondering how often they have to return to depot for fuel? Are there still re-fueling options in places like Rosslare, Tralee, Westport for example?

I've posted this video as it has got me thinking! My interest has always been the 90's, as its when I grew up, and this seems to be the case with many modellers! You model scenes that you remember vividly, and probably miss now! I would like to have an element of preservation represented on my layout, but it throws up some questions and conundrums! I admire the work that the RPSI and the ITG do, and also understand that they need a hell of a lot of funding to keep the show on the road. That said, a personal gripe of mine is the fact that they have stock painted in their own colour scheme. For example the mk2's in RPSI Green, and the cravens in the blue. In my head it kind of takes away from the whole preservation thing, but I stress that this is my own personal opinion, and I know IR are a bit touchy when it comes to the Black n Tan and Black/Orange/White stripe thing! Anyways, can someone talk me through the set of coaches in the above video. I see some park royals. Is there a Craven in there painted green? Are the colours used on these coaches reasonably authentic? Finally, many of you have a bachmann green flying snail livered coaches, the 57' Stanier Coach. Are these a UK model painted in this livery, or did they actually run on the Irish network? Finally finally (!) thanks again JHB achill for sharing your wisdom on the liveries in use, this information is fantastic and I find myself referring back to your posts constantly. regards, Dave

Thanks yet again guys for coming up with the goods! Well done on the Mitsubishi Glenderg, can't believe it's still kicking about. This Fred Dean guy seems to have photographed just about every asset that CIE have ever owned! Is he active on this site? Known to members? He really illustrates the importance of continuously recording things because they are gone before you know it! Anyways, thanks for the help on my last couple of queries, I'm gonna have a go at a couple of vehicles while I'm wait to build a layout. I think what you see on the line side and in yards can really complete a scene, especially when it comes to vehicles.

Hi guys, another truck question! Anyone remember back in the 90's a couple of trucks knocking round Pearse Station and Hueston Station that were painted in the IR livery? I'm looking for some pics. If my memory serves me right they were 20' box trucks, maybe Hino or Mitsubishi, and I think one of them had 'parcels' or 'newspapers' written on the side. Also, any pictures of the 'Road Liner' trucks drawing Guinness kegs to/from Hueston. I passed all this nearly every day of the week as a teenager and never once thought to take any pictures, even though I had such an interest! You don't thing these things will ever change! I'm thinking that they were yellow ERF cabs and shunter tractor units.Again, any pics?

Brilliant! Thanks guys for that.

Hey guys. Anyone know of any rtr models or kits available in 1:76 of the Bedford TM truck? This is the only reference I've found so far on the Internet: http://covenantermodellingsite.com/Bedford_TM_Tipper.php Regards Dave

An interesting question! Here's a link http://www.coford.ie/media/coford/content/links/transport/Road%20Haulage%20of%20Round%20Timber%20Code%20of%20Practice.pdf If you were going on visuals- most Artics and Road-trains seem to carry 3 to 4 bales of timbers. (they appear to be cut to 3 to 3.5m lengths). The 60' wagons carry 5 of these bales. By volume the bales appear to be roughly the same road and rail). My estimate then would be 18 to 20 trucks, about 600 tons a go?!

First impressions, looks like something from the Soviet Union that Bond will distroy at some stage! Wouldn't be surprised if the green and orange are still to be applied over the white. Not the worst livery I've ever seen.

Lads, I'm mad to see this new livery on the 071 loco, any more updates?! It's gone so quiet on this thread that I'm starting to suspect that a Monty Python-esque mass sacking has taken place at Inchicore after the first YouTube video was posted! 'The person responsible for sacking the person who sacked the person who took the photo in the first place, has been sacked!'

Welcome on board Croghie! Check out this link: http://www.irishfreightmodels.com/index.php/shop.html#!/~/product/category=3461273&id=14646710 Regards, Dave

Hi Aaron. I'm sure a seed has been planted in your head by now and I would say this- Modelling the Irish scene has really taken off since Murphy models launched their RTR locos. Obviously, this site is driven by more experienced and skilled modellers, but we can forget sometimes that there is a much wider audience out there, all the parents and children that turn up at the model railway exhibitions etc. in my head, the absence of a cheap 'starter' 20ft flat, or '20ft + Container' is like not having 12' Vans and Plank wagons that are such a part of the UK scene, and where most of us started out. On top of that, most Irish modellers, like CIE/Irish rail, are on a budget and will take a 20' frame and make their own wagon bodies to go on top. An RTR version woulf replace the dapple kit. I think a run of 5000 would easily sell out, I count 60 single wagons in my collection alone, and would easily add more if the price was right. As I pointed out before, €12 to €15 should be the target in my mind. Dave

Re: Irish Freight models post above, That is great news on the multi-pack front. I also wasn't aware that you had the 20's available in kit form. I cannot stress enough the importance of a forum like this for discussion and constructive criticism, and don't forget praise too! It is great to see people like Tom from IFM coming on here and giving some input, and taking on board what is going on. I admire your attitude, and you have brought a great suite of models to the market in the past couple of years. The more attractive the market is (Irish Railway modelling) then the more people take an interest and costs can start to come down for all of us. Dave

Hi Train Model! I'm always surprised how often this question comes up, and also the fact that, in my opinion anyways, there is no obvious answer! Options appear to be: 1. Irish Freight Models RTR 20' and 22' chassis. http://www.irishfreightmodels.com/index.php/shop.html#!/~/product/category=3461290&id=15166615 They look like a superb model, but at €30 each, I certainly could not justify a rake, a set of 10 will set you back €300 before you even think of putting a container on! 2. In the past members on here appear to be using Dapol's Prestwin Silo kit. The frame appears to be around the 20' length, and doesn't look out of place on an Irish layout. Currently showing £5.40 on Hattons, so I guess a rake of 10 will cost around €100, allowing for cement, paint, kits, glue etc. Here is a post from the old site: http://irishrailwaymodeller.yuku.com/reply/11297/20-Container-Flats#reply-11297 3. Other options are to use RTR hornby wagons which come in at a scale length of 25'-26' as far as I can see. Hornby #R6372 is €4 on Hattons, and I've used some of these in the past as I simply hadn't got the funds for anything else. Rake of 10 works out at about €60- wagons, paint and p&p. 4. Brass kits. I think some of the member are developing, or may already have produced, a brass kit version. Maybe some one could clarify? When I put my business hat on, I'm surprised that no one has come up with a 'simplified' version, that would represent a 22' Irish wagon for those of us on a budget, or who might enjoy an RTR model thats balances detail with price. A €10 to €12 price point would slot in with the Hornby Railroad Range/Bachmann Branchline Range, and would sell in the hundreds. Would also encourage younger modellers into the hobby and allow them build up a selection of stock without breaking the bank. Anyways, that's my own personal opinion. Anyone who's looked at this before- would love to hear your opinions or experiences. Dave

It's a 'Geismer' machine. Googled their website and the closest match to me is this http://www.geismar.com/en/sleeper-replacement-method/80-mrt-2.html which appears to be a sleeper replacement machine. This would explain the offset cab, give the operator a side on view of the rails. Never seen this before, just a guess!? Like yourself Heirflick, I love anything rail related that's painted yellow! A shame they only come out at night! Dave

John and Josefstadt, thanks for your input! The more I research this project the more exciting it becomes for me. It is a great network and route to model because it is timeless: John's picture could easily have an IR livery loco or a 2600 railcar or a modern 201 loco and nothing else in the picture would have changed! On a footnote, I looked at the IRRS website to see what membership costs are- why are us Dub's being charged €60 for membership while the country folk are only required to part with 38 of their hard earned euros?!

Hi guys, As outlined on other threads, I'm starting to build a layout based on the Dublin-Rosslare line with particular attention to Arklow and Shelton Abbey. I'm looking for help on building a 'timetable' of train movements along this part of the line, especially towards the end of the 90's. If you can add/ amend this list then please feel free. Also, anyone got, or know where I could find, commuter timetables for Arklow services and Rosslare services for around this time? I'm sure some of you on here could probably recite them on cue! Dublin-Rosslare Intercitys 4 to 5 each way per day? Commuter Trains (Cravens, push-pulls and later 2600's) originating/Terminating in Arklow This is the one I'm having trouble with. In my head I thought there were lots of trains starting and ending in Arklow, with destination as far flung as Drogheda/Dundalk, and even Maynooth?? But looking at the current timetable this all seem to have been done away with. Shelton Abbey Ammonia Tankers- 3 in and 3 empties out per day Shelton Abbey Bagged Fertilizer- 3 empties in 3 out per day (I was surprised to hear this!) + additional specials as required Occasional Bagged Cement Zinc Ore in 20' containers (1992) Coal to/from Arklow? Any additional info? Departmental- was the line re-signalled/re-layed around this time? Occasional freight diversions ex-waterford- I've seen 20' timber and bubbles on the line Did 20' liners with kegs ever serve Arklow/Wexford? More questions- did a Craven set or 2 ofter stable in Arklow over weekends? Finally- The Bray Greystones Shuttle- When did that get replaced by bus? The NIR Class 80-set assigned, did it sometimes make it to Arklow? Spotted it there on at least 1 occasion. Lots of questions- Any help appreciated! Just looking at the list, it certainly wasn't a boring line back then! Fond memories of struggling A's on freight, cravens, push-pulls and mkII's!

Great Project! Paul, I've sent you a PM (private message) you might have a look at. (Not sure if you know that you have an inbox as part of your membership to the site- check along the top under 'notifications') Regards, Dave

Hi guys. I just want to add my thoughts as a member of this forum. The way that this has played over the last week is awful. I dislike the tone and the viciousness of this post, which is being played out across 3 postings. It's is dragging down what is normally a super forum. Banter and criticism can be sharp, lively and to the point without lowering to this. Anthony, you point out that you are a professional model maker who has bought these models to build and that you are making a living out of this- first and foremost then, you should know that the first port of call if there is a problem, is to talk to the supplier directly. In this case SSM have indicated to people to contact them if there is a problem. Those who have contacted SSM appear to be happy with the response they have received thus far. Secondly, if you buy something and you are really that unhappy with it, then send it back and get a refund! Lastly, as a moderator, and a professional model maker, a posting like this is not very... well... professional. I would hate to think that if you sent out a model that wasn't up to scratch that it would be plastered all over this forum, without you first being contacted by your customer and give a chance to address the situation. I would kindly ask the moderators of the site to now delete this post as it has run its course, and in my opinion is dragging down an otherwise great forum. Regards, Dave182

Hi Eoin. I've been watching this post with interest! (by interest I mean as a potential customer) It is always in times of recession that you see people getting up off their behinds and an idea or a thought for a business or a project becomes a reality. Regarding Irish Railway modelling, we see from the site that this 'cottage industry' is really developing and growing, and the forum is a great place to be shouting about it. We've all been modelling British, European and American railways for years, but now there really is no reason for the English, European, and Americans to be modelling Irish railways- there truely is such a great range of products out there! So getting back to your Dart project- The quality of what's on offer to Irish Modellers is unbelievable! If you go back even 10 year we were more than happy with the MIR range (and I'm not for one minute suggesting that there was anything wrong with these products) or painted BR mk1's to represent cravens etc., but now you have Murphy Models 141's and Cravens, or Dave's 2700's and the bar has been raised, and these products can take on the best of European or British outline models. Looking at your first (original) pictures and posting that you posted here a few months ago, I though to myself- here is a guy that has spotted an obvious gap in the market and is trying to do something about it. However, the model was weak and and maybe a little under researched, and a bit toy-like in its appearance. However, you gotta start somewhere in business, and thankfully you didn't go and run off a batch of 200 before doing some further research. Fair play to everyone on this forum for their comments to you since- I hope you have found the comments and criticism helpful and constructive. They have certainly been civil and good natured, which is why I really enjoy this forum. Fair play to you also for taking this all on board, meeting with people out at the show in October, and sticking with it. The images you have posted above are a vast improvement on the first model, and the model shape is instantly more prototypical of the 1:1 scale version and the roof and undercarriage detail has come on in leaps and bounds. The price has also been addressed, and is more inline for a bespoke piece like this. Personally, I'm 90% convinced but 10% not, and the 10% is the windows not being of the glazed type. I don't feel that there is room a for a model that's 'nearly' there, on my layout, or in general. But that's my opinion. Finally, I'm wondering are 'YOU' manufacturers talking to each other? By this I mean, how about the likes of Irish Freight Models, Dave of the 2700's fame, murreyec etc. having a conversation about co-operating and sharing some insight, working under one brand on a larger scale, sharing resources? Each individual model release would be better subscribed to, and you could market to a much wider audience- really wow the pants off the international market! Anyway, really looking forward to meeting you in Stillorgan and I hope this venture keeps moving forward the way it is! I think with a little bit more tweaking you can make this a brilliant model! Dave

Bloody Hell! That is amazing work! Are you trying to take on Miniatur Wunderland in Germany for title of biggest model railway?!? What length is the main shed by the way? The attention to detail is amazing, really sets the benchmark very high for us mere mortals!