dave182

Tolka Sidings is set in Dublin in a corner of East Wall, and depicts a small yard as it was in the 90s, primarily used for wagon inspection and light repairs. It also occasionally acts as overflow for the North Wall yards, and for stabling PWD equipment at weekends. As I love all things DSER, the back story is that this elevated yard was originally built by the DSER shortly after the Liffey Loop Line was completed, and was their only venture across to the Northside. Thus it is served by a sharp single line siding that heads off East after the wash plant at Connolly Station, crossing over the curves down from the Northern Line. A second track also connects to the Drumcondra line at Ossery Road. That's the theory anyways! I've made some progress this weekend finally. I've got most of the hardstand in place, and made a start on the ballasting. The layout will be shunted using a sector plate

Thank you all for the input and pictures. I'm sure I think that's enough reason to get one!

I see Hattons have confirmed the arrival of the Hornby Ruston & Hornsby DS88 in June/July. Is this a reasonably close model of the Irish Sugar locomotives?

Hi All I'm a big fan of plasticard and it's various uses. I try to buy local where I can, but Marks doesn't always have stock, due to his minimum order size, shipping times etc. Anyone can suggest reliable alternative hobby stores, preferable EU based? Besides the Evergreen Styrene range, any other sources or suppliers I should be looking at? Or indeed other materials? Thanks in advance as always. Dave

@Galteemore of course! V for vacuum makes sense!

Just reviving this post as I do a bit of research. Can anyone confirm when 2-axle box vans, like the ones in the pictures at the start of this thread, were finally officially taken out of service? I'm thinking bagged cement must have been their final freight flow? Maybe some departmental PWD use into the 80's? And again, any further clarification on the markings? X, scrap C, I believe Cement is more likely, as we have B on the Beets and D on the diesel tanks V and V with strike-through? Trying to establish if any flows made it into the 80's with these vans

With Iarnrod Eireanns 2040 freight plan recently published, and the reconnection of the Port of Foynes back to the network, rail freight is quite topical at the moment. Is there anything stopping an operator like DB Cargo or GBRf taking on one of the new freight flows such as ore to Foynes? I'd like to see an operator like Finlands Fenniarail operating on this island. They would be suited to the smaller volume flows and short distances. I don't believe that privatisation os the way forward. I think it's imlortant that the state through IE maintains ownership of the network and infrastructure. I also don't think that the passanger services should be privatised as the population is too small. But I do think that some healthy competition in the freight sector would help to grow railfreight. But this would have to be supported by all, and be promoted as a real long-term solution to traffic and climate and so on. Anyways, just interested to hear your thoughts, for or against private railfreight operators entering the market! Who wouldn't like to see a Czech built DR18 co-co diesel rolling into Foynes?!?

Just revisiting this topic, as I've recently got my hands on IRRS Journal 198 thanks to Iarnrod of this parish. The article on Private Sidings by Ciarán Cooney features some great photos of bitumen wagons at Lixnaw, Quartertown and ColdChon Sligo and Galway. I'm looking for information about the unloading of bitumen at the Sligo Cold Chon depot at the end of Deepwater Quay. Did the line run into the Cold Chon premises, or was there some way of unloading the bitumen on the quayside? I've reviewed historical maps but they are very inconclusive. The Cahir Abbey siding is interesting too. Again, any information on the white building pictured would be very helpful. Did it have bitumen tanks inside and heating equipment? How was the rail tank unloaded, and how were the council trucks loaded?

Thanks Popeye and Eoin. Alclad looks the right job alright

I am looking to finish some Walthers Tank Kits (as in for storing liquids) in a stainless steel finish. Think milk-tankers or some of the American passanger coaches. Kind of a flat shine. Any tips or examples on the type of paint to use etc.? As always, thanks in advance!

I am looking to finish some Walthers Tank Kits (as in for storing liquids) in a stainless steel finish. Think milk-tankers or some of the American passanger coaches. Kind of a flat shine. Any tips or examples on the type of paint to use etc.? As always, thanks in advance!

Pm sent

It is great to see such interest in the show, and I do believe the hobby is alive and well. I am glad to see it acknowledged by the organisers that the show has possibly outgrown the venue. Don't get me wrong- the college has served the hobby fantastically well over the years (how many years anyone?!) and the show has always been an enjoyable event. Regardless of the location, well done to the organisers as always, great to hear it was deemed a success.

Mk2d's look super also! Kinda been lost in the mix with all the announcements today! What a weekend for Irish Modelling. I need to sit down and make a list of what I want vs what I actually need vs what I can afford!

Thanks Galteemore! That would indicate then that the 8 containers they purchased were specifically for use in Ireland so

@Mayner, if they made it to the Peco range, would that indicate that they were exported across the Irish Sea to the UK? Was Lyons a popular brand in the UK in the 70's?

I am a firm believer that freight has a place and a future on the railway lines of this island. However, it worries me that they can't even fill the Waterford liner at the moment. It will take a huge effort and shift of attitudes to justify 300 or so new wagons earning their keep. (putting aside say 90 for PW duties and repair rotations) Cement and Biomass would be 2 quick wins in my opinion. The development of the Western Rail Corridor I think is the only way Waterford and Foynes would stand a chance of growing rail based freight flows. And much as I'd love to see it, folk need to stop talking about a rail link to Rosslare Port. To carry what exactly and to where? But here's hoping this tender for 400 wagons is serious, insofar as it might be a part of a genuine effort to get freight back on the rails again. Which then opens the discussion about our locomotive fleet...

Hmmm. Nobody guessed 20' or 22.5' skeletal 2 axle wagons. That would be my preference. Powered... C class would make sense I guess. A good Mk 3 would also be amazing

Well @murphaph and @Blaine, as advised, postman arrived this morning. That is a big vote of confidence for Hattons from me! Very impressed. Also picked up some nice trucks at the Wexford show yesterday. So all in all a good haul. Thanks again for help and suggestions

Thanks Blaine

All sorted. Took the advise from @murphaphand ordered 4 from Hattons. Postage listed at around £8. We'll see what happens!

@Blaine Yes, I've had the same conversation, and I was actually surprised at that answer. I thought there would be more demand. I think vehicle placement and accuracy is important on a layout too

Hi @MOGUL. Yes lots available on the UK websites and Ebay, but I'm trying to keep it local first. and also to avoid delivery and customs charges. Upcycling, the environment and all that! Something might turn up at the Wexford show on Sunday

Hi All I'm looking to get my hands on 3 or 4 Oxford Diecast 1/76 scale tipper trailers. Any scale, with or without tractor unit. Anyone on the island of Ireland looking to part with some? Image attached for reference (credit: Oxford Diecast)

Not really my era but had to pick up a pack from Marks Models on Wednesday. And as always these wagons do not disappoint. As a 90's modeller they will spend there time being shunted from one scrap siding to the next! But I do remember some of them in the sidings at Enniscorthy for a long while during the 90s so thats good enough for me!