dave182

Hi Guys, I just want to add my voice to this topic because I've been ballasting (badly!) for a long time now, and this youtube post by Al Mayo is a revelation! I cannot recommend enough the use of ISOPROPYL alcohol as outlined by Al in his video. Works a treat!

John, thank you so much for taking the time to fish out those pictures and sharing that information! I alway think to myself that everything has been covered by now on this forum, but every single week I check in there is information on another new formation, or wagon or freight flow- so many modelling options that you would never have considered before! I like the idea of modelling a short version of this train as it's quite unique and probably not seen by many people day to day. Thanks again for the info, any more pictures out there?

Hi guys, I've been researching for my layout and a train that has been mentioned is the Esat Cable Train. Anyone got any pictures? If my memory serves me right the 22' flat wagon that were in the sidings at Tullamore may have formed part of this set? I believe that CIE done a deal with Esat in the late 80s to allow them lay telecommunication cables along the railway lines, presumably in conjunction with the upgrading of CIEs own cabling and signaling. There is also mention of a 'cable plough', for trenching beside the line. This was taken out of service some time in the 90s (?) because a health and safety review said it had the potential to destabilize embankments and cuttings. Again, if any one has any pictures please share! Regards, David

Iarnrod, can you confirm if above items are still for sale, or close off the post. PM sent re: coaches

Wow, thanks guys for all the input! A wealth of information as always. I don't get much time to spend at the hobby but I'm detemined to give up a couple of hours a week over the winter months! I've a couple of little scratch builds on the go and am trying to pull together a small layout to show off my work. Have started to take some pics of the projects as I go along so will post in the coming weeks. I'll add the Steam Generating Van to the list. Anthony, I've got the body off handy enough so I think I'll have a look at putting a bachmann chassis on as suggested by Blaine. Will keep you posted!

Hi Guys, I picked up a Silverfox exBR Mk1 Steam Heating Van in Clontarf at the weekend to go with my craven set. Coupled up to the Cravens it seems a bit tall. Have looked at youtube and it definitely should be sitting slightly lower than the Cravens, so I think the best thing to do is change the wheels to a smaller diameter. Any recommendations/comments? Also, before I go ruining my new purchase, does the body pop off easily on this model? Would love to add some detail to the interior. Regards, Dave

Just to keep the thread alive, spotted this pair out the window this evening.

I'll throw my tu'pence worth in... The containers in the video were leased from 'Amficon' in the early '90s and used primarily for grain, and also for a short while Tara to Arklow. This came about as Tara mines were unhappy with the fees being charged by Dublin port. Flow only lasted a couple of months. On the previous site I asked if Arklow ever had a Container crane in the yard (it didn't) so it was forklift and transfer by road to the port of Arklow. Re unloading of Beet wagons: I've seen a video in the past somewhere of the Mallow sugar factory, and the wagons being unloaded. It was always done at night as all the road traffic was dealt with during the day. Think there were 3 of 4 sidings inside the plant, so they could turn the trains around very quickly. And basically a giant high pressure water jet on a hydraulic arm was lowered into the wagon and the water blasted the beets out of the doors of the 2-axled wagons, while also cleaning the beets! Simple! This also explains why the 40' beet containers had the side door located on the ends as opposed to the middle. Easier to push the beet out in one direction. Finally, thanks for answering a question I had in the back of my head re: 20' open containers painted in blue. CIE/IR had quite a number of these containers (with crudely-cut roof openings) and I couldn't figure out why some were painted blue, when most were brown as used on the coal trains. Take a look at Eiretrains, and especially stations on the Western corridor as there are plenty of pictures of the 'coal n oil' and you will see the odd blue container mixed in to through the rake!

Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone here has pics of number 726 Hedge Cutter. I've found just one picture on the internet: The photographer mentions that this has been modified 'in-house' by CIE to a hedge cutter. What was it before? Any clues from the under carriage? Or any similar machines used in the UK? Any help appreciated. Would love to scratch-build this unique machine. Regards, Dave

Hey guys. Just looking for a recap. I missed the boat with the Murphy Models Mk2 coaches so just wondering... How many were produced/released? Did they all sell out? Still see Cravens available in UK shops and on ebay, but no mk2's. Quality was an issue- are members happy with their models? What fixes have been tried? Finally, do they crop up for sale (new or second hand) at the model shows, collectors fairs? Regards, Dave

Better late than never! Dave182 signing on! I've been up to my tonsils this past while and didn't realise that there had been mass migration to this new site! (as opposed to mass migration to Australia or something) Well done to all involved, the site is fantastic! I asked a lot of questions on the old site, and your answers have been put to good use as I've been slowly plugging away at a small layout. Hopefully with a couple of weeks more work I'll be able to post up some pics! Dangerous place this too! I'm modelling the 90's but good god when I saw pictures of those Autoballaster's on here I had to get some! Thanks to Seamus and gang for delivering and renumbering for me! They are a fantastic model! Thats my budget shot for the year! Dave