dave182

Thanks for the feedback guys. The prototype appeals to me so this would be a nice addition to the fleet! As an aside, how many bogie TPOs did CIE have?

Hi All. I see an RTR model of the Irish Travelling Post Office is available over on Irish Freight Models. Has anyone seen one in the flesh? I know there was some initial criticism of some of the earlier models released, but I know lot's of you were impressed by the park royals released earlier in the year. Any thoughts on this model? Is it a reasonable representation of the real thing? http://www.irishfreightmodels.com/index.php/shop.html#!/CIE-TPO-Travelling-Post-Office/p/74126961/category=6789991

Now that's something I never knew! Thanks for sharing that info. Had crossed my mind to do a small layout with a Sri Lankan theme!

Visited Sri Lanka a few years ago, and it has a wonderful British built system that runs from the coast up into the mountains! It's broad gauge, and outside of the main centres still mostly semaphore signalling. Stock is slowly being upgraded to Indian built multiple units, but when I was there 3 years ago there were plenty of diesels, including hunslet shunters, and mixed freights, along with some curious pwd consists. I know I've photos somewhere, maybe on an older laptop, I'll do my best to find them!

So it's been 3 years since I started this thread (slightly embarrassing!) but finally some progress! I've claimed some space in the shed; enough to give me a layout of 8' x 6', plus a fiddle yard coming off the front of the layout in an L shape, which is great because I can have lots of rakes ready to go. Might look at removable cartridge setup even? Anyways, to start, a non-picture! But I'm excited none-the-less as it's the first baseboards I've laid down since I was a teenager! Still a lot of work to be done on the underframe, but getting there. So your imagination is required here. This is a very rough outline of what I think I can fit in the space. It's a single line, over 2 levels. At the front of the layout, on the lower level, is the station area, representing Arklow I suppose. On the upper level is the Avoca River, with the factory complex on the north bank, and the Ammonia tank car unloading facility on the south bank, as per the real site. The theory here is that empty Pallet Fert. train would pull in to siding off the main line, and reverse across the river into the factory. This is not prototypical, but a space saving compromise that I'm happy with. When you've finished sniggering at my autocad masterpiece there, you can look at the next picture. Here I've roughed out a couple of bits of track to see if my plan is possible. The A Class sits in the Factory Yard in the background, across the river. I think this will work visually and operationally. I could reasonably fit the loco plus 3 or 4 fert wagons on the straight, and the loco can then be shunting wagons across the river in 2's or 3s. The 141 is sitting at the Ammonia tank unloading facility. Again, my understanding is that the 6 tank + 2 Barrier consists were split in 2 in real life, so I can get away with shorter sidings here. Finally the Mk2 coach would be sitting on the main line on the upper level, and I've another 2' to play with in front of this point, where the station will go. I've finally some time on my hands so I hope to tip away at this over the winter! I'll keep posting as it progresses, and comments and encouragement always welcome!

Looking forward to this! See you all tomorrow!

'Mind the doors'

Fair play! Continued success with that!

Richie, I assume they are for someone?! I'm looking for a set.

Wow! Keep her lit!

Is a list of layouts and traders finalised?

'Just curiosity - is there a reason the trains cross on opposite sides to normal? There were a few rare examples in real life.' Not sure about that Jhb. Rathdrum would be one I can think of, to allow laden fert trains power up the incline without having to slow to cross points. Enfield springs to mind also for some reason

Freightliners were especially prevalent on liners between Dublin and Belfast for a period, due to a dispute of some sort. It's mentioned here on the site somewhere. (Freightliner falling out with Sealink, or Sealink falling out with one of the ports maybe?) Arran, are the Transamerican spiders 00 or ho scale?

Couldn't agree more, Mogul! I guess it's been such a long time since I've seen more than one freight train in NW that I was pleasantly surprised! I would hope that railfreight continues to thrive!

What the heck, Gordan?! I had to look at you're North Wall photos a few times before I could believe it... but was that SHUNTING I saw going on there!! Great pictures, and incredible that freight has managed to pull through despite IE's best attempts to kill it off!

Have to say I was most impressed with the last show and the number of quality stands. Spent a fortune, but well worth a visit!

That's a fantastic picture Noel! And looking back on Tara Junction; your model is spot on!

Biomass... I see the project in Mayo at the old Asahi plant has stalled also. http://www.thejournal.ie/mayo-power-plant-halt-2891808-Jul2016/

Thank Eoin!

I don't want to venture too far off topic, but am I getting the impression from the photos that Connolly Shed is no longer in use by Irish Rail, other than for re-fueling?

Now thats what I'm talking about! Are you in Bray this Sunday Eoin?

Guinness keg stacks would be one I'd be interested. They are available, but I can't get my head around the prices! Buffer stops were also discussed here some time ago, I know there are a few interesting examples still on the network. Platform sides is one that I'd definitely be interested in also.

I think that there is a lot of hype relating to all of this. As an example look at say Norway (not EU) and Sweden (EU). In terms of railways there seems to be reasonable free movement of people and goods across the borders with minimal fuss, all with 2 different currencies and tax rates. Look at the network of railways in the north of the two countries and the ore flows from LKAB mines in Sweden, exported through Norwegien ports.

Fantastic! I'd be tempted to just switch off the phone for a few weeks and 'forget' to deliver it. Grab a few beers for yourself and just watch some trains go round! Well done, fantastic build and thanks for sharing. Owner will be very pleased!

Wow Eoin, they look fantastic! Yes, I'd definitely be interested. I'll present to you at the next Bray show. Thanks Kirley and Mike, Of course Shapeways! I have a mental block when it comes to even considering Shapeways, I think it's the pricing, my mind has filed Shapeways away in the 'don't even bother looking' section. I did have a look though, and a few feature under 'electric motor'.