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In a multi million euro investment the Lakeview rail freight depot has been been expanded with more space for storage of containers,It currently caters for up to sixty containers of various sizes, It now has more space for storing Guinness, fertilizer,and cement both in pallets and in bulk powder form, An extra loop/siding has been installed and concreted into place which will allow for the loading of timber trains, Two new Hyster 16 ton forklift trucks LV1 & LV2 have been purchased and will be for unloading the Guinness,fertilizer pallets, Here are a selection of photographs of the unloading of the new forklifts and a night time scene as the BELL liner arrives behind 085 ready to be unloaded with the reach stacker under the new floodlighting tower lights Enjoy....

A photo of the real wagon shortly before the end of the Keg liner trains loaded with empty Guinness kegs returning from Claremorris to Heuston goods.

Excellent news, and unexpected-any more surprises in store? Bundle ordered anyway.....

Brilliant news- order on the way.....

Friday afternoon freight action on Tara junction, 190+184 pass through the station hauling the Guinness keg liner while 085 also passes hauling the BELL/ cement liner, 161 & 181 tick over on the permanent way sidings.

The superbly detailed Cowans & Sheldon breakdown crane from Bachmann is seen here in position at the permanent way sidings, it is currently being used for staff refresher training on the re-railing of the bogie flat wagon and 141 class locomotive 161.

Thanks Rich..

An enjoyable evening was had operating the various trains on Tara junction, 085 arrives from North-wall with the BELL/ bulk cement liner where a crew change will take place 190+184 depart with the superb bogie keg liner, 220 departs from the platform hauling a Mk 3 push pull set, 4001+216 arrive at the platform with a Cork-Heuston service, 216 was recently fitted with a Real Drive sound chip by Mr Sound guy and sounds fantastic. 156+160 pass through non-stop while working a Cravens set Enjoy.

Looking forward to unboxing these later on......

Thankfully mine arrived earlier today.....and I am looking forward to a deferred operating session shortly Well done IRM another masterpiece in miniature ..

Just short of a half of a mile from the entrance gate to the cutting. The site may not have been available then George as it was being used by a company as a storage area up to about two years ago.

Some more progress at Maam cross yesterday when the last of the temporary narrow gauge track panels were laid into position,this area is being shared by users of the nearby bog so there was more intensive work needed here to ensure an even transition between rail and road, Also seen in the photos is the first rail mounted vehicle to work to the end of the line in 85 years and some more vegetation clearance work which has opened up more of the spectacular scenery along the route of the railway. Thank you for all your kind comments about the project so far from Jim Deegan.

Liner looks well, When the real fertilizer wagons were in operation, they were always marshalled next to the locomotive when laden,with the bogie containers next then bogie Guinness and two axle wagons after that. It was generally the same when the wagons were returned empty to North wall.

Good to know......its tomorrow for me so.....just in time for the weekend....

Still waiting for mine a week after receiving the dispatch email.....and that's only to the north west of Ireland.....

The old reliable AEC CIE articulated truck from the 1970s-1990s period complete with the BELL container.....

A different angle taken from the ground level of 201 hauling the bogie bulk cement train through Tara junction.

2x20s pass the factory sidings working an empty tanker train. IMG_4927.MOV

Hi LE, Lets just say there will be something coming to the line soon that hasn't been in operation since its closure 85 years ago......keep watching here for updates.

https://www.connemararailway.ie/ More progress yesterday with the temporary narrow gauge tracks being laid towards the Galway city direction, Exciting times ahead when after the open day (TBC) the standard 5' 3'' track will replace the temporary narrow gauge and will permit the use of former MGWR and CIE rolling stock to be used at this scenic location. There is a go fund me page in the link if you would wish to donate to this worthy cause. A few photos from relaying operations over the last few weeks

Prototypical driving skills,Guinness wagons look great..

I had expected that announcement at some stage, Its no harm, although I have enjoyed my previous visits I can now put the money to good use supporting the lads at IRM and a certain Mr Murphy, See you in 2021....

Dave ,they are the nearest type of wagon to the Irish rail version, I have seven and with some minor alterations they are fine, The stauntions need to be painted at the top and moved to accommodate five bays of timber, which can be easily done,I also added ladders to the ends and steps, The wagons need to be toned down to a brownish colour rather than the red livery on these but are excellent runners, I am working on some timber loads as the ones that are supplied don t really look the part,hence why my rake always have operated empty so far.

If all goes to plan then I better prepare for some extra Guinness liners to operate next weekend....

190+184 hauling the Platin-Lakeview bogie bulk cement train through Tara junction station and later after arrival there pilot locomotive 181 shunts the wagons into position for unloading