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Thanks Kieran, the lower section is slowly taking shape, currently I have six storage roads there with the "one train up/one train down "principal being used, this enables stock transfers between upper and lower yards while also getting a run-through the station area, Work has started on a freight yard on the other side which when completed will consist of three roads, all having the run around facilities this area is large enough to be able to display my various types of containers, I plan to use a reach stacker and maybe at a later date the Bachmann scene craft gantry crane there, at the end of that area I plan to have a bulk cement terminal siding, Underneath the upper yard, I intend to have a branch line type station consisting of a main line and a passing loop, this will add some variety as the liner trains will be able to cross each other on their way to and from the freight yard, There is still a lot of work to be done on the upper level, in particular around the MPD where some ballasting will be needed to complete the area, also the town scene and bus depot will have to be attended to as well. Thanks for all your comments gentlemen.

Nice shots of the layout Noel-a busy place.

The 10:25 Cork-Inchicore failed loco movement is seen here passing Tara junction station earlier,failed loco 234 being hauled by 076-as is currently happening with the real thing. Thank you to Paul and David who ably assisted me yesterday with an intensive operating session which lasted three hours.

Just in time for the Christmas rush, at long last I finished the KE expressway buses, they are pictured here negotiating the rush hour traffic on the high street.

Likewise jhb.

Happy Christmas to all from the management and staff at Tara junction, 001 works a northbound liner/mixed cement train which is about to be passed by 071 which is working the westbound empty timber, On the opposite lines 183+156 work light engine through the junction to the MPD for fuel,oil and water. Shortly afterwards 001 failed with low power-{a DCC chip reset required}-and was replaced by 183+156.

I'm sure your young lad will be delighted with his ICR present from Santa.

Likewise Karl-I can only post photos but won't allow text-annoying:mad:

Lovely scenes Kieran, Love the slow speed 001 class- keep up the great work at the Junction:cheers:

Happy Christmas from the management and staff of BR's Ashburton grove depot. 37 251 does some last minute shunting at the factory sidings preparing the liner for departure.

Sorry for the late reply Michael, Internet. problems now resolved-Yes it is a repainted VP

So sorry to see this fine establishment closing tomorrow, I had many dealings with Seamus over the years and found him to be an absolute gentleman, Thank you for being helpful and courteous, your fine resprays on both the locos and coaches, my Enterprise 209 and Supertrain Mk3s are testament to that top class work, Enjoy your retirement from the retail trade Seamus, you will be missed, we have lost a valuable service to the Irish modeler. Happy Christmas to you and your family,all the best from the West. Noel.

A new arrival at Ashburton grove 37 251 shunts some TEA tank wagons at the factory sidings.

A Friday lunchtime depot scene on Tara junction sees 071 in for fuel,oil and water,beside it 0117071 and 0117076 await their turn for servicing,behind them various 071 and 201 undergo exams on the heavy maintenance roads.

This gives a whole new meaning to the term of-One Person Operation...

A well deserved award lads,it was certainly a congested area anytime I passed over the two days,well done.

Thanks Karl-more additions are planned after my Warley visit.

Likewise Raymond-I too will be there on both days, hope we can meet up.: cheers:

Some driver training taking place at the factory sidings using the Class 47 and 56.

Thanks gentlemen-and thank you Des for the speedy service

Looking good so far Karl, Does it have to be an oil siding/depot-would you not consider a cement silo and a cement store where the ESSO depot is located? you would have more options with some bagged and bulk cement trains A suggestion for the'TBC'area at the top, maybe do a branch line station-e.g. a passing loop and a siding or two with a loading bank, semaphore signals etc. Then where you have the loco shed, put another short siding there for fuel oil deliveries for two-three oil tankers.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 071 class locomotives, the CME at Tara junction decided to repaint loco 071 into original livery for this occasion, With thanks to Seamus Graham for the bargain priced 071 which was purchased at his stand at the recent MRSI exhibition, I decided to repaint the loco which was in slate grey livery-just like the real thing... Thank you to Des at Studio Scale models for the superb decals,which include the silver plate that is fitted to some locos commemorating the 40yr anniversary, Here is a signalman's view of the loco seen here working the HOBS train. I replaced the original windscreen wipers with some etched ones from the Shawplan range. 071 runs around the HOBS train-note the 40th anniversary plate underneath the handbrake wheel.