ttc0169

Well said Jhb-I agree also.

No Seamus-the work is being done on 3173 in the RPSIs Mulingar base.

Coupling tests were conducted this morning with GSV 3173 in the company of 3189 and hauled by 189, 3173 is not finished yet-a few minor bits and pieces to be completed so it was back to the work bench to join the Park Royal coaches.

Lovely work Eamonn,they will look great on your layout.

I had mine within two weeks from ordering.

Thanks Andy and Stephen, As Stephen correctly said above,they were a common single fleet, In later years while working the Ballina branch train we always preferred GSV 3173 as it was a comfortable and quiet van with a reliable generator and boiler and with the guards compartment at one end of the coach it was useful and not in the middle next to the noisy generator like the rest of the fleet, 3172,3173,3185,3177,3180,3184,3187 and 3189 were some of the best GSVs to work as they were in good condition-with 3173 and 3185 being recommended to the RPSI for preservation after withdrawal from IE service.

Glad you got some action-Baliina will be getting busier in the not too distant future-an ideal setting for any future layout...

Evening lads, In the middle of finishing off these two, Firstly IFMs excellent kit of the Park royal coaches in which I'm putting in 30 passengers And secondly the Mousa models brass overlay kit for the 3171-3175 series steam heating van complete with interior-including guards compartment and a relaxing Guard-(those were the days)-and 500 gallon water tanks at either end and if course the diesel generator and boiler tank... It will be GSV 3173 More of the completed models on trial on Tara Jctn when finished. Enjoy.

Monday and Tuesday,Thursday and Friday are usually good days for freight operations, Yes a visit to Ballina in the afternoon e.g-14:00-20:00 can produce some shunting operations with loco changes taking place, If you do decide a day to visit give me a pm and I'll let you know what's happening as it can change on a weekly basis.

Claremorris is an excellent location-but be prepared for a long wait between freight trains typically between 08:45-12:00 and 13:45-18:50 and depending on what day you choose.

Just started on a GSV in the 3171-3175 series using a cheap Bachmann restaurant coach-which has the B4 type bogies and the Mousa models brass overlays....

The Waterford-Inchicore Mk3 transfer was diverted though Tara junction yesterday.... Here are a few photos.... 088 hauls 7403+7607 through Tara Jctn station. The short set passes a Supertrain liveried Mk3 set. The evening sun glints off the side of dining car 7403 while en route to Inchicore....

Nice one Sean well done-good catch.

A late 1980s view of Tara junctions operations this evening... Due to a shortage of 071 and 201 locos-a maintenance backlog..!!! It was time to revive some 141/181 locos for active service... Here we see locos 181+166 hauling the BELL liner pass 087 and 152+160 A few minutes later 086SA hammers through at its 90mph limit on the up fast line with the 18:15 Heuston-Westport Supertrain Mk3 set Later we see 181+166 round the curve with the BELL liner The BELL liner was then routed to the the bi-directional line to allow 152+160 pass with a late running 700 ton Platin-Cork bogie bulk cement train.

Hi Fin, They are the standard type tension lock couplings which work fine for me.

Thanks Paul,Andy the shelter is from the Hornby Skaledale range....

Agree with Paul there Eamonn....top class.

A 1970s/1980s view of Tara junction this morning sees 075 work a short auxiliary formation of a single Craven coach and a BR GSV as a relief to the Bank holiday regular trains.... 075 hauls GSV 3177 and 1515. CIE Buses await the arrival of the various trains this morning I must get a few more of the CIE Cravens coaches to make a decent looking set.

Thanks for the link Anthony-I must get one of those at some stage.

Great to see work progressing on Connolly station Paul-the 2800 on the down Rosslare looks well..

Excellent work again Anthony-The embankment scene reminds me of the Tuam-Athenry section of the WRC.... I like your steam heating van attached to your Cravens set-Where did you get it?