murrayec

Hi David Looking great, I think that's the first time we've seen the full layout- wide view. Good look over the weekend and have fun murrayec

Hi Myles I'm in for sure, and as discussed previously with you I can bring project management/architectural skills to the cause. As Westhy comments above we need to formulate a plan as to the best way to proceed, set the goal/agenda;- I do agree that the Casino project is not right, it amalgamates two causes which are stand alone in themselves. Putting them together costs to much money and each influences the outcome of the other- which, as we can see, nothing has happened. I agree that integration with an existing system is the most likely way to get the models back on display, it would not incur costs like the Casino project if existing space could be allocated. City central, adjacent or within transport hub, and existing museums are ideal, because they already have visitor systems set-up, car and bus parking, public transport and it's where the people are. I feel and others have suggested above- a staged process is correct, initially get the models back on display, and then work on the running layout. We need more input from people, I have sent a few emails to groups and individuals that have been involved before to see if they will comment here. If we wait for a short period to see the responses and then possibly meet to see how to progress 'positive political action' Eoin Murray

Hi driver301 Thanks for that, I know Sean, I'll contact him Will keep you posted on the body idea murrayec

Hi David It all looks absolutely amazing, I hope I get to see it in real life someday. murrayec

Hi driver301 Where would one pick up one of those? I looked around on the www and there does not seem to be anyone in the UK! murrayec

Hi driver301 I have been working on an N Gauge DART, but it's at early stage and I have to much in the works at the moment. I will get back to it sometime soon! A flat shell could be possible- its less work. I just recently worked out a way to print the artwork on a transparent sheet, this gives windows! but I have not given the structure a thought at the moment- the roof curve is the problem. I'll have a think about and get back Have you got a chassis in mind?- if so send me the dimensions and a few photos murrayec

oops! Just noticed I meant to include red hubs over the wheels on the above photos;- Like this; murrayec

Hi All Here are a few photo composites of the S-Bahn motor coach, prepared for a chap whom is placing an order. The images are of an old body type without windows overlaid on the DART interior to represent a windowed S-Bahn. The red colour is slightly washed out by the lighting in the workshop but I think it is a nice livery in the flesh. You'll notice there is no pantograph- they use a ground supply line on the S-Bahn which connects into the bogies on a number of coaches throughout the train. I think its such a pity we didn't go this way when introducing the DART in the 80's. Catenary is such a mess! murrayec

Hi AP It's all looking great, well done. The yellow wagon is cool murrayec

Hi I have been asked by a member to show how sweat soldering is done, I will post a few photos and explanation when I'm doing the Hibernia drive rods. But in the mean time here is a link to an over-view to soldering which may help, it includes a bit on how to sweat solder;- murrayec

Hi Guys Thanks for the great comments Hey Broithe, here is something further- does this count?;- A friend makes these beauties and I assist with hole drilling, decals, ideas and holding! The Cigar Box Guitar's he makes are deadly, they look great and sound the part. The fuzz box is his own design and he calls it 'Atom Fuzz'. Check out 'Helium Dog' on facebook if you want to see more. murrayec

Hi Dave That's excellent, is this the plan for the Kildare back yard? murrayec

Hi Patrick I just could not resist; I love your layout, especially with the lighting and the black surrounds, its great murrayec

Hi Nelson Nothing wrong with those photos, I can see how nice it is from here. Very nice murrayec

Refer to Volume 1 at;- http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/showthread.php/2346-murrayec-s-Projects?p=47583&viewfull=1#post47583 Hi All Here are a few shots of the bell-cranks, drive rods, cross-heads, and cross-head drive rods, - etched in .5mm brass, just out of the acid bath. It took me a few goes to get it right, its a fine balance of the right coating of photo resist, the correct UV exposure, and a strong mix of acid! Some detail has been lost on the drive rod ends but these parts are good enough to work with assembling the test model, I'll make adjustments to the print tooling and acid mix next time around. The parts were etched from both sides so that the main drive rods and bell-cranks have a bit of 3D, the drive rods are of two components which will be sweat soldered together to give thickness. Also etching from both sides reduces the edge cusp- the parts stay close to size, so less edge cleaning up with a file. The magic etching formula was used in the print tooling for parts over size and all holes are etched under size. Next on the list is the bell-crank main bearing housing, when that's complete the drive and crank system can be erected, the motor installed and a test run of the system!! murrayec

Hi HF While doing a bit of reference reading last night I came across some Drumm Battery Train info in 'Locomotives of the GSR' by Clements & McMahon;- Mr Fry built a model of Train C, it's a bit more modern than Train A & B, with streamlined ends. Though apparently the actual train was built differently, according to C&M Mr Fry was an employee of the GSR at the time and had access to preliminary design drawings. The batteries in one coach weighed 15 tons! It would seem the demise of the system was due to charging time and not enough seats at peak hour traffic. They tried different configurations by connecting Train A & B together with a Compartment brake third in the middle but again charging time at 30mins held up the platform- they decided to pull the train by steam loco's at peak times. It was found that the trains were more expensive to run than steam. Power shortages meant the trains could not run In the end they dismantled the drive system of Train A & B, removed the batteries and used the units as coaches. Some of the equipment was used in Train C & D, but this proved to be a mistake. It all ended in 1949 Interestingly C&M note- the trains were so quiet when running, there were a number of collisions with people trespassing on the track! I personally like the A & B trains, they have a kind of Victorian elegance and though modern at the time. murrayec

Hi My Dad was fascinated with this invention at the time and regularly mentioned it when we talked train. When he heard way back that I was going to make a model DART, he asked me to make him one of these for the display shelf. He had taken photographs of the train and he even did two sketches of it, but we never could find them in his collection. Sadly he past away 3 years ago, but in his memory I have added this train to my list of models to make before I move on to the big train in the sky..... murrayec

Hi All Thanks for your comments Hi waffles, great to hear from you, have not seen you post of recent. I hope all are well and the study is going well murrayec

Hi Colin Thanks You'll find the price list here;- http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/showthread.php/895-New-DART-8100-Model?p=45210&viewfull=1#post45210 murrayec

Hi All Here are a few shots of Order-01 DART No. 8101 (the first!), which was completed this week and on the way out to it's owner. There are now 17 Model DART Trains completed. I have now commenced into the next batch full time! Some items have been fabricated over the last 3 months, all stored away in boxes and jars-n-things. This new build of 8 sets includes orders;- 08, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 & 19. The sets will be released from the works according to their order numbers. My apologies to people whom have been waiting several months on their trains, I underestimated the time it would take to make the tooling for the builds and the time it takes to assemble each order. As I have mentioned before, now that the tools are done this new build will be quicker. murrayec

Hi Kirley Yes, 13mm seem to be a hard one to get! All the manufactures have omitted 13mm, it's probably not to scale. I was doing the same recently and had to settle for 14mm Romford from Branchlines. murrayec

Hi BGM I would have to say, because RAL 1021 ref was my own personnel choice, give it a go! If you are only running the 121 on your own layout it should be fine. If you are going to hook up with others then their may be a difference! I would suggest;- when you decide and have the loco painted post up a photo with your colour ref's attached and then others may follow. Hey- post up a photo now and give us a look, would love to see murrayec

Hi Excellent photos, I love the White Bush Jigger. Some things that people do with other things are amazing! I think I would be tempted to turn the steering wheel if I was in it. murrayec

Hi Another thing... Tom Ferris's book 'Irish Railways A New History' has a couple of 121 pictures, you can see them at;- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Irish-Railways-A-New-History/dp/0717142914 use the 'click to look inside' and scoot past the index and the pictures start- no. 133 at Amiens st is first and no.'s 124 & 126 at Inchicore are later. The later photo is interesting, the note says the photo was taken in 1961 shortly after delivery- it's a b&w shot but I reckon there is no yellow on these two, even no yellow wasp stripes. I think this was the first grey as delivered- could this be the grey/silver, could be wrong though it's hard to tell in a b&w photo! murrayec