Old Blarney

U Class - OO Works. Noel, OO Works Locomotive, Down, No. 205. Power is transmitted to this Locomotive when:- Tender Wheels and Driving Wheels are on the track. Bogie wheels are clear of the track Tender and Bogie wheels are on the track. Driving wheels are clear of the track Tender, Driving and Bogie Wheels are on the track. Kirley, I noticed the Angle of Attack in your Photograph of your Model of 205 on the rolling road you use. It is an excellent illustration of the Nose Heavy problem with this Locomotive. John, Thank you for your advice and Illustration. I do hope we can resolve the performance problems of this Locomotive! David.

Noel, I did a wee test this afternoon where I lifted the driving wheels off the track so the only contact with the rails was through the front bogie wheels and the tender wheels. The driving wheels were turning when I did this however, now that I think about it, I don't believe I created a situation where it was only the bogie that was making contact. I' try this tomorrow. Too tired and frustrated to do it right now (22.28 hrs). David.

Dive Controller, Perhaps, I have been unlucky! For the sake of all others who have purchased this Locomotive, I hope this is the case? I shall replace the existing Decoder with one that also has a Capacitor when my Man returns from his holidays. We shall also explore the possibility of fitting additional Pick-ups to the Driving Wheels. With regard to the UG suffering from similar inconsistencies, this is not a concern of mine. The reasoning being this; it is an 0-6-0. Thus, it will not have the problem of an imbalance of weight due to the wheel distribution. Funnily enough, I had expressed my concerns regarding the UG on this matter to my experienced Locomotive Builder, and it was he, and other Club members, who explained the reasons for the existing faults and the reason why these should not be replicated on the UG. My reasons for raising these issued relating to the U is for General Information. Having explained the problems I was experiencing to Roderick Bruce, OO Works, he told me he was prepared to accept responsibility and have the Locomotive to him at his expense. He did insist that the problem would be rectified by carrying-out at minor readjustment to the positioning of the bar between the front bogie and the Locomotive. As we say here in Scotland, "I have my doubts on that one!" She is running for the moment. She has improved but is not perfect by any manner, or any means. She also requires her wheels to be cleaned constantly. To the naked eye there is only a little dirt on her wheels, so the problem may be the way she picks-up power from the track. Each of my 4-4-0, 0-6-0, 0-6-2 and even my wee 0-4-0 CIE G Class whizz around each of my tracks happily, so its not the track that is the problem. Happy modelling. David.

Dive Controller, Unfortunately you may be mistaken regarding the volume of U Class Locomotives manufactured by OO Works. I spoke with Mr Bruce, yesterday, 12th August, 2016 on this matter amongst others. The number of Locomotives of this class that have been manufactured by/for him is vastly lower than the number you state. I am not prepared to give the number as it was provided to me in confidence, however, I was astonished that it was such a small number. And bye-the-way my number, Receipt No 301. So, it is the Receipt Number, not the Locomotive Number. Performance and Balance of this Locomotive. Perhaps I have been unfortunate, but my experience of the running of this - Beautiful Looking Locomotive - has been one of utter frustration and disappointment. The bogie was persistent in its determination and refusal to have its rear wheels turn, furthermore it was also determined to derail at points, crossovers, double slips and curves. Worse than this, the rear driving wheels would derail on curves. I took this locomotive to my Model railway Club to run it on Old Blarney and its new Fiddle Yard. Members present remarked favourably upon the looks of this Locomotive but immediately noticed its "Nodding Donkey" action. When running the engine tipped foreword and backwards, just like a "Nodding Donkey." When brought to a halt, it then tipped in the direction of the cab, and sat down on the track with a noticeable thud. The consensus, too much weight to the front of the locomotive. We experimented throughout the evening to resolve the problems we were experiencing with this particular locomotive. Having spoken to Roderick Bruce, OO Works, and taken his advice about adjusting the bar connecting the Locomotive's bogie to the locomotive in-order to resolve the problem of - balance - (or more correctly imbalance) to no avail, we then inserted a 10 Gram car tyre weight to the inside of the cab roof. Guess what? The locomotives rear driving wheels now sat properly on the track. Result the engine no longer derailed on curves as it had previously done whilst travelling in either direction. I would like to know if other users of this product are also experiencing the problems I have outlined with this locomotive! Regarding the Pick-ups, because it only takes power on one side, Right on tender, Left on Locomotive, I find the performance to be erratic and wheel cleaning needs to take place far too frequently to ensure smooth running. Any suggestions here please? Yes I run DCC and will upgrade to a decoder that has a capacitor. It is a lovely looking locomotive.

Fellow Members, Did the Gentleman who bequeathed money to reinstate the Fry Collection and the Working Model Railway stipulate in his will how his bequest should be used? Did the Will of the Deceased contain conditions that must be met, and if so, what are these conditions? Have the Beneficiaries made public the conditions under which they received the money? If there are conditions, stipulations, requests in the will of the Deceased do we know what they are? Have any requests for this information been lodged with the beneficiaries? Just a few thoughts?

Stephen, Thank you for your correction to my post and the explanation provided. John, Excellent graphics. Old Blarney.

Patrick, I wonder if these pages may be of assistance to you? http://www.railsigns.uk/overseas/ireland1/ireland1.html'>http://www.railsigns.uk/overseas/ireland1/ireland1.html http://www.railsigns.uk/overseas/ireland1/ireland1.html irish railway semaphore signals Click on either of these and it will take you to the page. When on the page Click on the Camera beside the illustrations. This will take you to photographs. Whilst the two pagess show Distant Signals the Photographs will show you a Home Signal too. I'm not certain that Garfield's statement is correct in relation to Distant Signals being used to protect a Level Crossings. Whilst a Distant Signal may indeed be used it is, as far as I'm aware, a precautionary warning signal. It is there as the name implies to warn of the presence of another signal and make the driver aware of it. A Distant Signal may be passed in either position. A Home signal (Unless it is a repeater)must not be passed at danger - Signal Arm horizontal. Hope these assist you. Old Blarney.

U Class Sound I wish to fit my GNR(I) U Class Locomotive with a sound decoder. Can anyone out there in our - Modelling World - tell me which sound decoders (of the many that are now available) would provide the sounds produced by this locomotive? I doubt we will have an exact match of the sound but there may be one that is a good or reasonable representation! Many thanks, Old Blarney.

How might these EU Rules be implemented in the case of Brexit? • 1999 Vilnius Protocol on Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF) • Declaration under Article 42(1) of the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF) • 2007 Luxembourg Protocol on Matters specific to Railway Rolling Stock to the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment (UNIDROIT) Regulation EC No 579/001 Harmonization of railway gauges between member States and Non-European Union Members States. The Council of Ministers, The European Commission, The European Parliament are agreed there must be a single standard of railway gauge throughout the European Union (EU). Where there is a land border between a Member State and a Non-Member State of The European Union the European Standard Gauge of 1435 mm must be used by the Member State. Article 50. In the event of a Member State wishing to leave the European Union and that state or part of that state having a railway gauge that is non-standard to The European Union (EU) standard gauge of 1435 mm there must exist a facility for the interchange of traffic between The European Union State and the Non-member State.

In the Film, The First Great Train, there is a wee bit of film trickery. Some of the filming was at Kingsbridge Station and it is there that Wayne sleep is seen to be entering the Station from the roof. It is my understanding that the roof shots of Sleep were taken at The Broadstone Stations and not Kingsbridge. The Board of CIE should purchase this beautiful Model of Kingsbridge Station and then have it on displayed at Heuston Station. By doing so it may encourage the travelling public to go the outside the station and take a good look at its Architecture.

Hejian Class 17 I had a wild thought this past week end whilst attending a wonderful three day exhibition of Model Railways and the real thing at The Great Central Railway in England. I assisted in the running of two adjacent OO gauge model railways, St Marnock Shed and Ladeside Diesel Depot. Ladeside has a variety of British Rail Diesel Locomotives which includes a model of a British Railways, Class 17 Clayton. This locomotive caught my imagination, especially as it, along with the others locomotives has good quality sound. Somewhere at the back of my mind, I remembered our Great Northern Railway had issued Invitations-to-tender for Diesel Locomotives. Searching through - New Irish Lines and various journals of the Irish Railway Record Society, I found the information I needed. Yes, both The Clayton Engineering Company and Bayer Peacock had responded to the Great Northern Invitation to Tender. They offered a locomotive that visually resembles the Clayton, BR Class 17. The similarity is such that I feel it it legitimate to have this locomotives on my Irish Model Railway. It is a great candidate for - 'The what if' - What if the Great Northern Railway Board had been granted the funding to proceed with the purchase of these locomotives? We could have seen a look-alike Class 17 painted in our GNR Blue, just like the MAK. Had this locomotive or locomotives been purchased, the possibilities are many - GNR - Blue CIE - Various shades of Green - Black and Tan and possibly Super Train Livery! UTA - Green and possibly NIR maroon too! Anyone fancy preparing a picture of a BR Class 17 in our Irish Colours? The more I think about these possibilities the more convinced i become that I shall purchase at least one BR Class 17 for my Irish Railway.

Raymond, All these plans for the great relocation sound very exciting. I wish you well with the great move and wait with interest to view your efforts. One problem that may arise, it usually does; the greater the space, the more we wish to put in it. What are the chances of your purchasing the property next door to you home, the one adjacent to your Garage? Best of luck, David.

John, Thank you for posting your Holiday Photographs - I'm thoroughly enjoying them. I was fortunate enough to travel on the locomotive of the first through NIR Train from Belfast to Dun Laoghaire. Somewhere, there should be a photograph of mine recording that trip. I distinctly remember upon our arrival at Connolly Station there being a discussion between the NIR crew and CIE as to whom was to take this train forward to Dun Laoghaire. It was a CIE driver, Inspector and I, who made that trip. After our arrival at Dun Laoghaire, Mallin Station, we went forward Light Engine too the crossover south of the station. When signalled, we crossed to the UP road to run-around our train and rejoin it on the Down road. We were held on the Down road until a southbound DART overtook us by the simple expedient of it using the UP road to continue its journey to Bray. I have often wondered how many passengers boarded the wrong train that day and wondered why they were sped back to Connolly instead of stations south of Dun Laoghaire? Not sure when you return to New Zealand, have a safe journey, David.

Noel, Looking at your picture of the RIYC Building, and comparing it to the one posted by me, there can be little doubt with regard to the authenticity of the location. It was the colour and configuration of the coach in the siding that made me question the authenticity. Perhaps that well known fellow - with a penchant for Guinness and upside-down photographs may come to the rescue. My thanks to you and Broithe for your replies.

Take a look at this link and the photograph on it. http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/image/xpw042330?search=Dublin&ref=268 The text states it is Dun Laoghaire, 1933. While there are similarities to DL,I have my doubts that it is correctly captioned. Looking at the coaches/s in the siding, these have two distinct colours and the complete one looks like a sleeping coach! Any suggestions on where this is?

It is amazing what one can find on the internet! For those who have an interest in Trams and buses, have a look at this link - Enjoy!

Quack,quack quack children, otherwise we'll miss our train! We're going as quack as we cam mummy!

Had a wee search on the internet with regard to Railway Weed Control and found this. - JSD is an industrial contracting company dedicated to providing quality weed control and engineering solutions to the railway industry. Our innovative approach has seen us working closely with clients such as Network Rail, Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail), Docklands Light Railways and London Underground to develop, manage and deliver all types of weed control programmes, engineering solutions and maintenance staff. I note the reference to Iarnrod Eireann. Is it the case that Weed Control is contracted to JDS ? Funnily enough, I worked for Chipman many years ago when they had their own Weed Control Trains as did Fisons. These two companies used to vie with one and other for the BR Weed Control contracts.

It may be worth your while contacting one of this Forums Members, TDR, The Derry Road. Send him a private message. He has painted and built a number of NIR items for me; coaches, driving trailers, dining cars and locomotives.

C-Rail is a member of this Forum. Search for - C-Rail - in this forum's search field. This will reveal a significant number of postings on a variety of subjects, Bell, Etc. Knowing the man, it is possible he will manufacture a special run provided the number of containers ordered make it worth his while to do so. Old Blarney.

Talking of strikes. Both LUAS and DART are having Fun and Games on this front. I read the DART Drivers are refusing to implement the running of a ten minute interval service, and LUAS Drivers want a new eleven year non strike agreement. DART 10 minute DART service The letter goes on to say that workers have strong objections to new plans for a 10 minute DART service and said that they would not participate in its introduction without “dialogue on pay reward”. LUAS In the first instance, Luas drivers proposed two new payscales, across an 11-year time period (as opposed to the present 10 years), with salary increases of between 8.5% and 53.8%. At the highest end of the scale, after 11 years, under the second proposed payscale, tram drivers would have a salary of €64,993, where now they have €42,247 – a 53.8% rise.

I too find the proposals confusing. Looking at their "Map Plan" the Green Line merges into the Blue in the shaded area of Dublin. The former Harcourt Street line becomes Blue as it progresses south from the shaded area. This line on the "Map Plan" then returns to Green and proceeds to Bray. Quotation - 'Luas Green Line tram capacity enhancement between St Stephen’s Green and Bride’s Glen, allowing trams of 50 m or more to be introduced ahead of the Metro South project; Metro South upgrading of the Luas Green Line from tram to metro standards, with a tunnel linking Metro North to the Green Line in the Ranelagh area to provide a north–south corridor across the metropolitan area; Luas Green Line/Metro South extension to Bray. The alignment is still to be selected, but is likely to run to Bray DART station via Shankill and the former golf club lands. Metro services would run from Bray to the Airport and Swords, while Luas services would run between Bray, Broombridge and Finglas; From the above statements it suggests, to me, the Luas Line will be extended to Bray along with the future Metro. However, I'm confuses regarding the future route of the Metro - as the article states - Luas Green Line/Metro South extension to Bray. The alignment is still to be selected, but is likely to run to Bray DART station via Shankill and the former golf club lands. Will there to be parallel sections on the Luas Line and Metro? Will the Harcourt Street formation between Sandyford and Brides Glen become Metro? I'm confused, very confused!

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/infrastructure/single-view/view/dublin-20-year-transport-strategy-published.html This link is published in Railway Gazette. This article may be of interest? Something old, something new? Some re-announcements,some tweaking of previous plans! I notice the possibility of reopening the line to Navan is mentioned yet again along with the extension of DART to Drogheda. My question on this plan - Why is there no mention, or proposal, to electrify the existing Drogheda to Navan railway link as a precursor to the possible reinstatement of the Navan to Parkway formation? Reinstating a commuter rail service from Navan to Drogheda, and thence onward to Dublin, would have many benefits. It would also make financial sense for future reinstatement of the Navan to Parkway link. This missing link would provide a circular railway route that would service a multitude of commuter towns to the North and Northwest of Dublin. Such a bi-directional service would/could draw custom from a vast corridor of commuter towns in the areas it serves.

There is a photograph in, Irish Cement 75 Years, of Bogie Tanker Wagons with the Blue Logo on them. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any high quality ones for the Cement Bubbles. Has anyone contacted Irish Cement to ask them if they Confirmation that they used this might help with:- A photograph/s of Bubbles with Blue Logo? A drawing/design for the Blue Logo on a Bubble Wagon/s? Confirmation of their use of the Blue Logo on their bubble Tanks? A polite telephone call asking for help can result in help. Oh, what about soliciting the knowledge of some of the present or former Railway Company employees? Irish Cement 75 Years PDF http://www.irishcement.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Irish-Cement-Celebrating-75-Years.pdf

Horsetan, Your translation - As requested! Bhuel a níos fearr ná Euro English Tá sé fógartha ag an gCoimisiún Eorpach ar chomhaontú ina mbeidh Béarla ina theanga oifigiúil de chuid an AE, seachas na Gearmáine, a raibh an contender eile. Ghéill an Rialtas Banríona go raibh Béarla litriú feabhas agus dá bhrí sin glacann céimniú cúig bliana in ar "Euro-Béarla". Sa chéad bhliain, beidh "s" in ionad na bog "c". Sertainly, beidh sé seo a dhéanamh seirbhísigh sivil léim le háthas. Beidh an crua "c" a thit i bhfabhar an "k", ba chóir Cé acu Klear suas roinnt konfusion agus cead amháin eochair níos lú ar méarchláir. Beidh fás díograis publik sa bhliain sekond, nuair a bheidh an troublesome "ph" in ionad le "f", focail a dhéanamh cosúil le "fotograf" 20% níos giorra. Sa tríú bliain, publik akseptanse an litriú nua Kan a expekted chun teacht ar an chéim ina bhfuil athruithe níos komplikated féidir. Beidh Rialtais enkourage deireadh litreacha dúbailte a bhfuil deterent speling a akurate gcónaí ben. Chomh maith leis sin, wil al agre go bhfuil an mes horible an adh "e" disgrasful. De réir an ceathrú sibh, Wil peopl a reseptiv bearta cosúil replasing "ú" le "z" agus "w" le "v". Le linn Ze yer fifz, Ze unesesary "o" kan a dropd ó vords kontaining "ou" agus athruithe den chineál céanna vud na Kors bheith aplid a kombinations na leters ozer. Tar éis ZIS yer fifz, ve vil hav styl riten reli sensibl. Zer vil aon trubls MOR ná difikultis agus everivun vil fháil ezi sé a thuiscint ozer ech. Ze Drem Vil FINALI