Old Blarney

To Mr Provincial Wagons,

The floor of the Bullied Wagons. Were these wooden planks or all metal? I ask as I believe I have seen a photograph somewhere of the floor of one of these wagons. Unfortunately, the picture was not a high quality one and the observation is therefor open to doubt. Does anyone know the correct answer?

I have a batch of these wagons which I am due to collect from Mr PW when he comes to The Cupar Model Railway Exhibition, 25th and 26th, July.

This show is held in

The Corn Exchange,

Cupar,

Fife.

KY15.

Old Blarney will be visiting this show as will Mr McA of PW.

Naught as strange as folk!

I am always thankful for my life and that which it has given me - Always think of these words when ever I read or hear this type of story - "There but for the grace of God could I have been".

We are the lucky ones!!

If you have not done so, may I suggest you go to their WEB Site!

http://www.heathcote-electronics.co.uk/heathcote%20product%20index.html

Alternatively, Google - Heathcote Electronics - where you will get a comprehensive list of their products and how they work.

If you are running a railway that is not being exhibited then, visit to your dentist/hygienist. They may be prepared to provide you with implements that are suitable for disconnecting tension-lock couplings! The teeth scrapers, tartar removing long pronged units are ideal for this task.

The Perth and District Model Railway Club is holding its Annual Exhibition at - The Dewars Centre, Perth, on Saturday and Sunday, 27th and 28th , June,2015.

For full details- please log in to -

http://www.perthmrc.com/page6.htm

Perth & District Model Railway Club

presents

A celebration of Model Railways 2015

at

The Dewars Centre, Glover Street, Perth PH2 0TH

Saturday June 27th 10.00 am - 5.30 pm

Sunday June 28th 10.00 am - 5.00 pm

Admission: Adult £6.00, Child £3.00, Family (2 + 2) £15.0

Over 40 Quality Layouts in two Halls

Over 40 Leading Trade Stands

DCC Seminars

Port of Cork welcomes permission for Ringaskiddy plan.

Interesting!

Might this mean there is no longer any hope for reinstating a railway service for goods/freight to be shipped by railway from Cork and its environs? Looking at the map of the area around Ringaskiddy, it would appear there is no possibility of a railway served service to this proposed expansion of the Port of Cork!

Might the Port Waterford endeavour to claim their ability to "Saving the Planet" by providing the infrastructure for the transhipment of "Rail Bourne Traffic" to and from Ireland? They are railway connected, just about, thanks to the recent rationalisation of the track through Waterford Station.

What next for Dublin Port? The justification for this expansion at Ringaskiddy is, supposedly, the need to service larger vessels. This being the case, then the future of Dublin Port must be open to question? There were proposals made some years go to relocate the Port of Dublin. Are these plans being discussed again?

Deep Water Requirements! Foynes Port has the required depth of water to accommodate deep draught vessels. Extraordinary? Our politicians continuously lecture us, the voters, on how we must save this planet from Global Warming. However, they, the politicians, continue to inflict upon us, decisions that make little sense of the fact there is a need to have a co-ordinated network for the transportation of goods/freight, and people in this world!

Once upon a time there was a railway that served this area. We closed it. Cork Blackrock and Passage, latterly a narrow gauge railway but it was constructed as a broad gauge line.

I started to consider how the initials of former railway companies might possible be revived, and made use of in 2015. Two companies immediately sprang to mind, the Great Northern (GN) and the Great Southern (GS). The appropriate route for this hypothetical Marketing and Branding exercise would, in my opinion be the line from Dublin to Belfast.

Going North.

The side of the northbound train (Down direction of travel) could be painted in the Blue and Cream colours of the former Great Northern Railway, each carriage, the locomotive and driving trailer should also be emblazoned with large letters - GN.

Coming South.

The side of the southbound train (Up Direction of travel) could be painted in either, Brown and Cream or alternatively Lake as per the former Great Southern colours. Again each carriage, locomotive and driving trailer should be emblazoned with large letters - GS.

The marketing and branding exercise is this. Historical names of two of Irelands' railways are revived and justified as follows;-

GN - Going North

GS - Going South

The clear identification provided on either side of the train should assist the two Irish Tourist Boards to market railway travel on this route. Americans, in particular can be instructed to look for the initials GN when Going North to Northern Ireland. When returning South, Going South, look for the initials GS.

Were this plan to be acted upon, perhaps then, the Enterprise Service could regain the identity it once had! My proposed colour scheme should be consistent, purposeful, historic, and reintroduce the initials used by two great Irish Railway undertakings.

Oh, there is at least one major flaw in this idea. The platforms used at the respective termini will need to allow the correct stabling of the train for the return journey otherwise, the incorrect initials will be viewed by the train passengers.

Ramblings of an elderly lunatic.

Mr Raaymooond,

Who has been a busy Boy?

Looking fantastic, well done on all your efforts. Upsetting the homeostasis was an expression we used in a certain well known computer manufacturer, and supplier of serviced I one worked for. You, have just done this to me Sir. Recently extended my home railway, just spent the last four days on Scenery Works. Your railway is, yet again, superior to mine, my homeostasis is upset so, very, very upset as I'm going to have to scrap everything and start, all over again. It 's all your fault I got into this infernal hobby anyway. For those that don't know, Ray and I met many years ago at one of the NDMRS, Bangor Show. I assisted him and a young Stephen to run their Exhibition railway. Well that was it, I was infected by the Modellers Railway Virus (MRV). Sadly there is no known cure for this condition. You have to live with it, and take the drugs that keep it controlled. Unfortunately the virus control is - visit Model Railway Emporia on a regular basis so that you addiction is kept under control.

Super results Ray.

Regards,

Old Blarney.

Never built Lines.

Harcourt Street to Sydney Parade.

Old Blarney.

Bray and Enniskerry Railway.

I have a book on this railway - somewhere - It was, I believe, written by Jack O'Neill. The unused track was eventually purchased by the RDS for their sidings at Ballsbridge. I can if you wish, hunt for it the book) and forward the relevant information of the publisher etc.

Old Blarney.

I too am getting blocked from this programme.

To NDMRS,

Thank you, times four, from each of us at Perth Model Railway Club. We had a wonderful visit, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and met many a familiar face as well as making new acquaintances.

We cannot thank all involved enough for the hospitality shown to us.

David, Stan, Bill and Bob.

Hunslet 102 and Nelson,

Please allow me too assure you - Sunrise is trading. I recently received a superb model of their GNR(I) Gardner Bus from them. A superb model, beautifully painted and with all the appropriate details.

Contact Details-

http://www.modelbuszone.co.uk/tmb/kits/sunrise.htm

Retirement!

There is no such thing as retirement, certainly not in my home. I decided to go back to work so I can enjoy an easier lifestyle.

Retirement - more like constant instructions from the Boss -

Darling it's a nice day, please cut the grass and then clip the edges, oh there's weeding to be done in the rose beds. When finished with these tasks, hoovering, dusting, ironing, shoe polishing, and then the inevitable question; have you finished yet? Why Darling? 'We need to go to the shops.' Quick change into Chauffeur's Uniform - off to the shops. Return home and become a pack-horse carrying the shopping from car to house.

Change of role and uniform from Chauffer to Butler. Set Dining room Table for Dinner, prepare evening cocktails and appropriate snack-foods, check with Cook that all is well in the Kitchen. Ring Dinner Gong, serve wines, assist staff with service of meal and wait on her Ladyship. Prior to her leaving Table, I need too inspect the fire in the Withdrawing Room. Having made sure the fire is providing warmth, that there is an ample sufficiency of logs available for the remainder of the evening, coffee and liquors are served to herself.

Upon her retiring to her boudoir, check the fire is extinguished, open the curtains, empty the ash trays, remove the drinks glasses to the kitchen, wash and dry the dishes, feed the dog, put the cat out, go to the stables and fill the hay nets and log baskets for the following day.

Next Morning.

Check and feed the Horse, put it out in the Meadow, clean all the Tack, wash and polish her car, clean the inside thoroughly. Speak to the Head Gardner (Herself) to ascertain any additional requirements for the day and start at the beginning again. Retirement - there is no such luxury in my opinion.

I can just hear the remarks!

"That is a bridge too far"

" Bridge over troubled waters - you had better jump now, for you are in deep trouble Mr Old Blarney"

"Water under the bridge - you had better go and drown your sorrows NOW - and don't bother coming back here to run your blessed model railways"

" Cross - What line do you plan to cross with that monstrosity? Ah, sure it will it not enhance the three Railway Light we have in the garden? Yes, we do have three of them.

Think I'll stay with thee OO versions and opt to stay alive.

Night all. Remember the clock go forward tomorrow morning.

josefstadt,

Young Sir,

The Tramway Shed on Victoria Quay was sold to Guinness after the DUTC moved their trams to Connynghame Road Depot following their acquisition of the defunct Lucan concern.

GSR800,

"I think we should set up a fund! Get 800 going!"

A lovely thought. Unfortunately, that is all it will ever be. I remember discussing this matter in Belfast many, many, years ago. The reasons why it will not happen have compounded over the years. Then, she would have been restricted to one route Dublin to Cork. The restrictions were - her weight, length and hammer-blow. At that time there was a turntable in Cork that would allow her to be turned there. This, I believe, is no longer the case as it was taken out of its pit. The Boyne Viaduct was/is, I believe, a major obstacle to her ever running between Dublin and Belfast. When she moved down to Belfast to go to the Museum there, she was separated from the B Class Locomotive taking her there by a long line of Beet Wagons whilst crossing the Boyne Viaduct. The reason being that only a single locomotive was on the bridge at any time during the crossing of it.

There was no overhead knitting in the Dublin area. I'm not sure of my place here but, I imagine the height of 800 in relation to the overhead wiring might cause some problems when travelling in the Dublin area. Bridge heights along with the depth of modern ballast nowadays could also be a further problems.

Cost of restoring 800 were in excess of £125,000 twenty five years ago, so I hate to think how much her restoration to running condition would cost in 2015! Add to that the cost of reinstating the Cork Turntable, and retaining the use of the only turntable capable of taking her length at, Inchiecore Works, Dublin, and you begin to realise you have a beautiful locomotive that is restricted to a single route. Far better to spend the money we have on restoring, repairing, and maintaining multiple locomotives, with multiple route availability. This allows choice of routes and variety of motive power.

Please don't misunderstand my viewpoint. I would love to see her returned to working condition. Unfortunately, I have not won the lottery, nor am I aware of a lottery winner who has offered to have her restored to working condition; and to pay for all of the costs that will need to be meet her return to traffic use.

Old Blarney

GSR 800,

"white lies my friend.i be thrilled if i was named after a train" Does this mean we may now address you as - foursixo?

Old Blarney

You need Old Folk like me you know! See, we remember such things - There were no speed limits in the days you are talking about.

Blackpool Rock - with the food manufacturer bar code on the wrapper.

Come on boys - you have forgotten

Farthings - four to a penny

Half Pence - two to a penny

Thruppeny piece - two type, the wooden ones and the silver ones - four to a shilling.

Sixpenny bits - two to a shilling

Two shilling coins, ten to a pound

Half Crowns - eight to the pound

Ten shilling notes - two to a pound

Guineas - one pound and one shilling.

Five Woodbine in a paper wrapper, a gobstopper and a box of matches with a halfpenny change out of a shilling - all obtainable from Miss Macs wee shop on Sydney parade station. Ah the memories!!

Old Blarney.

The four Irish Pullman cars (400-403) were, I believe, leased from the Pullman Car Company by the Great Southern Railways from 1926 to 1936. During this period they wore the standard Pullman Livery of Umber and Brown. In 1936 the Pullman Company were reluctant to renew the agreement with the GSR and offered them an opportunity to purchase the four cars. This offer was accepted by the GSR.

Three cars were in service with the fourth retained as a spare. Two cars were used on the Dublin - Cork service and one on the Dublin - Limerick Service via Limerick Junction. This car was removed at the Junction and then made its way to limerick. It returned on an UP-Train via Nenagh and Ballybrophy. This information is held in a Bradshaw's Time-Table in the Railway Record Society Library in Dublin.

Old Blarney

.

StevieB

I was unaware that Trevor and Rose of Cheltenham are Murphy Distributors. Good to know they have come-on-board.

Iarnrod,

I am not hero worshiping. I'm stating a fact.

No company or individual have produced, or commissioned, the proportion of Irish Railway Models that Murphy models have. I have spoken to major manufacturers over the years prior to Murphy models bringing their products to market. None of these were interested in producing genuine Irish RTR Models . Reason - Compared to their existing markets the Irish Market was too small, and not worth their effort. Based upon this fact, we have to conclude that Murphy Models have provided us with the product we wish to have, that these have been of the highest quality. Unfortunately, the latest batch of products (I have not seen these) would appear not to meet the past production standards. This is unfortunate, but it is not the end of the world.

High expectations that fail to be meet what is expected, will always lead to disappointment. Where the cost of the product to be purchased is perceived as expensive, and the quality and reputation of the manufacturer are both perceived as brand leaders, then the disappointment of a faulty or inferior purchase tends to annoy and disappoint. I am genuinely sorry for each of you who have received a product that disappoints you, but, you do have the option to refuse the item you have pre-ordered if it has a flaw or flaws in it.

If the fault is discovered after your purchase has been accepted, be it a car or a model railway coach you have the right to return to the supplier and ask that they replace or repair the item. If they will not do so then you insist they return your money to you. End of story.

Perhaps the solution to this saga is this. The retailers and Murphy models discuss the practicality of offering a range of solutions to any customer who has received a faulty coach, or is offered one! This could include any of the following. We will offer you a choice of

1) Re-spray the faulty areas

2)Weather the coach to hide the fault/s

3)Offer a discount on the product

4)Offer the customer a replacement

5) Apologise and thank the customer for their support when purchasing this product.

I must say I agree with jhb171achill.

I have not seen the latest version of these coaches, thus, I cannot make comment on them. However, I have a substantial number of Murphy Models products all of which have given me, and many others hours of enjoyment.

Please remember this fact. Without the investment and risk Paddy Murphy has taken on our behalf, with his money, there would not be any Murphy Models. Our hobby, our enjoyment of his models, on our railways, would not exist.

Please put yourselves in his position and ask yourselves this simple question! Do I, for one moment, believe Mr Murphy would be willing to knowingly, yes knowingly, accept a product that is below the standards that all previous products have achieved.

My personal view and knowledge of the man is that he will be disappointed beyond belief at flaws in his products.

Paddy - good luck to you Sir, and Thank You.

Hi Gang,

Another point of note regarding the "Speed on Wheels" logos, or their irreverent title "The Flying Snail" is that there are two variants of the symbol/logo. As there are two variants, the symbol is sometimes incorrectly placed on models.

There is a Left facing version and a right facing version. The symbols upper wings should always face in the direction of travel. This is obvious on a bus where the Left facing symbol is on the near-side; right facing symbol on the off- side. For a railway coach this rule does not apply. Take a look at the way CIE placed the symbol in their AEC - 2600 - Railcars. The symbol faces the way the railcar will be, or was, driven. A left facing Symbol is used on both sides of the Railcar. When viewed on a double track railway, the passenger always saw the symbol travelling in the direction they were going. The misunderstanding of the placement of the symbol can be this; passengers waiting to travel in the opposite direction standing on the opposite platform will view the snail as travelling in the wrong direction.

Railway Coaches and Goods Wagons should always have the left facing snails on them.

Oh, I too have incorrectly placed snails on my models.- must do something about this soon.