Kirley

I looked at your pictures and then looked at my workbench -nightmare! I spend half my time looking for things, if only I could be as organised as you. That is a fantastic work space with great lighting. But then if I had things tidied away would I know where they are?

That's a classy dozen Ivor, they all look excellent. They will make a great picture on any layout.

201 Enterprise locos, 207, 233 & 208 outside the Shed. 207 & 208 underwent major surgery. Both had replacement chassis from Bachmann Class 66's. They also benefited from Weshty's window frames and light clusters. Also some under frame work to get the 'boxes' looking right. It took a lot of work to get the Class 66 lights to line up with the Lima 201's but got there in the end. Now they can compete in running with MM's 233.

Something very therapeutic about watching long trains run. Great start. Hope to see more of the layout on the next posting.

Thank you GM171 for your great video (see http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/showthread.php/3618-Irish-Rail-Spoil-Wagons), I hope you don't mind me borrowing some shots from it. Well here my recreation of that scene. I did not go as far as to dig up my track but I hope you get the general idea. The Spoils are just out of the factory and very very clean. Another job to do!

Using Glenderg's drawing I made up some Spoil Pods using plasticard and stuck them onto the 42' wagons I had finished recently. Also on the Bench is two Lima 201's in which I have replaced the chassis with ones from a Bachmann Class 66. Getting the lights to work was the most difficult part. I've another Ballast Hopper to finish and the Weedspraying coach. On the slips is a Class 170 conversion to a CAF 4K, John's CIE Coaches and SSM's 42' flats arrived today. Plenty to be going on with.

The current NIR livery colours are Metal Light Grey (Silver) Humbro Chrome Silver No. 191 and Metal blue ICI -2GJ8 (Equivalent to RAL 5026 (actual paint is slightly lighter than this reference.) I found an old spray can I had used, it was made up for me by a Motor Factor with a Code - Hon.B97M. The other colours used are: Metal Medium Grey RAL 9023 Dark Grey RAL 7016 Yellow RAL 1023 Black RAL 9017 (closest match) Hope this is of some use.

While doing some research with Barry of Cambrian Models he mentioned the GSWR ballast hopper at Downpatrick stating it appears to be pretty much identical to the GWR P22 hopper that he is about to add to his range. One difference he pointed out was the pictured one is riveted though, and the GWR one was welded. So not one for the rivet counters then...

Thanks Guys, I'm sure there must be a list of W/b's and lengths for BR wagons somewhere but I have not found it yet. The Toad and Hopper are both possibilities.

Thanks Dhu Varren. Interesting to see one version has a 14' wheelbase while the other is 15' Now to find a suitable RTR chassis.

Modelling on a different level

I'm looking for information on "Brown Van". These were built after the 2nd WW partly by the NCC and partly by H & W Shipbuilders. They were a very common site not only on Stream but also Railcars passenger services to carry mail and luggage. This picture courtesy of Bacc2 shows them in operation in 1967 at Antrim. I would like preferably plans of these wagons or if that is not possible their dimensions. They appear to have a longer wheel base than most 4 wheel wagons.

Thanks Richie for the guide, with this and Weshty's instructions how could you go wrong! Looking forward to trying these kit and seeing most importantly how they run.

The main station building was constructed by Glenderg (I seem to recall he called it a labour of love) and the footbridge is the Hornby green one, reduced in size and painted grey.

Yes it is Bachmann Clonmel Station, in fact it is the old Booking Hall section of the Clonmel Station buildings. I used it in my Kirley Junction reproduction of Clonmel.

Busy place, looks fantastic

All my A Class Loco run on double motor bogies, I used Class 55 chassis and motors, see Page 39 of my work bench.

A good day, enjoyed listening to Paddy Murphy and his battles to stay ahead of the 'rivet counters', North Down had their first outing of "Cookstown", still under construction. The biggest crowd was at Jim Poots Buses, there was a queue to get to his Stand. Also to meet again some of the Site Members but I'm sure there were other Members there I did not know.

One for sale here http://clweb02.chrislands.com/clshops/StoreNumber_4849/?CLSN_4849=14142753444849931c5d37030fc05e1b&keyword=Irish+Railways+Today&searchby=title&page=shop%252Fbrowse&fsb=1&Search=Search

Thanks Guys for the kind comments. The Jeep was made from a Hornby 4P Stanier 02-06-04T

When it came time to paint these UTA Spoil Wagons I followed the instructions and used 'Dulux' paint thinned with blue windscreen car wash. I was a bit dubious but got a small sampler tin from their 'mixed' range knowing at least it would be the right colour. It went on OK but clogged my airbrush a few times. Decals were next and a bit of weathering. For the loads I put a bit of foam into the hopper with plasticard stuck on top. Then some ballast was added. I did a test run with the completed kits but added wagons I had made from plasticard on Dapol chassis back in 2011. From a distance I think they don't look to out of place.

NIR bought the prototype from Riviera Trains in the UK but was 18 months late when it finally arrived in Belfast. At that stage the Gatwick coaches had been withdrawn by NIR so it never enter service. They did paint it in the 'Gatwick' livery and Railtec do a NIR Gatwick range. http://www.railtec-models.com/showitem.php?id=1267

I think the Hornby Class 55 model you bought has the name plate "St Paddy". I was suggesting using two Class 55 motor bogies. On my Work Bench Page 39 you can see the results of a lot of trials and tribulations I had in getting it right.

I did a rake of 4 ballast wagons back in 2008 using Lima Seacows. I found another Lima in the roof space that I had missed and always means to paint it but never got around to it. When I was preparing to paint my Plough Van I remembered it and added it to the painting work. I needed some 42' flats so I did another Hornby Freightliner cut and shut conversions.

You may wish to consider using two motor bogies for your A Class. The difference in traction is immense. Tidy paint job on the A and some intricate work on the Cabin. Lots of people buy St Paddy for the chassis, I must have loads of bodies, if there is a market for them please let me know.