Mike 84C

Angus, I worked from a drawing in New Irish Lines for Nov 19 which is 7mm to the ft, I believe its a David Chown drawing. But the article says it could be 8mm/ft! So I used my judgement to get a visual balance. The distinctive "cricket bat " shape I marked up out on N/S sheet, drilled holes then opened them up to form the slots, did the profile of the "bat" with files and soldered 1'5/2mm N/S etch offcuts around the edge of the "bat" I did'nt put the little cross pieces on the "bat" ,that was one step beyond for me! Hope that helps. And thank you for your comments.

Three signals for Bantry. All done from a drawing in New Irish Lines and various photographs of the prototype Bantry station so there is a bit of guestimation in some of the heights and details. They are powered by servos under the baseboard controlled by a GF controls dual servo control unit. I took all the advice and pointers I could get from Steve Hewitt on RMW , he builds excellent working signals and freely gives help and advice. The finials are Scottish one's The arms are L&Y as are the weights Cast lamps are Midland/GCR The ladders and all the above are from MSE/Wizard Models Posts, wires for handrails are things I had in stock plus those handy little bits of saved etches.

First attempt? I look forward to seeing more of your excellent work.

Reminds me of the metre gauge 0-6-0t's that ran at the Wellingborough ironstone pits, maybe the saddle tank top needs to be a bit higher? . I think one was preserved at Hunsbury Hill Northampton. Must be 40yrs since I was last there! Excellent link, wonder why the 0-6-0 Avonside tempts me so much!

Good to see you're back Ernie. Hope all went well at the hospital. You do seem to keep finding unpublished photo's, a bit of a super sleuth!

I was wondering if it was just me!

Thanks for your thoughts guys, you and I have both been down the same road! I used a piece of foam under the wagon to add resistance but it seems daft to make wagons free rolling and then have to give them resistance to lessen the magnetic attraction! Substituting brass axles for steel on 40/50 wagons and coaches does not appeal. Noel, weight do you ballast your 4 wheel wagons to please?

David,an chance of a drawing/sketch to show the orientation of your under track magnets? I have a picture in my head and would like to know if it lines up with reality!

I like the three locos whisked off by rail,after all thats how rail vehicles usually travel. Happen in GB? No chance! Health & Safety, Gaugeing trials, Safety Cases, and then Network Rail say Nooo. Allelys with large lorries to the rescue. Traffic disruption, more expense, pollution. What a loopy country we live in.

Went by Toton Sidings this week, still long lines of stored loco's. Going too fast to see what they were, SWIMBO driving!

For a terminal station Harcourt street takes a bit of beating, turntable , cattle bank , engine facilities and a single platform. As does Kilarney with the backing out for a bit of operating interest!

I was thinking wheres the other end!

But where on the Far North line was the photo taken? Inverness?

That is a lovely picture of the D2 what a handsome machine.

My two cents worth would be for steam era water columns. Irish period ones are just that little bit different to English railway columns. And they seem to have lasted well into the diesel age. Indeed their is one hiding in some big bushes at Dunmanway station on The CB&SC. Pity it will never be needed!

Bet that start up was really popular with the residents of those houses! Job for a Sunday morning.

Thats a rather nice cattle train JB, makes my six wagons look a bit mundane. But I like very much the GN box van. Is that from the Pettigo Wagon works on Big Island?

I remember those CL 305 or something similar. We used to ride on them from Bescot/Walsall into New Street and back and they were very bouncy going fast! Love the Bombay Emu and the Hindi/ Sanskrit ? transfers? brilliant. Now I know those Midland coaches are in safe hands.

Hi J-Mo, if you want a little Irish loco project to get your teeth into please pm. Its a lot different!

And the same one I use! we are all in good company! Well done young man your speed of construction is much faster than mine!

One thing that always puzzles/surprise's me is a steel under frame and braced axle boxes yet it looks as if only one brake lever and brake block or is it mirror imaged on the other side?

The palethorpes wagons are not very free running if mine is anything to go by. Is one axle higher than the others? a little bit of play in the center axle may be all it needs?

If you start said thread I am very happy for the moderators to move my thread.

Just had a browse through Golden Arrows cat; he does a white metal kit for an Isle of Whight Rly Beyer Peacock 2-4-0t which would be a good starting point for the D&SER tank. No connection with Golden Arrow except as a customer. Just thinking about Irish locos and conversions from British "near fits & misses" what I think would help is a range of GSR loco chimneys and the flush type smoke box door to improve the loco "face". I for one would happily purchase if one of our 3d printing aces produce some. I have looked at white metal ones and the tall British GNR comes close. But,but,but!

Golden Arrow Models in Hastings will sell you a nice resin tender which he uses on the Stirling O1 kit he does. Would fit the bill a treat, mine cost about £13 but quite a few years ago.