Mike 84C

Have just finished reading "Saga by Rail: Ireland" by J.I.C. Boyd pub; by Oakwood Press. Although Boyd is not my favourite railway author I have really enjoyed this tale of trips to the west of Ireland taken from the late 1930's to the early '60's, strong narrow gauge bias but a decent amount of 5' 3" . And clear photos, if a little small, one or two per A5 page. The best thing is, a new/like new copy can be had from Periwinkle Press in Canterbury. (email cswain1805@aol.com. )for a lot less than £16.95/e26.50. I think mine cost £9.00. Sorry if this sounds like a book review but I had never come across this book before and thought you guys may enjoy it. I have no connection with any of the people mentioned above.

How about a bit of distressing with a fiberglass pen? works for me.

That looks good John. The colours look just right and such a change from BR regional liveries.

I agree with Baz808 the finish is very good, I think they run as well as a normal Bachman DMU. It has had little use on the layout so far but is going to Digi Trains to be chipped and have AEC sound fitted.

Oh dear, severe workshop envy I have, makes a very ancient Unimat, look, very ancient! and such an organized work place. Must start a major re tidy!

Why do I get an error code 1s160/2 page does not exist before I access this site? Mick

Definately a superb conversion, the running after fitting the new pickup is a revelation! The line on the foreshore looks very good, well done.

Has anyone got a drawing and dimensions for those strange signal posts that look like an upturned cricket bat with holes in them? I believe they were made by the Railway Signal Co in Liverpool and I have traced their records to a library in the ;pool. But ask here first! This type seems to be at Bantry in the 40's/50's and at some intermediate stations, but not all and does not appear to have a corresponding junction signal.

Found these in the Locomotive Magazine Jan 15 1934

That looks the business Eoin, the split chassis is a good idea in principle but! I have also had erratic running from some after disassembly for cleaning but others were fine. Have had poor running in one direction with Hornby 4 pin dcc but am told the Hornby chip is not very good. Pit stop chip change at Digitrains and it goes like a good'un!

Hello David, Arigna Town is excellent but your Clogher project is a quantum leap forward. I look forward to its launch onto the exhibition circuit. Maybe both layouts at the same show? would that be a first?

I seem to remember a post about the colour of loco lamps when shunting. My 1933 GSR rule book says Rule 123; Engines employed exclusively in shunting at station yards and sidings must, after sunset or during for or falling snow,carry head and tail lamps both showing a red light or such other light as may be prescribed. So maybe not a red and white over each buffer as on BR. Sorry if you all knew this already!

First class review in the August Model Rail magazine, well done.

btb,sorry for the hi-jack its your thread and I shall keep it zipped.

Wow! amazing!

In Locomotives of the GSR on pages 247,248,249 there are photos of Irish K class with the welded smoke box and the domed smoke box door. According to the potted history the MGW did a very good deal with an average purchase price per set of parts of £2,200 per engine and the Woolwich Arsenal had paid £3,375 average per boiler 3/4 yrs earlier. Cheap as chips hence the nickname Woolworths.

Morning DC, Good photograph I think it makes my point. I did a repaint of a BR N into a CIE K a couple of years ago but when I look at pictures of K class now, I can see that I should have put rivets on the smoke box and more effort into a different smoke box door. Its "face" spoils the loco for me. Only ex GWR locos were all right hand drive for left hand running. All the other companies had a mixture of LH/RH drive locos, in my experience. But the GWR always was different!

The British N class had both types of Maunsell tender. They were also left and right hand drive but I believe the CIE ones were all right hand drive as all the photos I have seen show the exhaust injector by the left hand cab steps. And the reversing reach rod on the right.

Superb work as always.

Noel,thanks for confirming I made the right call.And flagging the Shapeways link.

I agree with you JHB re stock for Bantry but as ,at the moment, two of us are the rolling stock providers and we are both pensioners! we are watching the pennies! BUT I would probably go for MGW coaches and CIE cattle wagons. I am mulling over doing a resin casting but have to make a master as yet and I seem to be drowning in other projects!

It; that is excellent I love the sound and lights. But far too clean! I wonder how long till we get a Crossley sound file?

Ebay bidding wars,is £65.50 a lot for an IRM 121 kit? I watched and thought Noooo! not for me. And I have not got the Athern chassis to make it a runner.

Amazing, what a B&B it would make! The signals are brilliant, how has it all survived for so long?

Thanks for all the praise and pats on the back guys. All I can say is watch this space! 'cos I'm sure there is more to follow.