Auto-Train Original

Everything about this line is very odd I must say. Feels more like solving a puzzle than watching a line relay.

what is the railway purpose of a emergency generator room and why would they need three?

I just love this layout. Ooozes atmosphere. Got me looing at the real location and had no idea it even existed! Apparently last goods trains were mid 70s.

I wonder how many retained this livery into CIE days and for how long? Did any ever get a Flying Snail 'patch'?

Fantastic photos! When was this line last used?

A makey-uppy rule by government spooks.

Yes I drive them a few times a month. What strikes me is the width of the N17 they cross at the three locations. The road traffic is heavy all day long until about 8PM. This is before we get to the line on the main street at Charlestown or crossing the now very busy road from Tubbercurry to Ballina. This road is going to get even busier as this will be the exit road from the planned N17 bypass. I honestly can see this section being done without causing major traffic congestion or invested in Swiss-level engineering. Which would be great but can't be justified. either elevating the road or the rail line for the N17 parts alone would be astronomical in terms of costs.

I know it is probably pointless, but just in case, someone gave me a box of Triang R29 'shorter' BR coaches - not the really short ones - would they have any potential to kitbash into something Irish? Thanks.

Can't see it going north of Tuam. Too many level crossings on wide busy N roads. "Additional platforms on Galway and Sligo routes to strengthen rail resilience" what does this even entail?

The Midnight Hour JR stinks of a cynical political ploy to constantly delay and delay to find more reasons to kill it off. The objectors are all well connected political types so it's all the same clique. Very sus.

Poster makes it look like just a little kids day out to be honest.

I have the broken wheel decals applied. Do any of you folks know what is the best alphabet/numerical decal sheet to do the numbering? Thanks.

Primer check. I know it is crude but the black livery should hide the many faults using the 3 foot rule

Still deep in the land of compromise So American looking for a British loco!

Part 2 of Fake it till I Fake It.