Auto-Train Original

Yes in N Gauge based on CNW push pull commuter services out of Chicago with a timetable working and everything. His articles always inspiring. Then produced UK and European versions of the Warren idea. Great stuff.

I also think the scene elements took off because of colour photos in magazines and books. Another element is cost. When you add up tracks, scenery, wiring, switches/eletrics it becomes a lot more costly than dying sawdust and making buildings from cardboard. I think scenery layouts appeal because they were more affordable. The Inglenook and Timesaver layouts did kind of get around the cost issue as small operational layouts. But people do like continuous runs too, for relaxation and breaking in new locos. Chris Ellis in Model Trains International promoted the Inglenook within an oval which is the best of both worlds.

The main problem I have encountered with building such layouts is inclines. Even using the Woodland Scenic incline/decline kits, it never works out. You need a serious lenght of track to gain enough height to cross over other lines. Or consign yourself to very short trains. There was a chap on YouTube who built a 6 x 4 decent enough layout with an elevated section. He did everything by the book and even locos struggled to haul themselves up the inclines. So my next layout everything will be at grade.

He really was a genius and visionary. He even speculated back in the 50s that if TV had model railroad programs that clubs would find it difficult to gain members as most people will build 'their pike' at home and then use the TV for what they otherwise might gain in the clubs. This is precisely what has happened now with YouTube.

John Alllen again.

Interestingly, I have a space now for a sizeable layout. I am very inspired by how John Allen built his Gorre and Dephetid empire, by starting-out with a small baseboard with operational, and twice around (and continuous) running. Which developed into a point to point operational empire. I am going to do similar myself with my new layout.

I remember seeing Brian McCann's Bagnallstown when I was a kid. He did a great job considering the limitations and the FS diesel conversions were a great idea. I recall him telling me how he made the CIE cement bubbles from two Vicks nasal inhalers which I thought was pure genius.

The main purpose of the Metro is to bring Swords and heavily populated parts of Fingal a railway. The airport part is just an element of the project. The interchange at Glasnevin is also a major component.

Pry the sides off using credit cards or similar.

That is incredible. Had no idea these ran in Ireland. What railway and colour scheme?

Thanks for that, but I also seem to have another memory of a different painted loco in the Dublin docks in the 80s?

Didn't ESSO or BP have their own rail system in the Dublin docks? I seem to recall a branded loco shunting oil wagons near Alexandria Road when I was a kid.

I am having a hard time sourcing clear material for coach and other glazing. It is either too thick. Too small in sheet size, or too expensive. Is anyone aware of anything I could obtain? Even some clear food boxes in Ireland? Thanks

Sick of these model train 'inflencer' types. Frustrated Blue Peter presenters.

In the end I bit the bullet and went for the 'fake it till fake it' option. I replaced the bogies with some Jouef HO TPO ones and they run very well and suit the short length. I know nothing like them ran on Irish rails but they do look the biz going round the layout. The coach on the end is an old Triang celestory with a new roof. This all cost me literally a few euros on top of a raid of the scrap pile so bearing that in mind I'm happy.