Blu Bianco

There seems to be some thought out there that he may bring out the new grey version. This could well be true because there are more out there in the know than me. But then again it could be the case that it is us putting what we would like to see, in an ideal scenario, ahead of the possible realities? All those CIE, IE, IR, Silver and Black Freight, NIR 112 and now the added bonus of the two further NIR models, are a fair amount in themselves. Given there are resprays out there already, and the 'mixed' response to the new livery generally, I wonder would there be much of a demand for the new grey livery, compared to the others, for Paddy to deem it worthwhile to release one, with production costs, etc. For completedness sake, yeah it would be good, but if it was a choice between releasing this and holding up the 121's a bit more (as I know they could be a few years away anyway), then I'd rather have the 121's than the grey 071, anyday.

Going to buck the trend, would prefer Ready To Run, fully ready-painted models, despite the extra cost. On two points, am useless with my hands where kit building is involved and really don't have too much spare time for the building and painting.

I, for one, thank you for posting this. I had never heard of this line before. Very Parisien looking indeed! The cuttings and old stations are really cool. Its going to mean much searching on the net to learn more!

Yeah, to agree with what Dave said, these were just plans. The running numbers changed since. Despite them being superseded by MM5210, MM5217 and MM5229, if you take a look at the official Murphys Models site you can continue to see the initial plans for them, as it states MM5290, MM5213 and MM5232 are the next batch of MK2D's Standards coming out. I imagine some of the retailers have either got confused by this and thought there was more coming out or were not too worried about updating their site on the change of the running numbers.

Definitely the cement bubbles and the bulleid corrugated wagons for me! Again, three packs would be a brilliant idea.

Was it made known if and when there was to be any official announcement of this other 071 surprise?

Wow, 148 is in there, haven't seen a pic of her in ages. One of the lesser photographed engines of the 141 class. These collections that pop up now and then are often a treasure trove of 'lost' or rare images. Someday a pic of 191 may turn up, who knows!

Bachmann don't seem to have gone in for designing as much churches or chapels in their Scenecraft range, as Hornby have in their Skaledale. They've done the limited edition Goathland and the 3/4 relief church, both very English looking, naturally. Hornby, as you said, did St. Andrews, they've also released St. Mary's Chapel, a Baptist Church version, St. James, Holy Trinity, St. Michael's and also a small unnamed church. I think St. Mary's wouldn't look too far off a Catholic church design either. There's a few in the North I've looked on in Yahoo Images this morning which look somewhat like it.

Thanks Brian. Will definitely be keeping an eye out for them. Pity the 39 route never came to fruition though.

Earlier hit a bit of a Manchester vibe. One of the best side project bands ever, Electronic, featuring Bernard Sumner (New Order) and Johnny Marr (The Smiths). Their first album is simply brilliant. This song wasn't on the album but was a b-side to one of their biggest hits, 'Get The Message'. I think it shows how you can fuse House music together perfectly with guitars if you really try. Just listen to those synths, pianos and guitars! Brings me back to 1991 when optimism seemed to be in the air; [video=youtube;VD6-bMRJJZY] Marr has hit a real winner with his new album, 'The Messenger'; A true guitar hero! Was watching something on Sky Arts One this morning about the demise and resurgence of Independent Record Shops in the UK. Marr featured and was as charming as usual.

Thanks for informing us Marks. Yeah, Fran they are very impressive. Its good to have them finally here.

Very much an impressive looking station indeed. Any station with a branch line or access line to a factory........or a sawmill in this case is always more interesting too. I've been looking at the old OSI map more in depth and I wonder is that well there in that field to this day? Probably overgrown though, if it is. Stations in that area did seem to have their own look to them.

The old waiting room at Gorey Station perhaps, or the Goods Yard and the DWWR stone shed there. If they were going to commission a signal cabin, in the traditional style then Clonsilla would be good, or something different would be the the distinctive old DWWR signal cabin at Wicklow Murrough. As for another station, Woodenbridge is different. Other than the typical station type buildings, Bachmann's other buildings look great too. As above, a creamery would be good. Or one of the distinctive buildings by the railside such as the old Albatross factory in New Ross or the old Terrapin factory as you come into Wicklow.

Very much interested in both. Bachmann's Scenecraft range is excellent. Its always great to see more Irish buildings becoming available and Carlow Station, in particular, is very impressive.

A very evocative bit of filmmaking. Its a very picturesque line. Given how IE go on, the weed sprayer will soon end its annual visit and it will be overgrown within a couple of years. That will then give them the opportunity to cut the line, like they did with the Foynes and Castlemungret branch at Limerick and the Kingscourt branch at Navan Junction.

Good work with the station Anthony. Although thats something I could never do. I'd feel I was ruining it but with what you've done I can see thats not true.

Any idea on the pricing Brian, or will that info only be available at the fair?

Great pictures! In some parts the tracks almost look alright, although I doubt they are! Maybe the sheltering of the undergrowth has given them cover. Yet in other parts you can really see where time and decay really has taken its toll. Seems more like its going to be a cycle track. Would rather have the tracks left in situ, even if the line wasn't to ever re-open, which is likely. Some people may not understand that but the more you remove, the more history we lose and this country has lost too much over the years to 'progress', be it railway history or non-railway related things like historic buildings, forests, areas, etc. I walked around the old station and tracks in Kingscourt last year and it felt special to have that link to what once was, even if the tracks were partly overgrown and the buffers were decaying. You didn't just have to imagine the history. Its a pity you can't develop an old line for a tourist-related ideal but in some way leave the tracks there and make a walkway along the side of them or even if you had to cut the middle bit of the sleepers away, that you could walk between the rails a bit easier. But I imagine the health and safety brigade would be weighing in with whines and would prevent that!

We will see! But you are right, its fantastic to see them getting all that attention. Underneath it all they are the same beautiful machines

Great pic of the Craven, Dave. They really do make a striking model and brings back many memories of journeys in them. Four years old? You wouldn't think it but then.........

The previous silver/black/yellow livery is light years ahead. Can't get into the new livery at all.

Thanks for the tips Fran and Railer. I checked out Marks but it was the restaurant car they had. As for the shop on Nassau Street they were only selling sets, the last standalone model of the EGV was sold during the week. Looking at their website, The Model Shop Belfast hasn't got them in stock either. But I knew it was a long shot, its cool. As for anyone who thinks €105 without postage (even with postage!) is worthy, then they are sorely misled, I mean.........seriously! I may try pick one up sometime at one of the shows from a seller, or perhaps will contact one of the suggested people you mentioned Fran. Either that or when I get to see the Galway liveried EGV fully and in person, see will it look alright at the end of the IE MK2D standards.

I get you there. I like the whole realism aspect of the sound but when I get down to it I'd imagine it might do my head in after a while! By the way, 078 looks fantastic. I was thinking that of the IE locos in the new batch, 078 would possibly be the least favourite, with most going for 077 or 085. I do prefer 078 though and its great to see how much more work you've put into her.

How very dare you indeed!

This is just an initial enquiry really, haven't decided anything yet but am just wondering would you be able to pick up either of the EGV's from the previous releases, MM5602 or MM5609, in shops or either in nearly as new or in very good condition, from sellers or at any of the shows do you think? How rare are they now? I missed out on the EGV's the last time and am finding it hard to like the new Galway livery one, as regards settling it into a possible rake.