Flying Snail

Very nice video of Paul Isles talking about the model in the Ulster Transport Museum and with the model looking very much at home on the MRSI's GNR layout: -> here

I went along on Sunday - thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the MRSI Dundalk works and Boyne bridge were superb - there was just so much to see in Dundalk, I could have stood there for hours. The FREMO layout was looking well and apparently that's only half of it. Indeed, all the layouts were excellent - I thought the bigger hall worked out well. Stradbally's Roisín Óg is a great piece of model engineering, I look forward to seeing it when they get it back on the rails! As for loot, I picked up a CIE route map from Tailte Tours, and another one of Leslie's vans - as well as having a nice chat with the man himself. I also got to talk with some of the IRM/ Accurascale star-studded team (Richard from New Junction) and Paddy Murphy was very giving of his time. To all the organisers: you have my thanks for a great day out.

Great pictures and videos lads - really looking forward to visiting tomorrow!

Nice, not only do they complement the Mk2b carriages, but they are a great size for smaller layouts. (another run of the Mk2b's due soon perhaps, maybe with the maroon livery?)

They mentioned early 2025 over on Facebook for the Irish Steam announcement - see the comments underneath the announcement here

So its not the jeep, but I think the Hunslet is a nice choice - makes sense with the Mk2b's too, and it will do well for IRM. And I'm not writing off the jeep just yet - I think I saw @Warbonnet say on Facebook that the Irish steam announcement is due in early 2025?

Fabulous - looking forward to seeing these in Clontarf!

wait, what did you just say???

Well, I'm told that one of bench marks for good art is that the longer you look at it, the more you see. Really good art should ask questions of the viewer and challenge their perceptions, surprise them etc. etc. ....... Clearly this Christmas Train belongs in The National Gallery or MoMA

Like DJ, as I was reading the update I was sure it was cancelled ..... I'm very glad thats not the case. You've certainly been upfront and honest - and I think we all appreciate you doing that. Thank you. However, your analysis of the state of the Irish market is sobering and it sounds like you're not out of the woods yet. I really hope you reach the numbers to make this and your other Irish projects viable, it would be terrible to loose IRM.

Well, to be fair we don't know what radius curves Edo has - for what its worth they're going around my 3rd radius set track okay. .... and they're 6-wheel, non bogey, with running boards. So it shouldn't really be a surprise if they have trouble on tight curves, should it?

Oh, thats interesting that you both can get to it. I'm getting a 404 Error. Edit: Just tried it in a different browser and the link works! @westcorkrailway. I wanted to get a couple of convertible wagons to start with ... and maybe one of the easier locos to put together

Hi Weshty, I just tried clicking on http://www.studio-scale-models.com to browse your kits but it doesn't appear to be working anymore. Have you got a stock list somewhere you can share? Edit: Just tried it in a different browser and the link works!

Arrived at lunch time today, all present and correct - Danke DHL! ( ... and Rails too of course )

I've received my shipping notification this morning ..... <and breathe >

I'm glad it was helpful John. I'll be driving in to it along the N7 too and I plan to take the M50. As for parking - the school is beside a residential area, and its the weekend, so parking in one of the adjacent housing estates should be fine so long as you follow Blaine's advice and you don't block driveways etc.

If you're planning on driving Google Maps has been updated to reflect the changes - just plug in your starting point and the destination for route options and journey times: https://www.google.com/maps You'll find full details of the traffic measures under the Traffic Plan here: https://www.dublincity.ie/residential/transportation/city-centre-transport-plan-2023/dublin-city-council-transport-plan-faqs Also, a word of warning: the Dublin City Marathon is on Sunday the 27th. So driving through the city will involve road closures. More here: https://irishlifedublinmarathon.ie/traffic-information/

I knew you'd hop on board the jeep eventually

I only remembered it because, like you, I thought it was an excellent idea. I hope IRM continue to do them where they can

IRM have done some Irish formation guides. There's one here for their IR/IE Mk2s and there's another for the NIR stock somewhere too Edit: it's here - https://irishrailwaymodeller.com/topic/10440-irm-announce-nir-enterprise-mark-2-coaches/page/13/#comment-228005

Jeepers Leslie, you sound like you're feeling a little blue there ....

Exciting! ... and also what I think it'll be ...

Thankfully, the CCTV footage is very clear so I would be confident they'll all be identified. After that? Well, we'll see what happens.

No. Shipping to Ireland is separate - I was given two options: Parcelforce (£15) and DHL (£20).

Nice, and its pretty clear whats the genesis of this idea! I've preordered a LNWR set. I wonder will we get Irish versions Has anyone been in touch? ... @jhb171achill