Flying Snail

Absolutely - I always shop local when I can!

Speaking of alternatives to Hattons, does anyone on here and based in the Republic use Rails? Have you had any problems with deliveries to the Republic?

Still trying to process the news. I never saw it coming: they have one of the best websites I've come across in the hobby, innovated with services like the trunk and their own range of models, had excellent customer service (their staff were always a pleasure to deal with and very helpful). They will be sorely missed. Now my thoughts are beginning to turn to my of pre-orders - I'm happy that my CIE Genesis carriages will be delivered but I also have items from other manufacturers including Corgi, Hornby and Rapido. Hattons have provided links to the manufacturers as well as to directing people with pre-orders to retailers like Rails of Sheffield. As I'm based in the Republic, I'm still a bit unsure of whats the best options for me so I'll be keeping an eye out for advice from manufacturers and those other retailers. With that in mind, I must say I think Accurascale did a good job this evening with their email to customers. It was very respectful and considerate towards Hattons and its staff (who are facing into an uncertain future) while providing reassurance regarding warranties and pre-orders of Accurascale items.

They are indeed

They've announced a closing down sale too, so I wouldn't be surprised if its been swamped by a large amount of traffic as the news filters out

They've stated that its going to be an orderly wind down (i.e. they're not insolvent and haven't yet ceased trading). Also, Batch 2 Genesis coaches WILL be produced and released as announced - that includes the CIE coaches Edit: post crossed with Galteemore above

Some sad news announced today by Hattons https://www.hattons.co.uk/newsdetail?id=1498 I for one will miss them - they really did a lot to try to support Irish customers post Brexit and I thought their trunk was a great service!

Some nice pics there - thanks for sharing!

Looking good!

Looks like that is a motto CIE also took to heart in real life too

Welcome LNERW1! I don't have any reference photos but I suspect the manufacturer's drawings must be available somewhere, perhaps in one of the UK archives? She's relatively young, being built in 1949 by Andrew Barclay, works number 2264 Also, Hon Laois!

Very impressive water work!!!

If it was in West Cork, I'd say maybe ... but since it's in Healy Rae country I reckon it's most likely the Dugort - Castletown dual carraigeway!!

It might be saved from closure yet so, Todd Andrews will hardly close it now seeing how much revenue the line will be generating!

You can't go wrong with Leslie's kits - faithful to the prototype and great value - they come with everything you need to complete them except the glue!! I'm like a stopped clock ... even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day

Another way to approach the problem of modelling railways on a budget is to think about going down the 3D printing route. 3D printers are increasingly affordable and the technology is continuing to evolve in leaps and bounds. Anyone one interested in doing this could do worse that have a look at the 3D printing playlist over on Sam's Trains. He has documented his 3D journey from very basic beginnings to his current loco: a very impressive LNWR Problem Class (see what I did there? ) Design Challenge | A 3D Printed Single Wheeler? | LNWR Problem Class

Judging by your buildings to date, I'm really looking forward to seeing all the different aspects of the scenes you've planned. If you wanted a simple way to separate the fiddle yard at the back instead of a cliff - how about about a simple divider/back scene painted the colour of the sky (or with some rolling countryside in the distance)? If you'll be viewing the layout while seated it wouldn't need to be especially high so you could get in behind it as needed. There's a few threads on here about back scenes, like this one for example: https://irishrailwaymodeller.com/topic/10189-query-on-backscenes-00-scale/

Can't wait for them ... looking forward to some 90s black 'n' orange

So we can sea

They say its good for the sole

Very nice pictures, and a timely reminder that the cold weather isn't all bad ... but come here, given your location did you ever think of changing your name from spudfan to Fear Sneachta?!!

Slieve Snacht is living up to its name today so Nice view you have there Spudfan

Funnily enough - this Christmas project from Steve's Trains popped up in my YouTube feed today. I think its the same set?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4F5Tv0qNHw&t=32s (Lego not included)

Ballina, Westport, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, Cork and Waterford intercity services, as well as the Portlaoise suburban services all use that line into Heuston. I'm still not sure there's spare capacity even if they reopened Mullingar to Athlone and moved the Connacht traffic back to its 'spiritual home'. It would make for slower journey times west and introduce congestion for the suburban services east of Maynooth on the Sligo line. I expect it would probably require major additional works too - and not just on the stretch between Mullingar and Athlone. Don't get me wrong: I think there should be a station in Ballyfermot by the way, and I agree it probably should have been done years ago. I just don't think that it's that straightforward as things currently stand. I'm hopeful that DART+ will bring major improvements and I'm pleased to see DoctorPan's confirmation that a Kylemore Station is in the pipeline.

I'd imagine that route is at capacity until it can be four-tracked from Park West into Heuston. Although even then, the DART South West plans don't say anything about a Ballyfermot station that I can see