StevieB

I have three Murphy Models GM’s for sale, namely 088 in as delivered livery, namely GM’s interpretation of CIE’s super train livery, and B165 in Black and Tan livery, two examples. They come complete with boxes and all the add on accessories. I am looking for £200 for 088 and £150 for each of B165, a 5% discount for purchasing two or a 10% discount for purchasing all three. 088 sold

Both EM and 21mm are very much minority scales so a society taking the financial risk of providing RTR track is surely the only way forward. Stephen

I prefer to keep the track at 21mm and make the standards fit that. Anything else means you aren’t modelling 5’ 3”. I like the OO gauge standards. Stephen

I think that we’re missing a trick here in that RTR EM gauge track, both plain and points, is already available from Peco, albeit via the EM gauge society only. Is there a case for a 21mm gauge society, TOM gauge for short, offering both finescale and P4 standards, to do the same? Stephen

I had the pleasure of seeing it at Tony’s home many years ago along with other members of the old Worcester Circle. A truly memorable day but no photos!!? Stephen

I don’t understand why this is because I’ve had recent purchases sent to me in the UK. There must be a bug somewhere. Stephen

IFM did indeed produce both Park Royal’s and laminates (SO & BSO). I tried to persuade Tom to do CIE’s version of the Park Royals, basically the Park Royal bodyshell with the laminate door and toilet at either end but to no avail. Such a shame but then the amount of work for the return was probably the killer. Stephen

There is a story that IOMR tried to buy the four railcars and three diesel locos from CIE to go with the two CDRJC railcars so as to modernise the Manx railway system. What a thought. Stephen

Interesting how steam lingered on in Ireland after its official abolition whereas it was a clean break in the UK, save for Flying Scotsman’s contract with BR. Stephen

There are only a few snow scene layouts but they are all very effective. Stephen

Works fine on my iPad. Looking forward to being able to buy some in the near future. See my PM. Stephen

I have 088 looking for a new home. It is the in as delivered livery, namely GM’s interpretation of CIE’s super train livery. PM me if interested. Stephen

Another alternative would be the CB&SCR, assuming it stayed open to deal with the oil discovered offshore thereabouts. We could go on. Stephen

The other layout to look at is Noel’s Gort, small but with plenty of operational activity. Stephen

Some lovely work there Paul. I actually find this aspect of modelling more interesting than actual modelling itself, letting the imagination have free rein. My particular interest is the unbuilt Cork & Waterford Railway that would have run through Youghal, Dungarvan and Tramore. I have produced timetables for what might have happened at Youghal, Youghal Junction (if the line hadn’t actually run through Youghal) and Waterford South. One day I’ll put it all together into a model of one of these. Stephen

Correct me if I’ve got it wrong but most of the railways had agreed to form the Great Southern Railway but political interference…… Stephen

Anyone who has worked in the public sectors knows that money is the major constraint for both new works and maintenance. It is, after all, our money being spent, not governments, they only have it because of the tax they take off us. With the benefit of hindsight, and don’t we all have that in abundance, everything would be built so that it never needed to be improved, only replaced when life expired but then it always surprises me that the general public don’t understand the concept of a working life, everything just goes on forever. Rant over. Stephen

Hi John How much are the covered vans, please? Stephen

I did wonder if the weather might play a part in the desire to run chimney first. As you say, running tender first with no protection through a storm would have been decidedly unpleasant. Thanks. Stephen

The railways of Ireland and Great Britain have a great many similarities but also a number of distinct differences, the most obvious being that of track gauge. A less obvious one is the, apparent, distinct lack of tender first working. Almost every terminus had a turntable, even the narrow gauge ones. Any ideas why this might be. I did, however, recently come across a photo of a freight train coming off the Waterford line at Cherryville Junction with the train engine, a J15, running tender first. The situation nowadays is different, with so few turntables around. Stephen

What was the date of this special? Stephen

I’m sorry for all those whose orders of 6w coaches are taking an age to arrive. My only complaint was selecting Parcelforce Next Day, or whatever was the name for it. All other Cartier’s seem to work 7 day weeks but not Parcelforce. Anyway, the wait was worth it! Stephen

You have to remember that Southern green came in two shades, Maunsell’s olive green and Bulleid’s malachite green. Stephen

I stand corrected, thanks. Stephen

I think that would be rather difficult as Hattons no longer exists, hence the involvement of Rails to complete matters. Stephen