west_clare_wanderer

That's superb Alan. The stonewalling, overbridge, station building. I won't ask how long the walling has taken! I like the way you are getting the landform in place before tracklaying. It's how we should do things to get that proper railway in the landscape look.

I feel admonished. But I also fully accept what you say. I was somewhat playing devil's advocate - I do support a number of societies and organisations by dipping into my own pocket - but I think you are right, many of us are world class at procrastination. Simply, if more of us were willing to give time and money to support organisations, then the situation would be healthier. Sorry

And just listening to RTE at the moment, house prices are up 12% in the last year.... is it any wonder there's not much money around for large proportions of the population to support such enterprises!

Really good point. Travelling around Ireland - outside of the Dublin to Cork/Limerick/Galway corridors - without a car is not impossible, but it isn't easy. Comparatively, doing so on the big island is easier. Certainly, it is in Switzerland. Or Germany, despite the size of the country. I do agree, but the caveat with Switzerland is always money. They have lots of it. Just a hypothesis, but there is a lot more money sloshing around in Switzerland to invest in such sites. The locals have a lot more disposable income. Then there are lots of tourists. Normally, wealthy tourists with lots to spend. Add all of these factors together and it's no wonder the country can support more 'non essential' things like heritage railways. On a related point, a lot of heritage railways in Britain benefit from charity status. I feel uncomfortable about that (although not a downright hostile as I am am to posho private schools doing so). In the awful world in which we current live, I personally think there are better 'charities' to support than old bearded white men playing with trains (that's obviously exaggerated and slighted tongue in cheek, but does broadly represent my discomfort). All in, I come back to the point that we need to get behind the few sites and operations we have. Quality over quantity is the key for me. As always, just my opinions, which are there to be blown out of the water.... David

This gets to the heart of the matter. But is it safe to say that Britain is the outlier? No other country in Europe has similar levels of interest in heritage railways. With Irish eyes, we can envy, but also can be grateful for what we do have. Unless there's a multi millionaire benefactor - such as a Pete Waterman - or a complete U-turn in public finding, then the situation will never change. And in Britain the same problems are increasingly faced... Ageing volunteers, ill health, lack of skills etc are only going to get worse. A few railways have prioritised youth and equal opportunities - the Ffestinog springs to mind - but within a generation most heritage railways are going to be struggling for bodies and money. Especially as the UK governments funding of 'the arts' seems to be getting no better. Couldn't agree more. Let's support what is here, rather than lamenting what has gone. The same could be said for the real railway network! The above is just my opinion as a lay person, so please feel free to tell me I'm talking rubbish. I won't be offended!

First lot of books have arrived... This is going to keep me out of mischief!! Roll on next payday so I can get some more

Thanks for sharing this Alan. It's incredibly neat as ever! I've always struggled with traversers/sector plates (the downfall of many a micro layout), and need to drum up the confidence to give it another go. So this, and the earlier post, are very helpful!

On a lighter note, last night's Euromillions jackpot was won here.... perhaps it was a IRM forum member!? If so, that €250m could help with supporting an existing preservation/heritage project! What would you do with that kind money..... Sorry, and back on topic....

That's a really fascinating point. It would probably take an academic paper to explain why that is the case. Do you think the relevant late arrival and then early demise of many lines in Ireland is the reason for this? Lots of rural railways may have only be around for two generations (for instance the 1890s to 1950s or '60s), so didn't get the foothold in society and local communities as they did in England? That's just a quick hypothesis, based on no evidence (dangerous I know). Or is something bigger at play here? Perhaps because Ireland remained a largely rural society until the 1980s? I have another though..... do you think the lack of preservation schemes may also to some extent mirror the relatively lower wealth, disposable income, and economic base of Ireland until the Celtic tiger revolution? Perhaps in the days when fledgling projects were getting off the ground in Britain - in the 1960s and 1970s - there was (relatively) more money available. Critically, grants. At this time, I just don't think the economics would work to support preservation schemes in Ireland. This lack of money, coupled with the far lower, and more dispersed, population base, could have been an influence. Feel free to dimiss these thoughts are claptrap. I won't be offended if you think they are rubbish

Deal! Where do I sign up!?!

This might be a controversial point, but I think that there are far, far too many preserved railways in the UK, all competing for the same market share of visitor spend, grants, and donations. I think it is unsustainable. Some sites are quite sad, with lots of items of decaying stock just sitting around, highly unlikely to ever see restoration. Why we have no heritage railways in Ireland? I vow to others who are far more knowledgeable than me, but a mix of circumstances, politics, and most importantly money I would suggest lie at the heart of it. But as outlined by @jhb171achill, you are never going to make your millions by running a steam railway!

Agreed. Quality over quantity will hopefully leave the situation in a stronger place.

I think this is a great little plan. Fundemantal to operation and enjoyment (play factor!!) will be a successful sector plate. Have you given much though to what it will be made of and how it will work? I have struggled with traversers/sector plates in the past.

Lovely to see you post and give an update as to where you are at. As someone else who spend time in Australia in my 20s, your story chimes. I hope you have found it an enjoyable experience Down Under. The toy trains can certainly wait whilst your off doing better things, but still pleased to hear that they could be back on the radar when you return home. I really look forward to seeing what you do if and when you get back to the layout, as you have an absolutely wonderful space, and some great ideas. Are you planning on adding some insulation in the shed? Otherwise you might need your gloves for nine months of the year! Take care and enjoy the rest of your time in Oz.

Likewise. I would wholeheartedly agree. If you are in a position to be able to share a few Euro, then it will be going to a good cause.